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site preparation
Site Preparation
Site preparation 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, site-plan designs, zoning restrictions, environmental
concerns, how utilities will run within the home, and clearing
and excavation. Each step will be carefully investigated
and eventually will go through a process of approval, and
finally put into action. The result will be utilities, water,
and sewer or septic properly placed and a suitable foundation.
Soil Testing - Soil testing
is an important tool in 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.
A soil test determines where a septic system and well will
be placed. For this reason, soil tests are usually performed
before a site is purchased.
Site-Plan Design - A "site-plan
design" is a crucial step in site preparation. It is the
step that indicates the anticipated placement of the building,
septic tank and leach field (or public sewer connections),
well location (or public water connections), and any other
fixtures. The site-plan design will also portray current
vegetation that will be removed, surrounding wetlands or
protected areas, access roads for construction vehicles,
anticipated location of any paved driveway or road, and
curb-cut locations. All site-plan designs must adhere to
local or town regulations and be brought before zoning-approval
boards to be used in the permitting process. This step takes
places shortly after soil testing.
Additional Steps - Additional
steps in site preparation include clearing and excavation.
Certain sites will require you to remove trees and stumps
from the building site in order to make room for septic
systems, wells and utilities. The process of clearing and
excavation is very expensive. For this reason, it is suggested
that you only clear the necessary areas. Too much clearing
can be very expensive and affect erosion.
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