Excavation projects can be confusing and overwhelming for both the homeowner and the contractor. If not planned and executed carefully, excavating can lead to expensive mistakes such as digging too close to foundations or buried wires and pipes.
To ensure your project goes smoothly, follow conventional excavation protocol from start to finish. That way, you can avoid unpleasant surprises and save yourself time, money, and headaches down the road.
This article takes you through the importance of excavation in construction and how to do it properly.
Why is Excavation Significant in Construction?
Excavation is the first step in creating a level and secure foundation for a building. It involves using heavy machineries like bulldozers, dirt movers, and excavators to dig, move, and remove soil, rocks, and other unwanted materials from a construction site.
Here is why you need to consider excavation in your building project.
Site Clearance
Site clearance is one of the first, yet major, steps of a building project. This process can be expensive and time-consuming, but excavation can help make it more efficient.
By excavating the site, you can clear away any obstacles that might slow down your plans, such as trees, rocks, and debris. Additionally, excavation can help you assess the soil conditions and ensure your project's foundation is strong.
Landscaping
Landscaping is one of the most critical aspects of your home. It can increase your curb appeal, make your home more energy-efficient, and even improve your property value. Excavators can help you quickly move large quantities of dirt to create beautiful landscaping elements, including ponds, waterfalls, streams, garden beds, patios, or walkways.
Digging Trenches
Excavators can help you dig trenches to install underground utilities such as water, sewer, gas, and storm drainage. A reputable excavation company should dig trenches appropriately to avoid accidents from collapsed trench walls.
The Established Way to Excavate
Most excavation projects are challenging and require careful planning to ensure everyone involved stays safe and the completed work meets the client's expectations. Tips for successful excavation include;
Creating a Pre-Excavation Schedule
A pre-excavation schedule keeps everyone involved in a construction project updated about the progress. It shows when the project will start, what needs to be done before excavation can begin, and what milestones to meet during the excavation process.
Addressing Drainage and Stormwater Issues
Without suitable drainage, your project can quickly become a disaster. Before starting any work, an excavator should develop an effective drainage system to take care of any extra water during the rainy season. As a safety measure, the system created should not temper the structure of any adjacent buildings and properties.
Using the Right Tools and Equipment for Every Project
Depending on the size and scope of your project, you may need anything from a small hand shovel to a large excavator. When you have the right tools for the job, it guarantees you a successful outcome. People operating the tools should also be well-trained and wear proper safety gear.
Finding Out if There are Any Underground Utilities
Before you start excavating, find out if there are any underground utilities. You can contact your local utility company and request a safe dig ticket. The ticket contains a map of all the underground utilities to watch out for in your area.
Testing the Soil
Always contact a soil testing professional prior to starting your project. A soil test gives you an idea of what you're dealing with and what type of equipment you require for excavation. Plus, you wouldn't want to build your house on loose soil.
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