Erecting an office building from an empty lot takes a lot of land preparation and specialized equipment. To install a foundation, the site needs to be level. Putting in lower levels or digging trenches means getting through tree roots and rocks. Then, after the building goes up, controlling rainwater is important to protecting the structure. With time, landscaping architects and slab experts can provide solutions for these problems, but only if you catch them in advance.
Uneven soil impedes foundation builds
Your office needs solid ground and a sturdy base. Without these basic needs, the building can crack, shift, or collapse. The first thing builders need is an even surface to put the foundation. To get flat ground, all trees, weeds, rocks, and gravel need removing. Groundwater tables help engineers determine if foundation piles or bracing are necessary. Soil testing by boring dirt samples to see the composition of the earth layers helps the construction team find out what is beneath the surface before construction begins.
Rocky ground is tough for laying cables
Knowing how deep the rock layer goes and whether the dirt is sandy or clay-like helps construction teams know which equipment to use for digging trenches for underground cables. For large rock issues, a rock boring hire might be necessary to drill the boulders. Once in smaller pieces, regular construction equipment can remove the material and ship it off the site. Having an inspection done before buying the land for development can help prevent this and other costs, so be discerning in your choice of land. Not all empty lots are created equal for building.
Tree roots are plumbing disasters
Your office needs restrooms and plumbing you can count on to deliver water and remove sewage properly. When building on a site with a lot of trees or overgrowth, roots will pose issues. Proactive removal of roots is one way builders can ensure that your pipes last. Existing buildings need a regular inspection to find problems before they become disasters. Make sure that you are aware of where the plumbing lines are laid even after the construction is long over so that you can prevent trees from being planted too close to them.
Proper grading is necessary to prevent slab problems
Whether you have a new office or work from an old building, rain is a problem. Keeping the foundation dry is important to preventing problems with settling and cracking. Historic sites must meet specific local and state regulations. Complying with these codes is easier when a proactive rainwater removal system is in place. Gutters, sloped landscaping, and ground stabilizing treatments help keep the soil even and prevent water from sitting against basements and foundations.
Even if you plan to bulldoze the lot, the landscape of your construction site will affect the building long-term if not properly addressed. Working with the climate and utilizing the right equipment to start off with is important. While not all elements of the landscape can be altered permanently (such as climate or the property surrounding yours,) regular inspections can help you head off problems before they become costly.
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook right here and Twitter right here.
