Building a new home takes a lot of planning, time, and effort. One critical step in the process is excavation. Excavating is the process of removing soil from the land where your new home will be built. It is essential to make sure that the land is leveled and that the proper foundation is in place. Excavating requires specific knowledge and skills, and it’s crucial to do this task correctly to ensure that your new home is safe, secure and will last for years to come. In this blog post, we will share some essential things that you need to know for new home excavating.
What is New Home Excavating?
New home excavating is the process of digging and clearing land for the construction of a new house. This crucial step sets the foundation for the entire building project, and involves a variety of tasks such as grading the land, removing trees and other obstacles, and preparing space for utilities and drainage systems. Excavation contractors use heavy machinery like bulldozers, backhoes, and excavators to perform the necessary work efficiently and effectively. A successful excavation job will ensure the stability and levelness of the ground, preventing costly problems that could arise later in the building process. Despite being an essential component of new home construction, excavating is often overlooked or underestimated. Understanding the importance of thorough excavation can save new homeowners both time and money in the long run.
Tips to Prepare for New Home Excavation
Always Hire a Professional Excavator
Excavating involves heavy machinery, and it’s a job that is best left to professionals. You need to hire an experienced excavator who has the skills, knowledge, and tools necessary for this task. Check to ensure that the excavator is licensed, insured, and has a good reputation in the field. It’s also essential to ask the excavator how long they have been in business and to check for online reviews.
Check for Underground Utilities
Before starting the excavation process, ensure that you have located all underground utilities on the property. This includes gas, water, and electricity lines. Utility companies usually provide a map of their lines that indicate their locations. Ensure that the excavator has this map to avoid damage to your utility lines, which could lead to safety hazards or costly repairs.
Understand Your Soil Condition
The soil condition plays a crucial role in the excavation process. If the soil is unstable, the foundation of your home may be in jeopardy. Therefore, it’s essential to have your soil tested before finalizing the excavation plan. Soil samples will determine the soil type, moisture content, and density, and proper analysis will help create an excavation plan that works best for your soil type.
Consider Site Preparation Activities
Site preparation activities such as grading, drainage, and erosion control are essential before starting the excavation process. Site grading involves leveling the land, and this will prevent water runoff and flooding. Drainage is critical in ensuring that water is properly directed away from your home’s foundation. Erosion control involves mitigating soil erosion that could affect the safety and integrity of your home’s foundation.
Be Mindful of the Excavation Season
The excavation season will depend on your region’s climate and weather patterns. Excavating during the rainy season can cause serious delays and safety risks, especially if the excavation site becomes flooded. Therefore, it’s essential to consult with your excavator and architect about the best time to excavate your land.
Excavation Services in Central Oregon
In conclusion, excavation for a new home is a crucial step in building. Hiring a professional excavator, checking for underground utilities, understanding your soil condition, considering site preparation activities, and being mindful of the excavation season are all essential things that you need to know before starting the excavation process. Excavating requires specialist knowledge, and professional excavators have the skills, experience, and tools necessary to ensure that your new home is safe, secure, and lasts for years to come. With these tips, you’re sure to have a successful and stress-free excavation experience.
Bartlett Excavation is a premier excavation and demolition company in Central Oregon. Our demolition services will prepare your land for a new home. Contact us by phone at (541) 447-3301 or reach out to us online.