---
title: How Do I Maintain the Property Grade of My New Home?
description: To help maintain your property grade, you must ensure homeowner maintenance and proper use of the downspout extensions installed on your home.
---

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# How Do I Maintain the Property Grade of My New Home?

As per your contract, exact dates for grading cannot be pre-booked or specified in advance due to the unpredictability of our changing weather in Alberta. We understand that you are excited to start any construction or landscaping projects on your property; however, you cannot do this until you have received the [**Lot Grade Certificate**](https://info.excelhomes.ca/knowledge/when-does-landscaping-and-exterior-work-begin?hsLang=en). 

When you receive your **[Lot Grade Certificate](https://info.excelhomes.ca/knowledge/when-does-landscaping-and-exterior-work-begin?hsLang=en)**, backfilling and topsoil are applied. Settlement is also normal and should be expected after final grading and backfilling. 

To help maintain your grade, the homeowner must ensure homeowner maintenance and proper use of the downspout extensions installed on the home. Downspout extensions can be lowered after pre-grading. These extensions are supplied with every new home and are easily lifted out of the way for landscaping or maintenance purposes. The main purpose of the downspout extensions is to draw water away from the home. The main cause of water seepage into basements is due to missing or incorrectly positioned downspouts. During periods of high precipitation and the melting of snow and ice, your downspouts should remain in the extended position. 

If you would like to modify any of your downspout extensions, we recommend **Euramax Canada** products that can be conveniently found at [Home Depot](https://www.homedepot.ca/search?q=euramax%20canada%20downspout).

To read more about lot grading,follow these links:

- [City of Calgary Lot Grading Bylaw & Positive Lot Drainage](https://www.calgary.ca/water/stormwater/lot-grading-bylaw.html)
- [City of Airdrie Swale and Stormwater Drainage](https://www.airdrie.ca/index.cfm?serviceID=2277)
- [City of Edmonton Residential Lot Grading](https://www.edmonton.ca/residential_neighbourhoods/residential-lot-grading)

 

*Last updated on Mar. 28, 2025*

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