1. Water: define where it should move.
Rainfall, roof runoff, ditches, soft areas and fixed drains create the water system around a paved surface.
The site assessment should observe where water arrives, where it collects and where it can leave without affecting buildings, neighbouring property or the pavement edge. Flat agricultural ground, sloped residential access and commercial catch-basin systems require different questions.
2. Base: support the traffic above.
The supporting structure needs to reflect existing soil or gravel conditions and the expected use. Passenger vehicles, trailers, delivery trucks and heavy equipment create different demands, especially at slow turns and standing-load areas.
Type, depth, contamination and visible movement.
Localized pumping, rutting or instability.
Vehicle weight, frequency, turning and stopping.
Shoulder support and transitions to unpaved ground.
3. Grade: connect the fixed elevations.
Road edges, garages, docks, curbs, drains, walkways and existing pads establish elevations that the new pavement must connect. Grading balances those fixed points with the path water needs to take.
Public-right-of-way boundary
Work at road connections or within a public right of way may involve permitting and traffic-control requirements. Confirming the proposed work limits is part of an accurate scope.
4. Finish: close the system deliberately.
The asphalt surface, transitions, compaction and edge details complete the system created below. A clean finish should be the visible result of decisions about water, support and grade—not a substitute for them.