Specify Excavation, Drainage Interfaces and Restoration

Draw the included foundation sides, property access, fences, decks, stairs, plantings, paving and known utility routes. Before digging, require the responsible team to arrange applicable utility locating and verify private services that may not appear on public records. WorkSafeBC identifies buried facilities and cave-ins as excavation risks, so the construction plan must come from qualified site review rather than a generic trench detail. Note restricted equipment access, neighbouring property constraints and any improvement close to the excavation.

• Map structures, surfaces and access
• Plan public and private utility locating
• Identify adjacent-improvement constraints

The proposal should state who controls the work area, protects occupants and workers, manages spoil, prevents falls and addresses soil, water and stability conditions. Do not enter an excavation to photograph pipe or verify depth. Requirements may change with depth, soil, nearby structures, slope, vibration and hydrostatic pressure. Ask how weather and groundwater will affect sequencing and temporary protection. Keep excavation safety responsibility with the contractor and qualified professionals rather than converting it into homeowner instructions from a website.

• Keep people out of open excavations
• Assign soil and stability review
• Plan water and weather controls

State how the exposed wall will be cleaned and reviewed, which existing conditions are documented and what proposed wall treatment is included. Identify cracks, penetrations, transitions, ledges and terminations that need separate decisions. Structural repair or engineered design should be routed appropriately rather than folded into a drainage allowance. List drainage board, membrane or protection products only when supported by current documentation and a site-specific installation plan. The scope should explain how the wall work interfaces with the footing and drainage assembly before it is covered.

• Record exposed wall conditions
• Separate structural questions
• Require current product and installation information

Define included drain segments, pipe type and size, fittings, filter or separation materials, drainage aggregate, cleanouts, sumps and connections. Product selection, grade and placement require qualified design and applicable code review; the estimate should state the proposed system rather than rely on generic drain tile wording. Ask how corners, elevation changes and transitions to existing work will be handled and documented. Include inspection or photo hold points before aggregate, backfill or other materials conceal the installation.

• List every included drainage component
• Describe transitions and cleanouts
• Set a pre-cover documentation point

Identify the proposed outlet or connection and the evidence supporting it. Port Coquitlam says plumbing permits are required for installation or replacement of a storm sewer located on private property, while watercourse rules may apply where land disturbance or drainage work affects designated areas. The City must determine applicability for the actual property and scope. Do not assume permission to discharge, connect, pump or alter a ditch. Use the discharge page to record pump, surface and watercourse questions before construction pricing becomes final.

• Name the proposed outlet and evidence
• Confirm City requirements for the actual scope
• Do not assume a discharge route is permitted

Ask how pipe grade, continuity and outlet function will be checked before cover, and what photographs, measurements or inspections will be retained. Describe drainage aggregate placement, separation materials, staged backfill and compaction appropriate to the reviewed system and final surface. Identify who protects foundation finishes and buried components during backfill. Testing should be described without promising future basement performance, because other water pathways and unobserved conditions can remain. Include the applicable municipal inspection sequence when confirmed by the City.

• Record pre-cover checks
• Describe backfill and compaction responsibility
• Keep testing separate from dry-basement guarantees

Inventory every disturbed surface: soil, lawn, planting beds, trees, fences, decks, stairs, concrete, asphalt, pavers and irrigation. Define whether restoration is included, allowed for, performed by a separate trade or left to the owner. State limits for settlement, plant survival, colour matching and reused materials. Photograph existing conditions before mobilization and completed work after restoration. The final closeout package should combine route and component records, permit or inspection evidence, approved changes, product documents, testing and a list of any drainage segments left untouched.

• Inventory restoration by surface
• Separate allowances and exclusions
• Retain before-and-after records