Site preparation is the first step in any home construction project and is crucial for all types of work – from a new master suite addition to prepping for your pole barn, there will be site work to be done. It’s perhaps the most important step, in fact, as proper site work sets the foundation for the whole process, ensuring that your land is properly prepared and ready for your new home/space/building!
Here’s a detailed look into our construction site preparation processes at New Earth Works.
What’s Site Preparation and Why is it Important?
Fair question! Site preparation is the first step to any construction project. The idea is to ensure that your construction site is safe, accessible, and suitable for the project in question. Ensuring the site is safe and accessible is also vital for the safety and efficiency of future construction workers, contractors, etc. Most of all, proper site preparation lays the foundation for a successful build, preventing future issues.
This includes or can include a range of services: site clearing, soil testing, grading, erosion control, and other vital processes. Here at New Earth Works, we’re your site clearing pros.
Outsourcing construction site preparation is a great idea if you want to work with experts who have the technical know-how to get things done quickly, are up-to-date on safety and environmental regulations, and will save time and money on your project.
Construction Site Preparation: Step-by-step
Here’s an overview of what a standard construction site preparation checklist might look like.
#1 – Construction Site Evaluation
Good sitework begins with a deep look at the job site and the surrounding environment. During the site surveying step, professionals will assess the current conditions of the ground, the general topography of the area, as well as some initial planning.
They’ll mark potential hazards or obstacles to make sure we – the site clearing folks – take care of them, working to align what the site looks like to what the construction plans call for.
#2 – Site Clearing / Land Clearing and Demolition
That’s us! This step includes removing trees, shrubs, rocks, and, most importantly, existing structures that need GONE from any construction sites. This often includes clearing of the entire site, but it frequently includes initial grading, too; we frequently help build culverts and driveways before construction begins.
Our goal is to create level and open spaces for accessibility, both for us and for the heavy equipment and manpower coming in next.
#3 – Grading and Excavation
This is a particularly crucial part of the process because it’s so necessary to build a solid foundation or footers for most buildings.
Did You Know?
During grading and excavation, and on most construction sites, The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) makes essential for workers to use personal protective equipment to ensure their safety.
Grading entails leveling land to a desired elevation, and importantly, allowing for proper drainage.
More of your home or building is underground than you think, and ensuring that this process happens with experienced professionals is critical for the structural integrity of your building. Excavating is also critical to installing utilities, electrical lines, or plumbing, in many locations, and a septic system for those that are more rural.
#4 – Water Management and Erosion control
This includes making sure drainage is effective and water on the site is handled properly both during and after construction projects. Proper drainage systems, which may include storm water pits or retention ponds, are important because they help to whisk water away from the structure and get it into the ground quickly. This reduced the risk of water eroding the foundation of the building…as well as make the whole construction process quite a hassle when everything is mud.
#5 – Site Completion and Landscaping
After your new building is up, New Earth Works can help you finish the project with care by providing landscaping and final grading. We finish driveways, but we also do fine-tuning of sites to get them looking great next season. From bringing topsoil and seeding grass, we can help with final on site work even after the heavy equipment is gone.
Final Thoughts on Site Preparation
Here are some final thoughts and questions we often face regarding site prep.
How long does site prep take?
It varies from project to project, but an average time for site prep (prior to construction activities) is 1-2 weeks, depending on the size of the new structure?
Are there permits or laws around site preparation work?
Adhering to environmental regulations during the site preparation process can sometimes be tricky, but we’ve been doing this long enough to know what to expect. We do site preparation in Gainesville, FL, and we are comfortable navigating environmental concerns, permitting, and local resources with the care your project needs. In most places, that can be as siomple as some silt fences or knowing your soil conditions before we bring heavy machinery on site.
Get A Site Prep Quote from The Pros at New Earth Works!
Start your construction project on the right foot with the Gainesville land clearing professionals at New Earth Works! We have the right equipment, the experience, and the customer care to help you navigate just about anything.
Get in touch to schedule a free consultation and get a personalized quote to see how our team can meet your project’s needs. Call today to learn more.