Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 5/10/2009

Question
what is the "rough grade" for a building?
Thank you.

Answer
hi shuangliang, rough grade is a term generally referring to the ground elevation surrounding a building during construction, making it possible to do the work (set up scaffolding etc.) by removing or spreading around excavated fill from footing and foundation construction, backfilling footings, trenches, that type of thing.  Once the building is complete the "finish grade" is the elevation around the building that allow it to drain properly and give it its final topography prior to landscaping.

Sometimes the term "rough grade" refers to the elevation a building pad is constructed prior to any foundation work taking place or sub-grade so to speak.  For slab on grade foundations,pad sub-grade is normally 5-6" below finish floor elevation, this allows for soil excavated during foundation work and trade excavations to contribute to the finish slab sub-grade of 4" below finish floor. I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com.