Construction of an additional residential unit (ADU) has become very popular these days. Building a small additional house behind or beside our main house can be a good idea. But before building this additional house, it is very important to make a good grading plan. Grading plan means how the land will be leveled and prepared. This plan makes our construction work simple and safe. A good grading plan can avoid many problems in the future.
It is very important to make a good grading plan before starting ADU construction work. This plan tells us how to prepare the land. This makes the water flow in the right direction. This plan also tells us where to dig. It also tells us where to fill the soil. A good plan helps us complete our work on time. This saves both our money and time.
When we make a grading plan for an ADU, it is important to first survey the land. An expert surveyor examines the entire land and measures its height and slope. He looks carefully at every corner and every part of the land. This tells us where the land is high or low. The surveyor makes a map of the land using special equipment. This map contains every small detail of the land.
After the survey of the land, the soil is tested. This test tells us how strong the soil is. It also tells how water flows in the soil. This information is very important for us. With this, we can decide which place would be best for building an ADU. Soil testing also tells if there are stones anywhere.
Experts take several samples of soil and examine them. They see how much moisture is in the soil. It is also seen how much the soil can be pressed. In some places, the soil is very soft. Special preparations have to be done at such places. This makes the foundation of the ADU strong.
Controlling the flow of water is an important part of a good grading plan. Rainwater always flows from higher places to lower places. Therefore, we have to prepare the land in such a way. So that the water flows away from the house. Special software is used for this work. This software tells in which direction the water will flow.
Drains have to be planned to control the flow of water. These drains are made in such a way that the water goes into the road drain. Sometimes small drains are also made in the garden for the flow of water. This also provides water to the garden plants. The slope of the drains should be such that the water can flow easily.
Special tanks are made to collect rainwater. These tanks are made underground. This saves space. The collected water is used in the garden. Some people also use this water in the toilet. This saves water.
It is very important to level the ground for the foundation of the ADU. For this, soil has to be excavated at some places. During the excavation, we have to be very careful. We have to take care that the water pipes or electricity wires are not cut. The soil excavated is preserved. This soil can be used later.
In some places, soil has to be filled to raise the ground. It is very important to press the filled soil well. This makes the ground strong. If the soil is not pressed well, then the ground may sink later. Special machines are used to press the soil.
During the excavation, the surface of the ground is made slightly sloping. This slope helps the rainwater to flow. The slope should be enough to allow the water to flow easily. But it should not be so much that it becomes difficult to walk.
It is necessary to make the ground around the ADU slightly sloping. This slope should be enough to allow the water to flow easily. But it should not be so much that it becomes difficult to walk. Generally, a slope of one inch for every four feet is considered correct. While making a slope, it is important to press the soil well.
While making a slope, we also have to keep in mind how the garden will look. The slope is made in such a way that the garden looks beautiful. Sometimes stairs are also made in the slope. This makes it easy to go up and down. Ramps can also be made along with the stairs.
Retaining walls are built in places with high slopes. This wall keeps the soil in place. This prevents soil erosion. Special arrangements are made for water drainage behind the retaining wall. This prevents water pressure on the wall.
Every city has its own rules and regulations. It is very important to know these rules before building an ADU. In some cities, the slope limit is fixed. Therefore, we should first get information from the building department of our city. There may be a fine for not following the rules. Work may also stop at some places.
We also have to take some permits to follow the rules. For these permits, we have to show our grading plan for the ADU. The officials check this plan. They see if all the rules have been followed or not. Sometimes they may also suggest some changes in the plan.
Neighbors’ houses are also taken into consideration in the grading plan. Our plan should not cause any trouble to the neighbors. Therefore, the flow of water is made in such a way that water does not enter the neighbor’s house. There should be no damage to the neighbor’s land either.
Making a good grading plan for your ADU takes both time and money. We should make a detailed plan for this work. The time of every work should be fixed in this plan. The time from survey to final work should be fixed.
Work should be planned keeping in mind the weather. Excavation work can be difficult during the rainy season. Therefore, it is better to do this work during the dry season. Information about the weather should be taken in advance. This will not delay the work.
Availability of materials and machines should also be checked. Sometimes special machines are not available on time. This can delay the work. Therefore, all things should be arranged in advance.
Many types of tests are done to check the quality of soil. These tests reveal the strength of the soil. In some places, the soil contains more stones. Such soil needs to be cleaned.
The moisture content of the soil is also checked. Soil with high moisture needs to be dried. Soil with low moisture needs to be watered. Soil compacts well only when there is the right moisture.
Soil samples are tested in the laboratory. This reveals the minerals present in the soil. Some minerals can weaken the soil. Such soil may need to be replaced.
Rainwater from the ADU roof can be collected in a tank. For this, gutters are installed on the edges of the roof. This water goes through a filter to an underground tank. This water can be used in the garden. This system should be included in the grading plan from the beginning.
If the land has a very steep slope, a retaining wall may be necessary. This wall keeps the soil in place. This prevents landslides. The height of the retaining wall depends on the slope of the ground. It is also necessary to install a drainage system behind the wall.
Choose plants that do not have very deep roots. This will not damage the foundation of the ADU. Low water plants and small shrubs can be a good choice. These plants will not erode the ground and will also look beautiful.
In cold areas, the ground has to be dug up to the frost line. This prevents damage to the foundation even when the ground freezes in winter. Special insulation materials are used for frost protection.
