All buildings require solid foundations to ensure they retain their structural integrity. Failing to carry out the initial preparation work properly will mean a house is built on weak foundations and that will lead to lots of problems in the future.
The key to a successful build is thorough site preparation. This involves a number of stages that are necessary before construction can begin.
What is Required for House Pad Preparation
The site preparation process converts a plot of land into a site that is ready for construction to begin. It involves a number of steps that must be undertaken by experienced and qualified professionals:
- The site will be surveyed to identify its boundaries and particular features — size, shape, orientation and any obstructions. Any applicable zoning laws and building restrictions will also be established.
- The soil will be tested to determine its type and suitability for building. In particular, the likelihood of soil movement and erosion needs to be recognised since this will dictate whether strengthening is needed and the type of foundations that are required.
- Vegetation, existing structures, rocks and other obstacles will be cleared from the site.
- The site is graded and the location of the pad excavated and compacted to provide a stable base and prevent the soil settling in future.
- The house needs to be built on a level pad so, if the site is sloping, this will be achieved either by cut and fill where soil from the highest level will be moved to the lowest level or the ground may be split into two levels.
- If the ground is not stable, concrete or screw piers may need to be installed to form firm footings for the property.
- Trenches will be dug so that water, sewage and electricity systems can be connected to the house.
- The concrete slab for the house will be formed by pouring concrete into the prepared footings and levelling it. This may be a waffle slab that comprises reinforced concrete with edge and internal beams or a polyvoid slab that protects the home from movement with a suspended concrete slab on expanded polystyrene void formers.
The house pad should extend five feet in all directions from the eventual walls of the house. It should also be a minimum of six inches above the surrounding ground to ensure adequate drainage of precipitation.
Only use Experienced Professionals
Correct house pad preparation is essential to ensure your house is built on firm foundations. Consequently, the work must not be left to amateurs but must only be undertaken by skilled professionals who use specialised equipment for the work.
At Fraser Earthworks, we will ensure your site is prepared properly and everything complies with building regulations and local laws. By the time you begin construction, you will have a solid and stable foundation for your new home and will have peace of mind knowing that you will have no problems in the future. Get in touch and we will set you on the way to your new home.
