New Workshop in Gloucester, Ottawa

Nepean General Contractors was initially contacted by a client to complete a Grading Plan in support of a building permit application for a new workshop. The client was looking to construct a workshop from a pre-fabricated kit – and as part of the permitting process, would require a Grading and Drainage Plan from a professional to support their building permit application.

The Grading Plan

We began by conducting an engineering survey of the property to collect topographic information. This information was used to compile a plan showing the existing conditions of the property – including the location of the house, site features, and approximate property line locations. Based on information supplied by the client, we drew up their proposed location for the new workshop and provided design grades and swales as needed. 

The Foundation Design

As part of the preparation of the Grading Plan, we needed a copy of the building plans for the accessory structure. Upon review of these plans, we noted that the design drawings from the build kit specified a traditional stem wall foundation. Given their intended use, we recommended that a slab on grade may be better suited for their site conditions and offer not only financial savings, but also time savings during construction. To learn more about why a slab on grade design can offer these financial and time benefits – check out our page on Slab on Grade Design. 

Construction

We offered to assist the client in acquiring an updated slab on grade design as part of the construction process. Upon acquiring the design drawings, we provided the clients with a construction cost estimate, which they accepted. While the design work was completed in the spring – it wasn’t until late summer that the permit was finally obtained from the City. 

The first step was completing some minor excavation work to prep the site. The area had previously been backfilled with clearstone – so minimal additional material had to be brought in to prep for the concrete pad.

The appropriate forming, rebar and insulation was installed, and the concrete was poured.

After the concrete had sufficient time to cure (dry and harden), we returned to backfill around the pad and install drainage swales as required to accommodate drainage. 

Site Challenges

The client wanted to build the workshop at the back of their urban lot. This presented a few challenges from a construction perspective, as getting large, heavy trucks into the back of urban properties is often not possible. For this project – due to the location of the build, it was not possible to get a concrete truck into the back; and due to overhead power lines, we were not able to use a boom pump (a specialty truck that has a long arm to pump concrete long distances). Our staff therefore used concrete buggies to move concrete from the trucks to the concrete slab. 

We pride ourselves on excellent communication and superb service. If you need a Grading Plan or are looking for excavation and concrete for your next project, please contact us today to see how we can help! Please call (613) 894-8683 or fill out our online form and we’ll get right back to you.