Site Preparation
Site selection and preparation are the keys to a successful building project. Laying the proper groundwork early can help you avoid long-term problems that can arise from a poorly prepared site.
The areas of most importance when preparing your building site:
- Drainage
- Site access
- Work zone
- Soil compaction
Attention should also be given to the building layout
- functionality
- accessibility
- traffic flow
- parking
- water drainage or retention
- landscaping requirements
- buffer zones
- local zoning requirements
- You should also factor in utility connections such as electric, gas, water, and septic.
Your building pad must be able to bear the load of a new structure and the site should be prepared to ensure proper drainage.
Soil Types
A layer of course stone over the soil base reduces capillary action and helps drain water away. If the water cannot get away—because fine-grained soil was left in place or was used for fill without a coarse layer of stone placed above it—then capillary action can create serious moisture problems inside your buildings and may contribute to frost heave under floors and approaches.
