Foundation Grading & Concrete Removal Project in Highland Park

This foundation grading improvement project in Highland Park, IL focuses on addressing a localized area where water may be accumulating between the home’s foundation and an existing concrete walkway. The work involves removing a small section of concrete beneath the hose reel, removing existing scalloped landscape edging in front of three block windows, and adjusting the soil grade along the foundation to improve the immediate drainage conditions.

Rather than proceeding directly with a larger drainage installation, this project begins with targeted site preparation and grading adjustments. By exposing approximately two inches of the foundation and removing the soil necessary to adjust the surrounding grade, the work will help create better conditions for water to move away from the structure. Once the initial improvements are complete, the customer will monitor the area during water conditions to determine whether additional drainage measures are necessary.

Project Goals

Remove a section of existing concrete beneath the hose reel to access the affected area.
Remove scalloped landscape edging in front of the three block windows.
Excavate soil between the walkway and the home as needed.
Expose approximately two inches of the foundation to improve the grade immediately adjacent to the structure.
Address the localized grading conditions before considering additional drainage work.
Allow the customer to evaluate the results during water conditions.
Determine whether a second phase of drainage improvements is necessary based on the area’s performance.

Concrete Saw Cutting & Removal

The project begins with saw cutting and removing a square section of existing concrete beneath the hose reel. This opening will provide access to the affected area between the walkway and the home, allowing the necessary soil removal and grading adjustments to be completed.

Removing only the designated section of concrete provides access to the work area while retaining the surrounding concrete walkway. This initial step is important because the existing hardscape limits access to the soil immediately adjacent to the foundation.

Removal of Existing Landscape Edging

The existing scalloped edging located in front of the three block windows will be removed to provide access to the soil along the foundation.

Removing the edging will allow the work area to be cleared and make it easier to adjust the grade along the affected section of the home. This also eliminates the existing landscape border where it may interfere with the necessary excavation and grading work.

Soil Excavation Along the Foundation

Soil between the walkway and the home will be removed as required to expose approximately two inches of the foundation. The excavation will be focused on the area immediately adjacent to the structure, allowing the soil grade to be adjusted.

The objective is to improve the relationship between the foundation, the walkway, and the surrounding soil. Proper grading near a building helps direct surface water away from the structure rather than allowing it to remain concentrated along the foundation.

The amount of soil removed will depend on the existing conditions and the adjustments needed to achieve the intended grade within the designated work area.

Foundation Grading & Initial Drainage Evaluation

Once the concrete section and landscape edging have been removed and the soil excavation is complete, the immediate area along the foundation will be left with an adjusted grade intended to improve local water movement.

This initial phase is designed to address the existing conditions through access, soil removal, and grading rather than installing a complete underground drainage system immediately. After the work is finished, the customer will test the area during water conditions to observe whether water continues to accumulate or drains more effectively.

The results of this evaluation will help determine whether the initial grading adjustments are sufficient or whether a more extensive drainage solution is required.

Step 2: Additional Drainage Improvements If Needed

The project is structured as an initial improvement phase, with further drainage work dependent on the results of the customer’s evaluation. If water continues to accumulate or does not drain properly after Step 1, Step 2 drainage improvements will be required to further address the condition.

This phased approach allows the immediate grading conditions to be addressed first, with the need for additional drainage measures determined after the area has been tested. The specific scope of Step 2 will depend on the conditions observed and the additional work needed to improve water movement.

Why Foundation Grading Matters

Water management immediately around a home’s foundation is an important part of maintaining the surrounding property. When soil grades or adjacent hardscape conditions cause water to remain near the structure, localized adjustments may help improve the way surface water moves through the area.

This project focuses on improving access to the affected space and adjusting the soil grade near the foundation. Testing the area after the work is complete provides an opportunity to evaluate the results before determining whether additional drainage infrastructure is needed.

Although grading improvements can help address surface water movement, the effectiveness of the initial work must be assessed under actual water conditions. Additional drainage work may still be necessary if accumulation persists.

Project Highlights

• Foundation grading improvement project in Highland Park, IL.
• Saw cutting and removal of a square section of concrete beneath the hose reel.
• Removal of existing scalloped edging in front of three block windows.
• Soil excavation between the walkway and the home.
• Exposure of approximately two inches of the foundation.
• Grade adjustments immediately adjacent to the structure.
• Initial drainage evaluation following completion of the work.
• Customer testing to determine whether water accumulation has improved.
• Additional drainage improvements to be considered if the initial grading work does not resolve the condition.

As you browse through the photos, you can see how this project focuses on a specific area between the home’s foundation and the existing walkway. Removing the concrete section and landscape edging provides the access needed to adjust the soil grade and evaluate the site’s drainage conditions.

The completed Step 1 work provides an initial approach to improving water movement around the foundation. The customer’s evaluation during water conditions will determine whether these grading adjustments are sufficient or whether a second phase of drainage improvements is needed.

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Tommy Pollina Landscape Company – serving Chicagoland since 1982.