You are investing heavily in your new construction. You want to get it right from the very beginning. That starts with site selection and preparation, which becomes the literal base of your entire project. Many factors can contribute to an unsafe site or inadequate preparation, such as:
- Soil type
- Undercutting displacements
- Moisture content of the soil
- Site compaction
Safe site selection and preparation takes all of these factors into account to prevent trouble down the road. A geotechnical report can help you understand the condition of your soil.
Important steps for preparing your site
Once you have analyzed your site and declared it safe for building, the work has really only just begun to prepare the site. You may need to do many things before you even pour your concrete, such as:
- Demolishing existing structures
- Stabilizing the ground and proper grading
- Excavating earth or old underground infrastructure
- Shoring the ground
- Removing all obstacles, including trees and shrubbery
Only at this point will you have an idea of the size of our foundation’s concrete base. It’s a good idea to have your concrete supplier on-site to help you with your assessment. A proper base is essential to prevent future cracking and crumbling.
You can then prepare the site through compacting, grading and controlling the moisture of the soil. This step needs to be specific to your soil and your project. Only once the ground is perfect can you finally begin building.
Safety first
This stage of any building project includes heavy machinery and dangerous tools. Only use experienced crews for this type of work. Make sure to properly mark all work areas. Rely on your surveyor to identify the measurements and leave their pegs in place as a guide. Proper maintenance of tools, machinery and safety equipment can not only prevent costly delays to your project, it can save the lives of employees and subcontractors.
Every builder knows the importance of a strong foundation. That foundation starts with selecting the perfect site and meticulous preparation. Don’t undercut your investment by overlooking these steps.