If you are planning on building your own home, remember that there is a lot more work involved than simply the construction of the foundation and the home. Before you can start any of the construction, you must take care of the earthworks. This means that you need to prepare the ground on the property for the construction. The following are some of the earthworks that you may need to do prior to building your new home.
Make the Ground More Level
Is your new home going to be built on sloped ground? If so, it may be necessary to cut the land and then fill it in so you have level ground for building. This will involve bringing in many truckloads of dirt, and then tamping it down repeatedly until it is level and firm. Another option will be to build a retaining wall. This will keep the earth from sliding, allowing you to build on a slope. It will likely be necessary to use heavy machinery to make sure that the area is completely level before the construction begins.
Clear the Land
If there is debris on the land, fallen tree limbs, etc., it will be necessary to clear the land before you can begin building. Not only is this going to make construction easier, it is also going to make it safer, because you will be removing any dangerous obstructions. Any old stumps will need to be removed, for several reasons. They can be hazardous if someone trips over them, they can be difficult to mow around, or they may even be in the way of the new construction.
Hire Soil Testing and Land Surveying Services
Before a subfloor can be installed, you will need to have the soil tested by a geotechnical engineer. They will create a report about the soil that tells how much it will move during construction. This report will let you know exactly what type of subfloor you will need to install. A land survey will also be necessary. This will give you the exact boundaries of the property, so you will know where you can build.
Conduct Pest Control
You may also want to consider installing a termite barrier with termiticides before you actually install the foundation. While this is not always necessary, it is a good way to prevent future termite infestations. If you are building in an area where there are termites, it is a necessary step in order to protect your home from termite damage.
For more tips or assistance with this process, consult resources such as DM Contracting.
Share