Site Preparation and Planning
Because pre-engineered homes are built to the same codes as traditional stick-built homes, you must follow a similar process in preparing the site for the arrival of your new home. This is a crucial step in the building process that takes into consideration several factors such as water-table level and soil analysis, zoning restrictions, environmental concerns and how utilities will be run into the home. The steps of the site preparation are likely to vary depending on land and location.
After the initial investigation of the site is complete, designing and drawing a site-plan is the next step. An accurate plan is required when applying for a building permit and submitting plans to a zoning review board. Site plans will map out the intended placement of the building, septic tank (or municipal sewer connections), well location (or municipal water connections), access roads for construction vehicles and proposed driveway location. The site plan design will also depict current vegetation that will be cleared, as well as any surrounding wetlands or protected areas. The development process should not affect wetlands and protected areas.
Once the plan is approved by the zoning board, clearing and excavation can begin. Clearing involves removing trees, stumps, and other obstructions from the building site, as well moving earth for the septic system, well, or utilities. Topsoil scraped from the site prior to excavation and fill from the excavation is normally saved in a pile somewhere on site for later use as backfill or in landscaping.
