Existing flow
Map high points, low points, downspouts, swales, drains, wet areas, and discharge.
Drainage & grading readiness
Decide where the water goes before it rains.
Score eight conditions that determine whether a new surface will shed, collect, redirect, or worsen water. Uncertain answers become a contractor action list.
Contractor deliverable
Ask for elevations—not “we’ll pitch it.”
Proposed elevations
Record finished surface at doors, edges, steps, structures, drains, and property transitions.
Collection
Size and locate channels, catch basins, permeable areas, or other lawful measures.
Discharge
Show where collected water goes without creating a neighbor, erosion, or foundation problem.