Long before the first brick is placed or the foundation is poured, the process of building a house begins. The first and most important step is site preparation. This procedure ensures that everything proceeds smoothly and effectively throughout the construction project. In addition to saving money and time, proper site preparation also helps avert future issues.
Clearing the land is the first step in site preparation. This entails clearing away any obstructions, such as bushes, trees, and debris. Accurate construction planning requires having a clear, unhindered view of the construction site. In order to create a stable foundation for the house, you might also need to level the ground, which could entail leveling high spots and filling in low areas.
You must then carry out a soil test. It’s critical to understand the type of soil on your property because it impacts the foundation’s stability. The composition, carrying capacity, and drainage capacity of the soil can all be found through a soil test. With the use of this information, you can create a foundation that is safe and long-lasting, suitable for the unique circumstances of your site.
Following the soil test, a site plan must be made. The location of driveways, the house, and any other structures you want to build should all be included in this plan. Utility connections such as water, electricity, and sewage should also be taken into consideration. A carefully considered site plan lowers the likelihood of expensive alterations and revisions during the building phase.
Finally, before beginning any building work, make sure that all required permits are obtained. Regulations differ between locations, so it’s critical to abide by zoning and building codes. Obtaining the necessary permits guarantees that your construction complies with safety regulations and keeps your project legal.
You can lay a strong foundation for your house-building project by adhering to these steps. An investment in your new home’s success, proper site preparation offers comfort and facilitates a seamless building process.
Step | Description |
1. Site Assessment | Check the soil, water drainage, and topography. Ensure the land is suitable for building. |
2. Clearing the Land | Remove trees, shrubs, and debris. Level the ground to prepare for construction. |
3. Surveying | Conduct a detailed survey to map out the boundaries and features of the land. |
4. Excavation | Dig trenches for the foundation. Ensure they match the house plans. |
5. Installing Utilities | Set up connections for water, electricity, and sewage. Make sure they are accessible. |
6. Laying the Foundation | Pour the foundation as per the building design. Allow it to set properly before proceeding. |
- What is it for?
- How to properly prepare?
- Soil analysis
- Arrangement of access roads
- Geodetic works
- Landscape design
- Clearing
- Leveling the ground for construction
- Vertical layout
- Calculation and purchase of materials for construction
- Erecting a fence and utility rooms
- Drainage
- Well drilling
- Sewage device
- Features with uneven memory
- Possible errors and difficulties
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What is it for?
The ramifications of starting construction without first preparing the site could be unanticipated. In this instance, the landowner will have to deal with:
- increasing difficulties during construction work;
- forced violations of construction technologies;
- premature destruction of the foundation;
- increase in the cost of services of construction and transport companies;
- possible flooding of the construction site;
- insufficient power supply capacity;
- damage to hidden communications;
- protracted construction periods;
- fines for violations.
This is not an exhaustive list of issues that can occur from neglecting preparatory work.
Typical events list, however the point total is determined by multiple factors:
- Terrain. The ideal condition for construction would be a flat area. If there is a slope, it is necessary to level the area.
- Green spaces. When carrying out construction work, even small bushes can become a noticeable obstacle.
- Soil characteristics and quality. What is important here is the ability of the soil to withstand the load from the building.
- The presence of any structures and structures on the site. Before construction begins, they are subject to demolition (dismantled).
- Location of utility networks. Utilities located under and near the construction site are moved to a safe place.
The successful completion of all phases of the building’s preconstruction phase is essential to its longevity, stability, safety, and dependability.
How to properly prepare?
On-site and off-site phases make up the two groups of preparatory work stages. The initial group consists of:
- preparation of fences on the site;
- demolition and cleaning of old buildings and green spaces that interfere with construction work;
- soil analysis and leveling;
- development of a site plan, drawing up a landscape project;
- survey of the site for the location of engineering structures.
Among the second group are:
- arrangement of access roads;
- garbage collection;
- arrangement of space for passers-by – canopies, fences;
- demolition of buildings and vegetation.
Removing tall trees and bushes requires specific authorization.
Every phase of getting a site ready for construction has its own subtleties.
Soil analysis
Not all kinds of land lend themselves to development. The primary goal of soil research was to prevent foundation issues in homes. Considering groundwater availability and geological parameters, it aids in determining the ideal form and composition for a foundation. A thorough analysis must be carried out.
Laboratory analysis and desk evaluation of fieldwork are included. Pre-construction research initiatives go through various phases:
- Sampling for analysis. It is performed using the “envelope method”. You need to take samples at five points on the site – along the edges and in the center. Each sample must be packed in paper or polyethylene bags. It is important not to touch the soil with your hands or smoke while taking samples, so as not to distort the analysis results. Sampling should be performed strictly in accordance with the requirements of GOST 17.4.4.02-84.
- Analysis procedure. In order for this stage to be carried out efficiently, it is necessary to choose a laboratory with modern equipment and qualified personnel. You should also find out whether the employees can do all the necessary tests. You will need a geological and geophysical analysis of the soil to determine the density, moisture, bearing capacity, composition and heterogeneity of the soil layers.
- Result. It will be ready in 8-20 days and must be printed on state-issued forms. The cost of work depends on the type of laboratory. Private laboratories are more expensive, but faster. The price for services in state laboratories is slightly lower, but you will have to wait longer.
Soils that are stony, gravelly, or coarse-grained are ideal for construction. Good qualities also include clean, dry sand and soil made of dense clay. Not suitable are bulk soil, loam, sandy loam, and sand containing impurities.
A reputable construction company can be trusted with the analysis.
This article has even more details.
Arrangement of access roads
There must be no charge to enter the construction site. This is particularly crucial when constructing on undeveloped land. Material delivery is made simple when building a home in a residential village with constructed access roads. It will be necessary to develop the road for construction at the new location.
It must not require significant repairs and be usable in all types of weather. Make sure that every vehicle, including big trucks and passenger cars, can pass through and maneuver. The weight, size, and turning radius of vehicles should all be considered when designing access roads.
For instance, the tractor has a width of 2.5 to 2.9 meters, a length of roughly 13 meters, a weight capacity of up to 26 tons, and a turning radius of up to 10 meters. If creating a space for reversing special equipment is not feasible, you can designate a second gate.
The embankment needs to contain:
- layer of sand;
- pipe for drainage of surface water (reinforced concrete);
- another layer of sand;
- rubble stone.
Over a two-year period, the embankment can shrink by up to 15 cm due to weather-related factors and track operation. Therefore, equipping a hard surface is not necessary.
When the tracks are being built, you will require:
- remove vegetation;
- make an embankment;
- level out differences;
- arrange drainage in places where water accumulates.
The necessary permits must be held by the developer. For instance, to get rid of big bushes or trees.
Geodetic works
The aim of this type of work is to ascertain:
- depth of groundwater;
- type of soil and its composition (types of rocks).
To decide on the kind of foundation for construction as well as the drainage system’s design, all of these factors are required.
About 20 qualities are needed for the study; the process is intricate and accountable. The outcome will determine the type, depth, and necessity of additional devices for the construction.
When doing geodetic work, the following primary parameters are determined:
- soil composition;
- its density;
- load bearing capacity;
- the depth of water layers.
When planning cellars, wells, and sewage systems, this information is also crucial.
Landscape design
The placement of decorative zones on the site should be considered at this point. For instance, a shaded garden, artificial reservoirs, mountaineering, lawns, and flower beds. Fertile soil is necessary for creating compositions, as it is necessary for growing beautiful plants.
This is why you must split the area into useful zones right away:
- placement of building materials;
- waste storage;
- parking of special equipment;
- the location of the building and household blocks;
- location of the future garden;
- gazebos, paths, swimming pool, benches;
- landing of large trees.
Furthermore, you should recognize critical issues right away:
- where to drain rain and melt water;
- how utilities will be installed on the site – sewerage, lighting, gas;
- what distance should be left between the building and outbuildings;
- where will the autonomous sewage system be?.
It is imperative for landscape designers to protect the rich soil layer from building debris. Using specialized equipment, the top layer of black soil should be removed and moved to a different area of the site.
It is advised to plant green manure crops in the dump:
Once the construction is finished, use a bulldozer to spread the black soil across the site and mow the grown plants.
It is necessary to move soil in dry weather for all operations.
Clearing
It is vital to inspect each of the site’s existing buildings before beginning any excavation work for construction. Basements have the potential to disrupt the functioning of specialized machinery. For this reason, all aging structures must be demolished, but the current communications systems must be carefully maintained.
Buildings can be disassembled manually or with the aid of machinery. The second scenario will result in higher preparation costs for the area. You should get rid of any debris and any trees that are in the way at the same time. Structures and vegetation that are part of the completed project can be left in place.
The location of the foundation should be given careful consideration. It requires extremely careful cleaning. It is not advisable to save trees near a building that is still under construction.
Leveling the ground for construction
An area’s soil must be prepared for construction through a number of steps:
- Clearing the area of vegetation. This includes cleaning not only the aboveground part, but also the root system of trees or shrubs. Permits are not required at this stage.
- Leveling the ground surface. The best way to do this is with a bulldozer. With its help it is easy to cut off hills and level ravines and holes. The procedure must be done on any terrain – flat or relief.
Not just at the construction site of the building, but all over the site, should soil be prepared.
Vertical layout
This sequence of events is executed with the site’s relief. Such work is done to protect the foundation from water and to level the surface. A vertical layout addresses a number of significant tasks:
- organization of storm and melt water drainage;
- ensuring a safe slope for traffic and pedestrians;
- creating conditions for laying utility networks and constructing buildings;
- reducing the risk of flooding and territory shifts due to negative climatic factors;
- creation of artificial relief of the site (if necessary).
Planning stages:
- Removing and moving the fertile layer of soil. If according to the design part of the soil can be left untouched, then it should be left in place.
- Development of earth masses of the site. At this time, soil is moved, excavations are filled and embankments are cut.
- Leveling and compacting the soil.
- Final layout in cut and fill.
A construction site can be vertically planned using a variety of techniques. It is advisable to leave this task to the experts.
Calculation and purchase of materials for construction
During construction, approximate estimates are significantly more expensive than carefully thought-out, comprehensive estimates. Making accurate material and equipment calculations can provide you with a long list of benefits.
- Objectively assess the condition of your own tools and equipment. This will give you the opportunity to decide what to rent and what to buy.
- Save on transportation costs. If you clearly know what materials and in what quantity you will need, then they can be grouped on one flight.
- Purchase facing materials of the same shade. With additional purchases it may not be available or another batch will be in a slightly different color.
- Prevent downtime of equipment and workers due to lack of materials.
- Avoid unnecessary purchasing costs. The calculation calculator will allow you to purchase everything in the right quantity so that there are no leftovers.
Buying in bulk from a single supplier can result in a significant discount.
Using a construction calculator to perform an initial calculation is convenient. Any technology in the program is yours to choose from. You can use the calculator to determine how much each component of the building will cost:
Please be aware that the final amount might be higher because the program uses average cost values.
In order for the computation to be accurate, you must enter data regarding:
- length and thickness of walls;
- opening areas;
- weight of products;
- thickness of the mortar in the masonry;
- type and size of brick;
- type of foundation and its parameters.
It is best to use a universal calculator, which will provide an approximate result for the cost of the entire structure.
When making material purchases, you should consider:
- availability of certificates and manufacturer"s warranty;
- purchase deadlines – this should be done in advance, before the start of the season.
Purchasing supplies for construction preparation on your own is advised. You can save a lot of money by doing this.
Erecting a fence and utility rooms
Before construction starts, the fence needs to be put in place to prevent the loss of tools or building supplies. It is built using the materials that are available to encircle the site. It’s not always economical to build a fence permanently at first. Using a board, corrugated sheet, or chain-link mesh works best. It is essential to provide room for cars and people to pass.
Concurrently, you ought to set up areas for material storage. You can use the building box’s first floor for these uses, but you will need to set aside some space on the site when construction first starts.
The location ought to be open, well-lit, and visible. It is advised to put in an easily removable canopy on top. A separate area with easy access for transportation should be set aside for bulk materials.
See this section for more information about fences.
Drainage
Water in the top soil layers stagnates in the absence of drainage. The expansion of the frozen soil puts pressure on the foundation. Wetness seeps into the foundation’s and walls’ microcavities, causing uneven shrinkage. Cracks start to show and these cavities get bigger as it gets colder. After that, the water seeps into the basement, damaging the equipment and growing mold.
The utility network design and the site drainage system design are developed concurrently. It must be considered about him:
- relief of the site;
- annual precipitation;
- the existence of natural bodies of water near the site;
- soil type;
- vertical relief;
- groundwater level;
- building design (ground floor, cellar).
The following areas represent the drainage system’s characteristics as determined by the data:
- type;
- plan;
- element designs;
- hydraulic parameters.
Water from the roof and soil’s surface enters the site’s drainage system through channels, unique gutters, and other drainage systems. After that, it is emptied into collectors and released outside the property.
Well drilling
To avoid having to fix the fence or restore the lawn, it is advised to schedule the drilling rig’s arrival at the location before construction begins. Drilling a well is permitted as long as it is done at least 3 meters away from structures and 5 meters away from overhead power lines.
Placing the structure in the house’s basement is not advised in order to avoid making maintenance and repairs more difficult. It is also important that you pick the well-drilling company wisely.
Sewage device
You will require a ditch digger with a backhoe in order to install a septic sewer system on the property. The best way to apply the same technique is to combine this process with pit digging. Clearing the area and setting up a pathway are prerequisites for installing a septic tank.
The design of the internal and external sewage systems is included in this step. In the event that connecting to the central system is not possible, you have the following options:
- cesspool;
- sealed storage;
- septic tank;
- biological filtration station.
Every channel needs to be constructed with the necessary slope.
In order to guarantee a strong foundation and a seamless construction process, a number of crucial procedures must be taken when properly preparing a site for a house. This include removing any vegetation and debris from the site, testing the soil to determine the suitability of the ground, delineating the building site, and installing adequate drainage to avoid water problems. Making these preliminary preparations is essential to preventing future issues and guaranteeing the stability and longevity of the new house.
Features with uneven memory
Creating a work plan should be the first step in any preparation and construction on a sloped site. In this situation, a standard project will not function, so you must speak with experts to develop a plan and drawings that account for the relief. The angle of inclination and orientation to the cardinal directions must be considered.
- A flat area is a slope of up to 3%.
- A small slope is considered at a value of 8%.
- Average – up to 20%.
If so, there is a significant bias here. Geodetic measurements are required for construction, which is its main feature. They will enable you to ascertain the soil’s composition, groundwater level, and the site’s degree of slope. On uneven sites, this is the most crucial phase of construction.
The steps that follow are the same regardless of the location.
Possible errors and difficulties
Errors of all kinds can occur during the preparation phase of building. Which errors ought to be avoided?
- Incorrect determination of the building area before ordering the project. As a result, the finished project will be much more expensive to finance. It is necessary to take into account not only the number of rooms, but also the area of staircases, auxiliary rooms, and halls.
- Orientation of the building to the cardinal points. Violation of this rule results in shading of common rooms and strong lighting of bedrooms.
- Wrong choice of foundation type for the site. This happens when you refuse to conduct geosurveys in order to save money. Without this data it is difficult to determine the optimal design.
- Illiterate choice of wall material. If the house is countryside, it is recommended to take wood. Brickwork is difficult to heat if you only come for the weekend.
- Unskilled calculation of hydraulic systems of the site. As a result, mold appears in the house, windows fog up, and leaks in the pool bowl.
This is a brief list of mistakes. You must rigorously adhere to the preparatory operations’ structure to avoid any potential problems.
A well-planned site is essential to a successful home construction project. It ensures that your construction is sturdy, secure, and effective by laying the groundwork for everything that comes after. By taking the required preparations, you can prevent future issues and facilitate a more seamless building process.
Make a thorough site assessment your first step. This entails assessing the soil, looking for any possible drainage problems, and comprehending the surrounding environment. It is also imperative to remove any undesired vegetation, rocks, or debris. This preliminary clearing makes the workspace more accessible and clear.
Then concentrate on grading and leveling the site. Water damage to your home cannot occur in the future because proper grading ensures that water drains away from the construction area. The topography of your site may require you to remove excess earth or add more soil in order to reach the required level.
Remember to account for the utilities. The locations of the sewage, power, and water connections should be planned and marked. With this early planning, you can work with utility companies to avoid delays and guarantee that all services will be available when construction starts.
Establish the site’s infrastructure last. This entails constructing worker-safe routes, putting up temporary material storage, and constructing access roads for construction vehicles. During the building process, efficient site organization lowers the chance of accidents and increases efficiency.
You can create the foundation for a construction project that is successful by following these steps. An investment in the longevity and security of your new house, proper site preparation also eases the construction process.