When building a new home, pool, or another exciting project, it’s easy to focus only on the construction of the actual structure itself. However, it’s important not to forget about the work that goes into preparing the land for construction. Despite taking place before any building starts, the process of sitework and excavation can be just as important or more to the integrity of the final building, so it’s important to get it right.
What are excavation and sitework?
The term “sitework” refers to anything that takes place on a lot before building begins; in other words, any steps taken before concrete is poured. The purpose of sitework is to ensure that the eventual building will be stable and secure and that the land beneath it and immediately surrounding it is strong enough to handle the weight of a house.
There are several steps to the sitework process. The first involves clearing or “grubbing” the land of any vegetation, trees, or debris that would be in the way of the building project. How intense this step is depends on the density of foliage and whether or not there are environmental protection provisions that must be met. The next steps involve subgrade stabilization, which ensures the soil won’t shift after the home or building is built, and installing water systems and proper water drainage.
Excavation is the process whereby all excess dirt and rocks is removed from the job site, for the result of a stable and level pad of soil. This step requires professional expertise and specialized large machinery to be done correctly. If a hole needs to be dug for a basement, pool, retaining wall, or another reason, this occurs as part of the excavation.
Why are excavation and sitework important?
Excavation and sitework are performed to create a stable place for the foundation of a home or building to rest upon. If anything is done incorrectly at these early stages, it can show up later by causing issues with the foundation like sagging or cracking. Concrete foundations need to support hundreds of thousands of pounds and resist wide fluctuations in weather and temperature; the best way they can do that is by being perfectly level and constructed to stay dry to avoid water damage.
One of the reasons excavation can be so difficult is because of the differences between job sites. Each excavation job will have to be tailored to match a specific location’s environmental factors such as soil stability and water tables.
Reliable Contractors in St. George, Utah
Because the excavation process is so important, you want to work with a company that has the expertise and experience to get it done right the first time—and Rock On Walls & Falls is that excavation company. Since 2005, we have provided general excavation services for customers throughout St. George and southern Utah, specializing in residential projects. We are a family-owned company committed to delivering excellent results every time, and our owner is on-site at every job to make sure we achieve this. Contact us today for more information or a free estimate.