Grading Plan Guide for Fences and Drainage Projects

Aerial view of residential neighborhood showing a grading plan layout with proper drainage slopes around homes and fences

When you’re planning to build a new fence or rework your yard, there’s one step many homeowners overlook — the grading plan. It’s not just a formality. A grading plan shows how water will flow across your property once your project is finished. Without one, even a small fence or patio can cause drainage problems […]

Shutdown Delays and Project Management Challenges

Construction project management team at worksite reviewing heavy equipment during federal shutdown delays

When people hear about a government shutdown, most think of politics in Washington, D.C. But for anyone working in construction, engineering, or development, the ripple effects travel fast. In Grand Rapids, the impact lands squarely on project management. From stalled permits to delayed reimbursements, even the best-laid construction plans can hit sudden roadblocks. The reason […]

Geotechnical Engineering in Landfill Solar Projects

Geotechnical engineering team reviewing plans in front of solar panels during a landfill solar project

Grand Rapids is preparing to transform the long-closed Butterworth Landfill into a 2-megawatt solar project. Geotechnical engineering will be central to making it work. The plan covers six to ten acres and will use ballasted racks—heavy blocks that hold panels in place without digging into the ground. Construction must begin by June 2026 to qualify […]