Good grading moves water away from buildings without creating a problem for a neighbour or public property. Diagnose the flow first; do not bury a drainage defect under topsoil or decorative stone.
1. Quick answer 2. Project-specific decisions 3. Site-specific scope 4. Materials and installation 5. Risk and sequencing 6. Comparing quotes 7. Completion checklist 8. Next step
Good grading moves water away from buildings without creating a problem for a neighbour or public property. Diagnose the flow first; do not bury a drainage defect under topsoil or decorative stone. Document the existing condition, verify current official requirements and request a proposal that names every assumption. Ottawa homeowners with wet yards or foundation concerns should weigh performance, maintenance, access and long-term fit—not a headline price.
This guide cannot certify a property or predict incentive eligibility, contractor performance or municipal approval. Confirm site facts and retain written approvals.
Observe rain and spring melt; map ponding, downspouts, window wells, sump discharge, high points and low points. Diagnose the route, not just the wet spot.
Use measured reference elevations and arrows showing current water movement on a site sketch.
spring-melt observation: measure or verify this condition on site with the topic-specific dimensions and tolerances, mark its location on the relevant drawing, and require the bidder to state the assumption used in pricing. roof downspout outlets: name the proposed material, method or governing proj...
A swale needs positive fall and a lawful outlet. A French drain needs suitable stone, filter fabric, cleanouts and an outlet that will not freeze or discharge onto a neighbour.
Show extensions and splash control rather than burying water beside the foundation.
swale centreline elevations: measure or verify this condition on site with the topic-specific dimensions and tolerances, mark its location on the relevant drawing, and require the bidder to state the assumption used in pricing. continuous positive fall: name the proposed material, method or governin...
Do not raise grade against cladding, cover vents or bridge required clearances. Check window wells, foundation cracks and surface slope before importing topsoil.
Persistent seepage, settlement or pump cycling warrants a drainage or foundation professional, not cosmetic grading.
cladding-to-grade clearance: measure or verify this condition on site with the topic-specific dimensions and tolerances, mark its location on the relevant drawing, and require the bidder to state the assumption used in pricing. foundation vent openings: name the proposed material, method or governin...
Retaining walls, sump systems and municipal connections have structural or regulatory implications. Coordinate excavation with utility locates and protect existing services.
Photograph the completed flow path during a significant rain and correct trapped water before landscaping is restored.
retaining-wall loading: measure or verify this condition on site with the topic-specific dimensions and tolerances, mark its location on the relevant drawing, and require the bidder to state the assumption used in pricing. pump capacity and alarm: name the proposed material, method or governing proj...
Document the existing condition, define the outcome and confirm the current Ottawa approval path. Then request comparable written scopes rather than asking for an unexplained “rough price.”
No single answer applies to every property or scope. Building, zoning, right-of-way, condominium, electrical, plumbing, tree and environmental rules can differ. Confirm with the authority responsible for the work and keep the written response.
Use a separate contingency appropriate to uncertainty and project complexity; a common planning practice is 10% to 20%, but it is not a guarantee. Known exclusions should be priced separately rather than hidden in contingency.
Three detailed proposals are a practical starting point. More are useful for unusual work, but only if each bidder receives the same drawings, measurements, specifications and questions.
Use it only as a question prompt. Site access, soil, ownership, condominium rules, existing construction and finishes differ, so another property's price or method is not evidence for yours.