Why Is Residential Drainage Engineering a Big Deal in St. Lucie County?\

Florida’s St. Lucie County occupies almost 700 square miles along the Sunshine State’s southeastern edge. Just shy of 575 of those square miles are land. More than 115 square miles are water. When you consider the county’s location along the Atlantic coastline, it’s clear that residents here are never far from the water. With regular rainfalls continuously adding to the local waterways, it’s obvious that properly managing stormwater through engineered drainage systems is essential for homeowners and the stability of the waterways. After all, uncontrolled water is a major hazard for any structure or space that isn’t prepared for it. Residential drainage engineering provides smart solutions that protect people, property and the ecosystem.

Digging Into Residential Drainage Engineering

Any gardener can tell you that maintaining the right amount of moisture is vital for healthy plants. Too much water leads to mold and rot. Too little dries out the soil and kills the plant. However, judging how much water a garden needs can be tricky because plants have different requirements, they are planted in varying environments, and conditions are always changing.

Like watering a garden, residential drainage is a challenge that requires careful attention to detail and a willingness to customize solutions. Civil engineers must consider everything about the property as they design a drainage plan.  This includes the size of any existing buildings, the amount of stormwater that falls on the property, and the proposed improvements. The existing conditions are also a factor, including the types of vegetation, the type(s) of soil, and the regulatory requirements that establish the design criteria for an engineered drainage design. Even adjacent properties are a factor.  These can include roadways, waterways, and neighboring properties.

A civil engineer will gather all the necessary information, assess it carefully, and work to create a solution that collects the water and guides it safely away from the property before it can cause harm. Having an excellent drainage system in place can prevent damage to your foundation, structure, landscaping, hardscaping, and more.

Understanding Why a Civil Engineer Is the Right Choice for the Job

Why do savvy homeowners turn to experienced civil engineers for residential drainage solutions? For starters, a reputable civil engineer has the skills, knowledge base, and dedication to ensure that the project is designed properly, which may be what matters most to the homeowner. However, there are a few more things to think about.

Compliance is a term that you’ll encounter frequently with any type of construction or home improvement project. It means being in accordance with established guidelines as set forth by the Servicing Jurisdiction. When it comes to the development of a residential lot, there are generally local, state, and federal codes that must be met. In nearly all cases, you’ll need approvals or permits to obtain a permit for construction. Sometimes, that means satisfying “drainage design criteria,” which can vary by location and jurisdiction. Does it seem complicated? It is. To make it even more complex, these rules change often and are getting more complex to satisfy.

One thing that tends to hold steady is the requirement that a Professional Engineer should produce a drainage design that will fulfill the needs of the property and satisfy all applicable regulations and requirements. That’s why working with a civil engineer who is experienced with drainage design and familiar with the rules and regulations at every level is so important. In fact, inviting the engineer into the process at the beginning of the design development stage is a great way to save time and money.      

Recognizing When Residential Drainage Engineering Services Are Most Valuable

Drainage design can come helpful in a multitude of different projects with varying scopes. If you are developing a residential property, establishing an effective drainage design protects your new home from problems. If you’re buying a property, verifying it has a good drainage system reduces the risk of water damage. If you’re expanding, checking whether a drainage upgrade is needed prevents troubles. Finally, if you’re worrying about drainage issues, contacting a professional for repairs, modifications, or maintenance is a wise choice.  

With more than 20 years of experience throughout the state of Florida, DKK Consulting Incorporated offers a constantly expanding range of civil engineering services. With residential drainage engineering, we have experience in over 30 jurisdictions and can assist clients anywhere in Florida. Whether we’re tasked with creating something new or developing a modification or repair, we’re proud to be a trusted resource for the people of St. Lucie County and beyond. To learn more about our services, contact DKK Consulting Incorporated today.