Grading & Earthwork Inspection

Grade must slope away from the foundation — minimum 6" drop in the first 10 feet. This is the most important drainage requirement for any building.

1. Place a level against the foundation wall and measure the slope — minimum 6" drop in 10 feet

2. Check all four sides of the building

3. Verify no low spots or depressions within 10 feet of the foundation

4. Check that fill soil against the foundation is compacted (not just loose backfill)

5. Verify grade does not cover siding or wood framing (maintain 6" clearance to siding)

6. Check window wells — should be graded to drain away from the well

7. Verify swales or drainage channels direct water away from the building

- Grade slopes toward house — water pools against foundation

- Fill soil settles creating reverse slope (most common after new construction)

- Soil covers siding or wood framing (moisture damage and termite risk)

- Low spots near foundation collect water

- Window wells act as sumps without drains

- Compacted clay against foundation without drainage

Fill soil must be properly compacted in lifts. Organic material must not be used as fill. Compaction testing may be required for structural fills.

1. Walk on filled areas — should feel firm, not soft or spongy

2. Check for settling after rain — properly compacted fill should not settle significantly

3. Verify no organic material (topsoil, tree stumps, construction debris) was used as fill

4. Check for compaction test reports if structural fill was placed

5. Verify fill was placed in lifts (no more than 8" at a time, compacted between lifts)

6. Check for erosion on slopes — should be stabilized with seed, sod, or erosion blanket

7. Verify any retaining walls are draining properly

- Uncompacted fill settles — creates depressions and drainage problems

- Organic material in fill — decomposes and creates voids

- Construction debris buried as fill — settles unpredictably

- No erosion control on exposed slopes

- Fill too steep for stability (maximum 3:1 slope for mowed areas)

- Fill placed against foundation without waterproofing

Stormwater must be directed away from structures. Downspout extensions, swales, and area drains may be needed. No water should drain onto neighbor's property.

1. Check during or after rain — where does water go? Follow the flow path

2. Verify downspouts discharge at least 6 feet from the foundation (extensions or underground drains)

3. Check swales for proper depth and slope (minimum 1% grade)

4. Verify area drains (catch basins) are not clogged and drain freely

5. Check that water is not directed onto neighboring property

6. Verify underground drain pipes have daylight outlets or connect to storm system

7. Check for ponding areas — water should not stand more than 24 hours after rain

- Downspouts dumping water at foundation

- Swales graded wrong direction

- Area drains clogged

- Water directed onto neighbor's property

- Underground drains with no outlet

- Standing water more than 24 hours (mosquito breeding, soil issues)