Workflow Guides
Rough Grade Documentation Workflow Residential Subdivision
Step-by-step rough grade documentation — benchmark setup, lot corner shots, deviation check, drainage verification, and PE package compilation.
·7 min read
Workflow guides, equipment setup, and practical documentation for grading contractors, underground utility crews, and survey teams.
Step-by-step rough grade documentation — benchmark setup, lot corner shots, deviation check, drainage verification, and PE package compilation.
IRC R401.3 positive drainage requirements — minimum 5% slope in first 10 feet from foundation, how to measure drainage slope, and common drainage failures.
The real cost of a failed pad cert — $1,900-5,400 direct costs, closing delays at $500-1,500/day, schedule ripple effects, and the prevention ROI.
Comparing GPS rovers and total stations for residential pad elevation surveys — accuracy, speed, cost, RTK requirements, and when to use each.
The Proctor compaction test determines the maximum dry density and optimum moisture content of a soil sample. Learn standard vs modified Proctor (ASTM D698 vs D1557), nuclear gauge field testing, required compaction percentages by project type, and how to document results for inspectors.
A rotary laser level for grading projects a 360° beam at a set elevation, letting crews check and control grade across an entire site from one setup. This guide covers types of grade lasers, setup procedure, reading the grade rod, dual-slope grading, Topcon vs Spectra vs Leica, and grade documentation.
Invert elevation is the elevation of the inside bottom of a pipe at a specific location — where water flows. Learn how to read invert elevations from construction plans, calculate pipe grade from upstream and downstream inverts, and verify invert elevation in the field using pipe lasers, total stations, and GPS.
Step-by-step guide to setting up a pipe laser for sewer installation — equipment checklist, pre-setup calibration check, manhole bracket placement, bench elevation, grade calculation, target alignment, and documentation. Covers Spectra DG813, Topcon TP-L5G/TP-L6GV, and Leica Piper 200.
Learn how to read a rotary laser level for grading work — setting up the instrument, using a laser receiver, interpreting rod readings, and logging grade shots with accuracy.
The minimum slope for a 4-inch sewer pipe is 1/8 inch per foot (1.04%) per the IPC. Learn why, how to verify it in the field, and what inspectors check.
A CIPP pre-lining survey is required before any cured-in-place pipe rehabilitation job. Here's what to measure, how to document it, and how to generate a compliant report fast.
Sewer pipe grade out of tolerance means your installed pipe deviates beyond the acceptable margin — typically ±1/8 inch per 10 feet. Learn minimum grade standards by pipe size, why inspections fail, and the exact steps to take when you fail.
In-depth guides for specific contractor verticals
Solar Farm Construction
Pile elevation verification, EPC conformance documentation
8 guides →
Airport Construction
FAA AC 150/5370-10 grade documentation requirements
5 guides →
Underground Utilities
Sewer as-built documentation and pipe grade verification
7 guides →
Road & Highway
DOT compaction documentation and grade verification
9 guides →
Military & Government
UFC three-phase inspection and USACE/NAVFAC QC
5 guides →
Land Development
Pad certification, detention ponds, and easement as-builts
9 guides →
Earthwork
Stockpile volumes, topsoil stripping, and grade documentation
4 guides →
Pipeline
HDPE grade verification and water main as-built requirements
3 guides →
Concrete Flatwork
Post-tension slabs, tilt-up panels, and F-number documentation
5 guides →
Machine Control
GPS machine control calibration and grade documentation
4 guides →
Field Documentation
Daily reports, inspection checklists, and stakeout documentation
4 guides →