Proper site preparation is vital to maintain high safety standards and ensure your commercial construction project is a success.
This article provides you with detailed information on the step-by-step site preparation process used by seasoned construction companies.
5 Key Steps In Site Prep For Commercial Construction
Site preparation involves all the activities that take place on your land before construction begins. Below are the key steps involved in this process.
Permits
Any commercial construction project you undertake must comply with your local area’s building codes, laws, and standards. Building permits help ensure worker and public safety during and after construction. Therefore, you must ensure you’ve secured permits and the necessary licenses during the site preparation phase.
However, don’t make assumptions about the building permits you require. The requirements for a building permit are subject to change. So, the first thing you should do is research the process of obtaining a permit.
The fastest way is to visit your county government’s website. Or call or visit their offices. This route is much better since you can ask questions about the application process.
Ask your construction general contractor to assist you if you’d like to avoid the stress of researching and applying for a permit. Your contractor will better understand the required permits and the forms you must fill out. And with their contacts and networks, they’ll help you speed up the application process.
Provisions
Most commercial construction projects take weeks or months to complete. So, one of the key steps in site preparations for such big projects is securing the provisions for the construction workers.
The workers may not live on the construction site, but they’ll need facilities and other provisions to make their work easier. Some of the most common provisions you’ll find on a commercial construction site include:
- Job trailers
- Storage rooms
- Portable toilets
- Temporary dining zones
- Portable generators
- Water storage tanks
- Temporary sewer or septic tanks
As per EPA’s guidelines and rules, it’s the employer’s responsibility to ensure their workers’ health and safety. Thus, general contractors must secure these provisions.
Soil Testing And Land Investigation
Did you know the type of soil on a construction site influences the type of structure you can build? That’s why you must conduct soil testing and land investigation during site preparation.
The soil test involves conducting an on-site test and taking soil samples for lab testing. This test provides your site’s developers and construction crew with more information about the site’s topsoil and sub-surface. You’ll also be able to ascertain the ground water’s location and the potential hazards likely to occur.
The land investigation checks whether the soil and rock properties are ideal for accommodating your proposed structure. It also involves investigating whether your building will be safe for those who’ll access it in the future.
Knowing the condition of your land helps you prepare for solutions that’ll strengthen your building’s structural support. A popular solution is removing and replacing the topsoil.
Site Plan
Your site plan is the map that shows you where everything is. The contractor you’ve hired is responsible for creating the site plan. The site plan should include access roads, on-site structures, natural topography, fencing, parking, temporary storage areas, utility placements, and more.
One key thing to remember is that your site is a work in progress. As your project progresses, changes will occur. Therefore, leave room for change, and when it happens, regularly update your site plan to reflect these changes.
The site plan acts as the project’s roadmap for your construction and development team. Additionally, local authorities use it to determine whether you’ve adhered to the building codes and regulations in place.
Land Clearing
Land clearing means removing any obstacles/obstructions from the ground in preparation for construction.
It is more than removing rocks, clearing trees, removing tree stumps, and eliminating boulders, debris, and other protruding objects. Land clearing also involves removing and replacing the topsoil when the soil test proves the original topsoil isn’t ideal for your construction project.
You’ll often find the words site preparation and land clearing used interchangeably. However, as you’ve read, site preparation involves a more complex process than land clearing. And it’s a process that continues even after you’ve completed land clearing.
Conclusion
When undertaking a huge commercial construction project, your start is just as important as your finish. Therefore, knowing what exactly happens during the site preparation phase is a huge bonus for you. With this information in hand, you’ll be able to ensure your contractor sets a strong foundation for the success of your construction project.
Not chosen a general contractor to handle your project yet? Look no further. At Chad Fisher Construction, we lead a team of highly experienced experts who are ready to meet your needs and complete your construction on time and within your budget.