Mastering Final Grading: Meeting Landscape Requirements for New Homeowners in Edmonton

Doing It Right

Getting the foundation correct the first time makes everything easier and easier.

Congratulations on your new home in Edmonton! As a new homeowner in 2023, one of the essential steps in creating a beautiful and functional outdoor space is understanding and meeting landscape requirements, particularly final grading. In this article, we'll discuss the importance of final grading, Edmonton's landscape requirements, and best practices to ensure a successful outcome for your property.

1. Understanding Final Grading

   • Final grading is the process of shaping and leveling the ground around your home to ensure proper drainage and prevent water damage. It is crucial for the health and stability of your home's foundation and landscaping. In Edmonton, new homeowners must comply with the city's grading regulations, which provide guidelines for proper slope, drainage, and elevation.

2. Importance of Proper Drainage

   • Edmonton's climate includes heavy rainfall and snow, making proper drainage essential to prevent water-related issues such as flooding, erosion, and foundation damage. A well-executed final grading will direct water away from your home, ensuring the longevity of your investment.

3. Edmonton's Landscape Requirements

   • To comply with Edmonton's landscape requirements, new homeowners must obtain a lot grading certificate and follow the approved lot grading plan. This plan outlines the necessary slopes and drainage patterns, ensuring that water drains away from your property and neighboring lots. Compliance with these regulations is vital to prevent disputes and potential fines.

4. Hiring a Professional Grading Contractor

   • Although it's possible to tackle final grading as a DIY project, hiring a professional grading contractor like Landscape Specialists is recommended to ensure compliance with Edmonton's landscape requirements. We have the experience, knowledge, and equipment to achieve accurate grading, ultimately protecting your home and investment. We guarantee a pass rate on all final grading!

5. Coordinating with Neighboring Properties

   • Final grading often requires coordination with neighboring properties to ensure proper drainage across multiple lots. Communicate with your neighbors and share your lot grading plan to avoid potential issues and maintain positive relationships.

6. Installing Eavestroughs and Downspouts

   • Eavestroughs and downspouts play a vital role in managing water runoff from your roof. Ensure they are installed correctly and directed towards appropriate drainage areas, such as swales or catch basins, to avoid issues related to improper water management.

7. Landscaping and Final Grading

   • After final grading, you can begin landscaping your property. Keep in mind that heavy equipment and materials may affect your grading. Work closely with your landscaping contractor to ensure your final grading remains intact and compliant with Edmonton's regulations. Nothing worse than paying to get your final grade done twice. Why we strongly advise all homeowners to start with a landscape design plan.

8. Lot Grading Inspections

   • Once your final grading and landscaping are complete, schedule a lot grading inspection with the City of Edmonton. The inspector will ensure compliance with the approved grading plan and, if successful, issue a lot grading certificate.

Understanding and meeting landscape requirements for final grading is crucial for new homeowners in Edmonton. By following the city's guidelines and best practices, you can ensure proper drainage, protect your home's foundation, and create a beautiful, functional outdoor space. Consider working with professional grading and landscaping contractors such as Landscape Specialists to achieve the best results and remain compliant with Edmonton's landscape requirements.