What Kind of Land Grading Survey Should You Do?
Land grading surveys come in a variety of forms. These include Topographic surveys, Architectural grading, and landscape grading. Understanding what each type means will help you make informed decisions. You should know how to read your land grading plan. This will also help you better interact with contractors and landscapers. With an accurate grading plan, you can get closer to the finished project you envision.
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Topographic survey
A topographic survey is an important component of any land grading project. The information it provides will help you visualize the site and assist with design improvements. It will also be helpful when developing the site. Generally, the survey is done before construction begins. The Site Plan is the blueprint for the project, and a topographic survey will be helpful in creating a plan. Once construction begins, the As-Built survey will help determine whether the project has been constructed correctly. It will also be used to obtain a completion certificate from the local authority.
A topographic survey is done using surveying-grade GPS units and electronic EDM instruments to gather information about the terrain. The information is then analyzed and presented as contour lines on a site map. These maps can be enhanced by using computer software that allows for interactive views. The cost of a topographic survey depends on the total area of the land and the degree of detail needed. You should also consider the state of the terrain when you are considering topographic surveys.
Architectural grading
An Architectural grading survey is a process of grading a piece of land for a building. This process is important for a variety of reasons. For example, it helps ensure that the soil beneath a structure will drain properly. It also helps protect the property from flooding.
Depending on the type of building, this survey can involve several different processes. A few of these processes include the creation of spot elevations and proposed contour lines. These drawings are useful in establishing a grading plan. These drawings can be used to illustrate proposed cuts and fills and can help building officials visualize the proposed plan.
Landscape grading
The exterior aesthetics of a residential property largely depend on the landscape surrounding it. Combined with practical considerations, these aesthetics translate into a desirable and functional space. A stagnant pool of water, for example, can be an eyesore and serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. In addition, it can impact the health of residents and greenery.
One common landscape grading problem is poor drainage. Poor drainage can cause water to enter the basement or foundation of a home. It can also cause mosquito breeding and lead to disease. A good landscape grading survey will ensure that the ground is level and that any rainwater is directed away from buildings.
Rough grading
A rough grading survey is a necessary step in the construction process. It will determine how well the area can support a new building. If the soil is not suitable for a building, the grading process will be ineffective. It is also essential for the developer to address storm water runoff issues. These issues can negatively impact the grading of a site and the surrounding areas.
While some properties may move quickly through the rough grading process, others may require several visits. There are several common causes for a failed grade, including insufficient rainwater leaders, the depth of window wells, and nearby construction. While every property is unique, builders will work to minimize any complications and avoid unnecessary delays in the construction process.
Floodplain survey
If you are in the process of doing land grading, it is imperative that you do a floodplain survey. Floodplains are areas where floods are expected to occur periodically. To determine whether your land is in a floodplain, you can consult FEMA flood maps. FEMA flood maps show the area’s annual and 100-year flood plains. Even if you are outside of a floodplain, your land is still subject to flood waters.
Once you know what floodplain your land is, you can start making your plans. First, you must determine the area’s elevation. You will be able to determine how much of the land will be in a floodplain and how much you can change it. Secondly, you will be able to use floodplain maps to check if you are making elevation changes.