A Guide to Home Grading Plan

Lack of proper planning can leave your foundation vulnerable. Develop a home grading plan for the best results.

Related To:

During construction or a renovation, it's important that when establishing the final grading plan of the home to make sure that water will move down and away from the foundation and exit the lot to an approved storm drain system, otherwise your homeowners could end up with home improvements and repairs down the road they didn't bargain for.

A grading plan refers to the landscaping of the house site and soil elevations. If you don't establish a proper grading plan and the lot isn't graded properly, water from storms and irrigation can run back toward the home and cause moisture issues at the foundation wall, or saturate the soil next to the foundation causing hydrostatic pressure against the wall, which can cause foundation cracks, structural damage and even soil erosion, and leave a home in need of repair.

In other cases, an improper grading plan can mean trouble for the neighbors. Improperly diverted rain and snowmelt runoff can cause erosion and flooding for adjoining lots, leaving the homeowner, and the builder, liable for damages for not following proper building safety standards.

The best practice when working on the finished grade is to follow a grading plan prepared by a civil engineer. A typical grading plan will show the slope of the lot in 5-foot increments, and can provide the site supervisor with the specific information needed for inspecting and managing the grading trade contractor. By closely following the grading plan, the builder can reduce the risk of callbacks and can better control costs associated with hauling or removing fill from the site.

Here are a few other things to think about when getting ready to inspect the final grade:

  • One of the most important is to try to do most of the grading during the dry season to prevent erosion of the soil during construction and prevent the need to regrade later.

  • If too much of the foundation is showing above grade, or if the final grade is too close to the wall cladding, future moisture issues can occur and can create a path for termites to enter the home. Proper backfill near the foundation is critical.

  • All of the soil that is excavated from the site can be reused to help establish final grade. Be sure to cover extra stockpiles of soil or spray the piles with hydraulic mulch to help prevent erosion and excessive runoff.

Next Up

Make a Planter Box With Nail Head Trim

Create stylish planters, complete with bolt head trim, to flank and define your front door.

How to Build a Concrete Block Retaining Wall

Whether you’re wanting to build a retaining wall to prevent erosion, break up a large slope or just enhance your landscape, learn how to plan for and build a concrete wall with cinderblocks or landscape blocks.

Average Cost to Build a Two-Car Detached Garage

If you’re looking to add a detached two-car garage to your home, there are a number of factors that will determine the price. Here's what you need to know to help keep the cost in check.

How to Build a Privacy Wall With Fence Panels

Instead of putting up an entire fence, build a unique barrier with freestanding wood panels that will add curb appeal and style.

How to Build a Grilling Island

Create an outdoor kitchen by nestling a gas grill into a custom-built, granite-topped island.

How to Build a Floating Shelf With Hidden Charging Station

Don't let unsightly cables and cords clutter your living space. This DIY floating shelf has a built-in power strip tucked away in a drawer — the perfect spot to charge your phones, tablets and other gadgets out of sight.

How to Build a Horizontal-Plank Privacy Fence

See how we built a redwood fence on an angle to lend privacy to a sloping backyard.

How to Plan and Build an Outdoor Kitchen

Aesthetics are important but when it comes to building an outdoor kitchen, functionality and durability reign supreme. Read our professional tips to budget, plan and design an outdoor kitchen that will add value to your home and lifestyle.

How to Build a Covered Sandbox

This weekend, build a covered sandbox for the kids. The roof on this DIY sandbox will keep the play area well-shaded and free of leaves, twigs and rain.

How to Install French Drains

Divert groundwater from the basement or foundation with the help of gravel and fabric.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.