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Excavation is commonly thought of as “moving dirt around,” but it is much more than that. The highly-detailed process is an essential part of most construction jobs and requires special equipment and tools to move earth, rocks, and other materials. If you are working with a custom home builder or require excavation for another construction project, here are some critical details.

5 Things You Should Know About Excavation

1. Site Examination

Any excavation project requires careful site examination for things such as wildlife habitats, artifacts, and exact soil depth. You need to know everything that lies beneath the surface, including whether layers of rock are present, as earth-moving equipment is usually not enough to remove large rock deposits. excavation

2. Permits

A construction permit suffices before declaring project boundaries; however, if you are planning work near wetlands or on a historically-protected site, you will need additional clearance. Contact your local government branch to determine what permits your project requires. Otherwise, you could risk violating zoning codes that you didn’t know.

3. Utilities

Your local utility company will help you determine if utility lines are in the place where you wish to dig and mark them free of charge. If there are any drainage systems in place, you will need to consider those as well. Dewatering, or the removal of water from soil or solid materials, may also be required. 

4. “Competent” Materials

The building materials you are using for your excavation project must be “competent,” meaning their weight will not compromise the ground beneath them. The soil must hold up under your building materials to eliminate the threat of extreme settling or a building collapse.

5. Dust Control & Solid Waste Disposal

Excavation stirs up dust, making it important to have a plan in place to protect the surrounding communities. This involves using recommended equipment and materials that reduce the spread of dust. A solid waste disposal plan that includes recycling is also necessary, as items such as timber, dirt, and concrete are easy to reuse and recycle.

 

Discuss your excavation project considerations with the friendly, experienced team at Windfall Homes and Painting Company in Saint Marys, PA. Their talented foundation contractors specialize in custom home designs, including new home plumbing and deck building, and remain dedicated to unparalleled customer service. Call (814) 781-6136 to start your project or visit their website for more information. Like the custom home builders on Facebook to view their latest work.

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