As you plan your new construction project, there are many aspects that need managing. First and foremost is site preparation. Here's what you need to know.
What is site preparation?
Site preparation is the process of preparing a piece of land for construction. This usually includes clearing the land of any trees, shrubs, and other vegetation as well as leveling or grading the land. Site preparation services sometimes include installing drainage, utilities, and other infrastructure.
Why is site preparation important?
Site preparation is important because it ensures that the construction site is ready for the building process. A well-prepared site can help avoid delays and other problems during construction.
What are some common site preparation services?
Common site preparation services include:
- Land clearing. This involves removing trees, shrubs, and other vegetation from the construction site. It is important, however, to mark any specific trees that you want to keep before starting this process.
- Land grading and leveling. This helps create a level foundation for the construction site. It is especially important for sites that will have a lot of foot traffic or vehicle traffic.
- Infrastructure. This involves installing water, sewer, and electricity to the construction site. It is important to make sure that these utilities are properly installed before starting construction.
- Drainage. This helps ensure that water does not pool on the construction site. It is especially important in areas that are prone to flooding as well as sites with slow-draining soil, like clay.
Additionally, site preparation services typically install the silt fencing around the perimeter of a construction site. Silt fencing is used to control erosion by preventing sediment from leaving the site and is required by law in most states.
What are some things to keep in mind when choosing a site preparation contractor?
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a site preparation contractor, including:
- Make sure that the contractor is licensed by your state and is fully insured with both liability and workman's compensation insurance. This will protect you in case of any accidents or damage during the site preparation process.
- Get multiple quotes. This will help you compare prices and services between contractors.
- Ask for references. This will help you check the quality of the contractor's work.
- Make sure that the contractor is familiar with the local building codes. This is important to ensure that the site is prepared correctly and meets all legal requirements.
- Check the contractor's safety record. This is important to ensure that the contractor has a good safety history and will take proper precautions during the site preparation process.
Additionally, it is a good idea to have a signed contract in place before starting any work. This will help protect you in case of any problems during the site preparation process.
What are some common problems with site preparation?
There are a few common problems that can occur during site preparation, including:
- Damage to existing utilities. This can occur if the contractor is not careful when clearing the land or installing infrastructure.
- Damage to trees. This can occur if the contractor is not careful when clearing the land. It is important to clearly mark and protect any trees that you want to keep before starting the site preparation process.
- Erosion. This can occur if the contractor does not properly control sediment during grading and leveling. It is important to have silt fencing installed around the perimeter of the construction site to help control erosion.
If you need site preparation services, call a site preparation contractor today for more information about your parcel of land and the scope of work you need to be done.
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