What is gradingin construction?

Rough grading is the bulk shaping that brings the site close to design subgrade, typically within a loose tolerance, using dozers and larger equipment at high production. Final grading (fine grading) is the slow trim to exact elevation, often within a tenth of a foot or tighter, done with a motor grader or GPS-controlled dozer right before paving, slabs, or landscaping. They are separate line items because final grading can cost several times more per square yard.

Existing contours are usually dashed or screened, proposed contours are solid, and spot elevations mark exact design heights at building corners, pavement breaks, and drainage structures. Flow arrows show drainage direction, and the difference between an existing and proposed elevation at any point is the depth of cut or fill there. Estimators use the two contour sets to compute earthwork volumes and the proposed surface to define the grading scope.

It means the finished surface must sit within 0.10 ft (about 1.2 in) of the design elevation, a common final grading tolerance under slabs and paving. Surveyors or GPS rovers check the grade, and high or low spots get trimmed or filled and re-rolled. The tighter the tolerance, the slower the production and the higher the unit price, so estimators should always read the spec tolerance before pricing the grading line.