Why Site Preparation Matters in Construction

Site preparation services are made up of several important processes that establish a reliable build site for commercial or industrial construction projects. Here Is what to expect from your dirt work team when it Is time to develop your site:

• Site surveying – During the site survey, your site developer will walk the property and get an idea of what the project will entail, its feasibility and whether there are any construction related challenges to note.

• Site planning – Once it is determined that the project can move forward after inspecting the site, a detailed site plan will be necessary before ground is broken. A site plan is needed to acquire the project’s permits, which is a necessary layer of compliance. The site plan includes elevations, existing structures, trees and landscaping features, utility lines, roads, adjacent property lines and any other items of interest. This master plan usually needs to be completed with an engineer’s guidance.
  
  
• Soil testing – During the project’s early stages, the site development team will take soil samples from the construction site. Soil samples are then sent to a lab for analysis and to determine its composition. The lab will categorize the soil based on its composition and load bearing capacity. Depending on the results of this test, the site development team may need to make changes to the plan or implement soil stabilization measures to fortify the build sites.
  
  
• Land clearing and demolition – The dirt work really begins during the land clearing phase, which involves removing any trees, vegetation, rocks and other obstacles, as well as any existing structures. Demolition can be a risky process that may involve some form of hazardous materials, so your site developer should have experience in demolition methods and the appropriate hazardous material certifications before leveling and remaining structures.
  
  
• Excavation (cutting and filling) – The first step in shaping the construction site is cutting and filling, which is handled with a combination of excavators and bulldozers. During the cut and fill stage, dirt is taken from where it is not needed and moved to where it is. This process helps create the general elevations that are to come, as well as establishing the areas for utility lines and building foundations.
  
  
• Site grading (rough and final) – During land grading, a series of grading passes are made over the site to create the desired elevations and shape of the property. Bulldozers and graders are first needed to establish the rough grade – like a first draft for the site’s elevations. Subsequent grading passes are used to establish the final grade and are handled solely with grading machines.
  
  
• Drainage construction – The site’s grade is intended to efficiently drain water following rainstorms, but additional drainage structures are usually necessary in wet regions like Houston. This includes structures like curb and gutter systems, catch basins, retention/detention ponds, drains and culverts. Your site development team will install these drainage structures while developing the property to ensure everything remains on an efficient timeline.