Slab + Services on Grade

Careful Excavation and Compaction

The project began with detailed site excavation, carefully shaping and leveling the footprint of the new build. Establishing a consistent base elevation was essential, as it provides the foundation for everything that follows. Once excavation was complete, our crew carried out compaction testing and densification to guarantee the soil beneath the slab was stable and uniform. Proper compaction reduces the risk of settlement, cracking, or shifting in the future, making it one of the most critical steps in slab on grade preparation.

Knockouts and Service Integration

With the base established, our team executed all knockout placements with precision. These openings act as access points for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems that will eventually run through the slab. Laying out knockouts correctly requires accuracy and a strong understanding of the building plans, since misalignment can create costly issues later in the construction process. By getting it right the first time, Despard Contracting ensured that all trades coming after us could work efficiently without delays or rework.

Collaboration with the plumbing crew was a central part of this stage. Rough-in plumbing had to be installed beneath the slab and positioned exactly where fixtures and drains will be located in the completed building. By working closely with the plumbing team, our crew helped ensure everything was aligned perfectly before concrete was poured overtop. This level of coordination is a hallmark of our approach and something that consistently delivers better outcomes for clients and trades alike.

Drainage and Long-Term Site Protection

Another key component of the Happy Valley project was the installation of a perimeter drainage system. Proper drainage is essential in our coastal climate, where rainfall and ground moisture can impact the long-term integrity of a structure. Our team designed and installed a robust drainage solution to control both surface runoff and subsurface water movement. By intercepting water before it can accumulate around the foundation, the drainage system protects the slab and structure from moisture intrusion, hydrostatic pressure, and freeze-thaw cycles.

Underground Services and Inspections

Before the slab pour, all underground services—including water, sewer, and electrical conduits—were carefully coordinated and installed. Planning ahead for these services avoids the need to cut into finished concrete later, which can weaken the slab and add unnecessary costs. Each installation was carried out ahead of schedule, and the site was inspected to confirm everything met regulatory requirements. This thorough preparation meant that when it came time for the concrete pour, the slab area was completely ready, with no outstanding issues or changes required.

Results and Project Significance

The completed site is now a fully prepared slab on grade foundation, ready to support the next phase of construction. The Happy Valley project demonstrates the value of a comprehensive approach—one that considers excavation, compaction, service integration, drainage, and inspection as interconnected parts of the same process. By managing all these details with precision and coordination, Despard Contracting delivered a foundation that will support the new structure with strength, durability, and confidence.

This project also underscores our reputation for reliability. Builders and trades know they can count on us not only for high-quality earthworks and site preparation, but also for proactive collaboration that makes their jobs easier. At the end of the day, our goal is simple: prepare sites that are fully ready for construction, saving time, avoiding complications, and building trust.

From initial excavation to the final inspection, our Happy Valley slab on grade preparation stands as a clear example of Despard Contracting’s ability to deliver complex projects to the highest standard. With every step carefully planned and executed, the site is now perfectly positioned to move into the building stage, carrying forward the quality and integrity our clients expect.