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Choosing a Lot
Investigating a lot is a fundamental and
challenging activity in the organization and execution of
construction projects. It is a step-by-step process that
includes soil testing, identifying environmental concerns,
and how utilities will run within the home. Each step will
be carefully investigated and eventually will go through
a process of approval, and finally put into action. It is
important to select your lot wisely because site conditions
affect your design and the cost to build it.
Soil testing is an important tool in identifying
and developing efficient soil for a construction site. A
soil test provides basic information on the composition
of the soil and its ability to support a structure; as well
as the absorption and drainage rate of the soil. The absorption
rate will give homeowners an idea on how well the soil will
accommodate septic and water. The type of soil on your site
will determine the drainage rate. Keep in mind: sands and
gravel drain better than clays and silts.
Another important step includes identifying
the water table. The water table includes the surface separating
the upper layer of non-saturated soil and the lower layer
of saturated soil. Engineers and site planners will identify
the water table by testing the color or "mottling" of soil
in the pit. It is important to identify the water table
in order to know where foundation footings and basement
slabs should sit.
If your house needs a septic system, a
soil test that includes the absorption and drainage
ratings, will determine where the septic system and well
will be placed. For this reason, soil tests are
performed before a site is purchased. One specific test,
referred to as a "perc test" is performed to identify
the absorption rate. A "perc test" is a method of determining the ability of
the soil of a property to absorb liquids.
Overall, it's a good idea to have all the
site information before you build. Some of this information
can be gathered on your own and some of it may need to be
obtained by a civil or geotechnical engineer. Other suggestions
include asking neighbors for information on your sites ledge,
water table and soil status. You may also be able to find
useful information from a local soil map.
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