Building Site Preparation
Preparing the site for a new construction is the first step. This prepares a site for construction and gives a project a head start.
This includes demolition, clearing the site, excavation, grading and drainage. A thorough assessment of the site, including soil, is required. This allows contractors to choose the best foundation. It takes into account factors like frost penetration depth, and potential obstacles to excavation. It also considers the required level of drainage. A geotechnical assessment will be done to determine the best way to prepare the site for installation of a foundation or underground services.
Steps to prepare a building site
It is impossible to start a building construction project without first preparing the site. Construction site preparation is a difficult task that must be done carefully. Site preparation involves several steps. Each step must be carefully implemented to ensure a perfect foundation. These are the steps site preparation contractors must follow:
Site clearing This is the first step in any residential or civil construction project. This involves removing trees, brush, stones, or vegetation. This will also include the demolition of any unwanted items, such as buildings or houses. After demolition is complete, the site will then be cleared of all rubbish and prepared for excavation.
Soil testing: This is the most critical step in site clearing. The soil testing determines the structure of the building. It is essential to understand the soil’s load bearing capacity and water absorption capacity. The construction project can’t move forward without soil testing.
Excavation of a Building Site: To level the ground, an excavation crew will use heavy equipment. To loosen soil and earthrock, they may have to excavate the ground. Depending on the foundation design, tunnels and shafts can then be dug.
Report on geotechnical issues A geotechnical report is used to inform a contractor about the site’s conditions. Based on soil and subsurface test results, it makes recommendations for foundation design. The geotechnical report contains:
Sampling and soil testing
Interpretation
Description of soil properties
Liquefaction possibilities,
Groundwater levels,
Soil strength and slope stability
Capacity to bear soil
Soil classification
Excavation-related hazards
Recommendation for building phase
Site Design Plan: After a soil test, the site design plan is created. This plan includes the location of the septic tanks and underground fixtures. This shows underground installations as well as the location of the new building. Site plans are usually updated as construction progresses. Because objects such as a septic system can shift due to shifting underground rock formations, this is why a site plan should be updated regularly.
What are the various types of building-site preparation services?
Experienced site preparation contractors are required for building site preparation. Reliable contractors will have the equipment and crews to provide the following services:
Excavation and Earthwork
After site clearing and excavation, this is what the preparation contractor does. The preparation contractor will manage the removal of large amounts of soil, rock and gravel from different locations. Excavating services can help with this. To make way for roads, highways and residential buildings, bulk earthworks are often completed. It is possible for excavating crews to have to go into the ground. This is to install tunnels and shafts in preparation for strengthening the foundation.
Demolition Services
For the first stage of clearing and preparing the site, demolition services are essential. This is important if construction is needed over damaged or old buildings. Site clearing can begin once the buildings and other objects have been demolished. When removing hard rock to build roads and highways, demolition is necessary.
Grading services
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Grading is an important service which forces water from structures. It is not always level on a construction site. It is usually uneven. It is difficult to build because of the water pools on the site. Grading eliminates drainage problems and ensures a solid foundation. Without it, a construction could fail.
Site preparation is not the same as grading services. Grading services begin after the site clearing has been completed and take about one to three weeks before construction can start. The site clearing project ends with the grading. This requires heavy machinery like bulldozers and excavators. Good site preparation companies will provide grading services based on the International building code.
Fencing
A fencing is required for any construction project. You can use temporary wire mesh, or galvanized panels for light security. This keeps the public out of the construction area. Site preparation services include heavy-duty fencing that is anti-climb and has added strength and durability.
Site preparation is essential for any construction project. You need to find a qualified contractor to help you. Greenbar Excavation demolition, Central Oregon has years of experience in site preparation for commercial and residential building projects. We have the experience and expertise to tackle any construction challenge, big or small. Greenbar Excavation demolition is familiar with the building codes and understands the protocol of the industry to provide the following services.
Demolition and Excavation
Preparation and development of the site
Grading and site clearing
Eliminating rubbish and other waste
Trenching and roughing
Stormwater management
Compaction and backfill
Material recycling
Planning and utilities
Fencing rental
There are many other options.
Construction site preparation checklist
A well-prepared construction site preparation checklist is a sign of a quality contractor. Greenbar Excavation demolition assists project contractors in speeding up their work. Our process is based on a seamless checklist, which includes a planned phase for each stage of site work. We only move forward with each step once they are completed.
Excavation
Determine whether utility services are present
Are the stakes right?
Is it possible to excavate walls?
Are excavations done at the right depth?
Is cut earth face supported and cut?
Report hazardous materials.
Report any rock or other bad ground.
Demolition
Demolition must be done in accordance with building codes
Are all demolished items removed from the site?
Is dust protection given as per specification?
Mark trees to be kept
Protected and marked trees
Clearing
Limit the clearing of a specific area
All stumps have been rubbed out
Topsoil should always be stored and protected from contamination
Drainage graded on the surface
To be properly disposed of waste material
Surface preparation
Are the foundations able to bear weight?
Is the grade able to give way to buildings?
Fill should not contain organic matter
The width of the trenches should be correct
Use a proper backfill method
Correct moisture content
As specified, sand layer is installed
Backfill should be compacted to the required density
Other
Site design as required
All layers tested with soil
Material to be recycled should be kept in a separate place
Notifications to the architect and building contractor
Construction site preparation costs
Site preparation costs are dependent on the cost of the land and the tasks involved in preparing the site for the building project. This includes machinery, equipment, fixtures, and crew costs. A typical home site preparation in Central Oregon costs homeowners $350 to $8000, depending on how many tasks are performed. Site preparation costs on average range from $1.28 to $2 per sq. foot. A 0.25-acre parcel of land, which is approximately 10,000 square feet, could run you up to $20,000. Site preparation contractors usually charge between $0.47 to $2.28 per sq. foot.
This post was written by Tanner Brown. Tanner is the Owner and operator of Greenbar Excavation. Greenbar Excavation is a fully licensed, insured, and accredited Excavation company based in Prineville Oregon. Greenbar Excavation is one of the top Utility Trenching companies in Central Oregon. Don’t look further, go with the company with your best interest in mind!