Site Preparation for Construction

Site Preparation

The term “breaking new ground” has been around for centuries. It refers to the first time a shovel cuts into the earth to begin a new construction project. This was the first step in preparing a section of land to be worked on. While construction practices have evolved over the years, it is still important that this “breaking ground” phase is carried out, taking the time to prepare a site for the construction project set to unfold.

Through years of experience, site preparation methods have been fine-tuned and optimised to set up construction projects for success. This important stage in the construction process plays a major role in determining the strength, quality and durability of the finished project. It takes an expert team to carry out all the necessary steps to ensure that careful and proper surface preparation takes place to provide an efficient and safe site for work to be carried out on.

It is important that site preparation is approached systematically to avoid any blind spots that may hinder a project’s success. Failing to adequately prepare a site can affect the structural integrity of the completed project. As it is the first stage of the project, failing to prepare the site correctly has a domino effect on all the steps proceeding it, causing time delays, financial losses and even putting the safety of the workers on the site at risk.

So what are the key steps for site prep to ensure that your project moves along smoothly, efficiently and without delays?

Site Evaluation

This stage involves assessing the general nature of the site and whether the proposed project is suitable for it. This step informs the planning process of what kind of earthworks need to be performed while assessing aspects such as size, accessibility, gradient etc. This will inform what will need to be planned for during the site preparation.

Soil Testing

An essential part of site prep is performing a geotechnical investigation. This determines the compositional properties and characteristics of the soil, rock and groundwater of the property. This allows you to evaluate the condition of the site, enabling you to collect data to design and construct foundations that will stand the test of time.

Site Plan Design

At this point, we are able to plan the design of your construction site. This plan will include various elements such as drainage systems, structures and the placement of septic tanks. This site plan will show all the necessary access roads for temporary storage areas and construction vehicles. This is the plan that will be used to apply for the relevant permits for demolition and earthworks.

Site Surveying

It is now time to outline where all structures, fixtures and utilities are going to be placed on the site. This involves marking off the site with survey pegs that act as a guide to ensure that everything is constructed correctly relative to your planning. If the property is in a heavily developed area, it is at this point that an underground utility map will be created to avoid damaging any important cables or pipes that may run through the site.

Site Clearing and Grading

Now it is time to start working on the land. This stage of site preparation involves grading and clearing the land for construction. Depending on the project, this may also involve the demolition of buildings and tree removal. The nature of New Zealand’s uneven landscape means that most of the time you will require earthworks and filling to level out uneven areas of the building site.

Site Compaction

The final stage of site preparation is compacting the soil. This is required to ensure that it is able to support the weight of the structures that are going to be constructed on the site. Once this has been done, the site is ready for excavation and foundation work to commence.

Build2’s Site Preparation Services

Demolition

Demolition is one of the most hazardous parts of any construction project. It involves the destruction of buildings and other structures, and as such, it is important to ensure that the process is carried out safely and efficiently. Build2 has a team of experienced demolition experts who can carry out this process quickly and without incident.

The demolition process begins with the removal of all hazardous materials from the site. This includes asbestos, lead paint and other toxic substances. Once these have been safely removed, the actual demolition can commence. This usually involves using heavy machinery to tear down the structure bit by bit until it collapses. The rubble is then cleared away and disposed of properly.

The demolition stage of a construction project is important for a number of reasons. Firstly, it allows you to start with a clean slate and build the new structure exactly as you want it. Secondly, it can help to improve the overall aesthetic of the site and make it more attractive to potential buyers or tenants. Finally, demolishing an old, derelict building can also help to increase the value of the land. Build2 meticulously plans and executes our demolition services, tailoring the solution to ensure that each project is performed safely and efficiently.

Find out more about Build2’s Demolition Services

Site Levelling

Site levelling is the process of making an uneven piece of land level. This is often necessary before any construction can take place, as it ensures that the foundation of the new structure will be stable and secure. There are a number of reasons why site levelling is important, some of which are described below.

One reason for levelling a construction site is to ensure that the foundation will be able to support the weight of the building. In New Zealand, where the landscape is so varied and uneven, this is especially important. Uneven land can cause structures to wobble and even collapse over time. By levelling the site before beginning construction, you can avoid this dangerous and costly scenario.

Site levelling is also necessary in order to ensure proper drainage. If your site isn’t properly levelled, water will pool in certain areas and cause damage to both the structure and the surrounding land. A properly graded and levelled site allows water to flow away from the building and prevents erosion caused by runoff.

Finally, improper grading can also lead to problems with settling later on down the road. When a building settles, it puts stress on both the foundation and the walls, which can lead to cracks and other structural damage. By levelling your site correctly, you can avoid these issues and ensure that your building will last for many years to come.

Build2 has the equipment and experience necessary to level even the most uneven of sites. We will work with you to ensure that your site is properly graded and levelled before construction begins, saving you time, money and hassle down the road.

Find out more about Build2’s Site Levelling Services

Excavation

Excavation is the process of digging trenches or holes in the ground for a variety of reasons. It is an important part of any construction project, as it allows you to prepare the site for foundation work and other construction activities.

One reason for excavation is to allow you to install the foundation of the new structure. The foundation is essential for supporting the weight of the building, and without it, the structure would be unstable and could collapse. By excavating the site and installing the foundation properly, you can ensure that your building will be safe and secure.

Excavation is also necessary to install utilities such as water lines, sewer lines and gas lines. These utilities need to be buried underground so that they are out of sight and out of mind. By excavating the site properly, you can ensure that these utilities will be installed correctly and without incident.

Finally, excavation is necessary to create a level surface for construction activities to take place. If your site isn’t levelled correctly, it will be difficult or impossible to build on it. Build2 has years of experience in excavation and knows how to properly grade and level a site so that construction can take place without any issues.

Find out more about Build2’s Excavation Services

Retaining Walls

A retaining wall is a structure built to hold back soil or rock from a slope. They are often used in construction, as they can help to stabilise an area and prevent erosion. There are a number of different types of retaining walls, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. Build2 can construct any type of retaining wall, using the latest technologies and techniques. We have the experience and expertise necessary to get the job done right, on time and to budget.

Retaining walls can be built from a range of materials including concrete and timber. Timber retaining walls are a popular choice for many Kiwi homeowners and construction projects. They are easy to install and are relatively affordable when compared to other types of retaining walls. Additionally, timber retaining walls are strong and durable and can last for many years with proper maintenance.

The four most popular types are gravity, cantilever, embedded soil and reinforced soil retaining walls. Build2 is well-versed in retaining wall construction and can help right from the design phase of the project to ensure that the retaining walls are perfectly suited and tailored to your needs, from humble garden and landscaping jobs to large commercial developments.

Build2 has extensive experience in constructing all types of retaining walls. We can help you choose the right type of wall for your project, and we will work with you to ensure that it is installed correctly and efficiently. Our team of professionals will work with you every step of the way to ensure that your retaining wall is installed correctly and performs as it should.

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Concrete Cutting

Concrete cutting is a critical part of many construction projects. It is the process of cutting or shaping concrete using specialised tools and equipment. Concrete cutting is necessary for a number of reasons, including the following:

  • To create openings for windows and doors
  • To create joints between different sections of concrete
  • To remove damaged or defective concrete
  • To prepare a surface for paving or tiling

Concrete cutting can be performed by hand or with specialised equipment. Hand cutting is a slow and laborious process, but it can be used to cut small shapes and curves in concrete. Specialised equipment, such as saws and grinders, can be used to quickly and easily cut large pieces of concrete.

Build2 has a team of experienced professionals who are trained in all aspects of concrete cutting. We have the latest equipment and technology at our disposal, which allows us to quickly and easily cut any type of concrete. We also have years of experience in this field, so we can perform all your concrete cutting quickly and efficiently, allowing your project to move along without any interruptions to your timeline.

Earthworks

Many construction projects require extensive earthworks to prepare the site for construction. This is often a difficult and labour-intensive task, which is why it is important to have a team of experts performing this service. Build2 has years of experience in earthworks and knows how to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

There are a number of different types of earthworks that can be performed as part of a construction project. One common type of earthwork is excavation. This is the process of removing soil and rock from a site in order to prepare it for construction. Excavation can be used to create level foundations for buildings, or to create trenches for utilities and other infrastructure.

Another common type of earthwork is levelling. This is the process of making a site level by removing or adding soil and rocks. Levelling is often necessary before any construction can take place, as an uneven site will not be able to support a building or other structure properly

Build2 has extensive experience in both excavation and levelling, so we can handle any task that you throw at us. We have a team of experienced professionals who can handle any type of earthworks project. We have the latest equipment and technology at our disposal, which allows us to quickly and easily move earth and soil from one area to another. We also have years of experience in this field, so we can perform all your earthworks efficiently and to a high standard, avoiding any delays that can slow down your project and cost you money.

Find out more about Build2’s Earthworks Services

Concrete Slabs

When it comes to laying concrete slabs for foundations in construction projects, there is no better company to trust than Build2. We have years of experience in this field, and we have the latest equipment and technology at our disposal. This allows us to quickly and easily lay concrete slabs for foundations, regardless of the size or complexity of the project.

We also have a team of experienced professionals who can handle any type of concrete slab foundation. We will work with you every step of the way to ensure that your foundation is laid correctly and performs as it should. We can also help you choose the right type of concrete slab for your project, depending on its size and complexity.

Build2 makes use of the latest innovations in concrete slab foundations, including the X-Pod Raft Foundations and RibRaft Foundations technology to futureproof your construction projects and speed-up the construction process.

So if you need a company to trust with your concrete slab foundation, look no further than Build2. We will get the job done quickly and efficiently, ensuring that your construction project proceeds without any delays.

Find out more about Build2’s Concrete Slabs Services

How Long Does Site Preparation Take?

The length of time for site preparation varies from project to project. It depends on the overall size of the project, as well as the number of earthworks required in order to prepare, grade and fill the land. For most residential building projects it usually takes between one or two months, while larger-scale developments and multi-commercial projects may be longer.

Build2’s Site Preparation Services Set Your Project Up For Success

The team at Build2 are highly experienced at every step of the construction process. This puts us in a unique position for site preparation as we have a firm understanding of how important this step is for the success of the rest of the project. We know the level of detail and care that is required to ensure that the best practices are being adhered to, drawing on our many years of experience in earthworks, foundations and construction to help plan and execute your site preparation to facilitate a smooth, successful build project. Build2 has all the tools and equipment to ensure accurate assessment and preparation, complimented by a team of qualified builders and professionals to produce high-quality results. Build2 provides site preparation services for projects across the Auckland region. 

Whether you’re looking for full excavation or final shaping of your site, Build2’s site preparation services ensure that all essential areas are covered, from water drainage points, hard filling and compaction, along with any other necessary site preparations are in order for your project. Our range of equipment, including a 13-tonne excavator, grant us the ability to take care of all your site preparation needs from start to finish. For more information and to book a free, no obligations quote, get in contact with the team at Build2 today!

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