Site preparation sets the foundation of the build. A good build must start with the right site preparation. In this market insight, we share the steps of what’s required to transform a vacant block of land into a site ready to commence construction.
Step 1 – Initial site analysis
Prior to breaking ground and commencing the build, an initial site analysis is completed. An assessment is undertaken by a registered site surveyor to determine the size of the block, the land’s boundaries, orientation, slope and to identify if there are any zoning laws or building restrictions (such as easements).
Step 2 – Soil test
The next step in the site preparation is to conduct a soil test. This stage is conducted by a geotechnical engineer. They will visit the block of land and test the soil by cutting into the land to take a sample. The sample is then taken to a laboratory where it will be assessed for soil condition, composition, classification, slope stability and the soil bearing capacity. There are a number of soil classifications that will confirm the costs of building the property.
| Class A | Most sand and rock sites with little or no ground movement from moisture changes |
| Class S | Slightly reactive clay sites, which may experience only slight ground movement from moisture changes |
| Class M | Moderately reactive clay or silt sites, which may experience moderate ground movement from moisture changes |
| Class H1 | Highly reactive clay sites, which may experience high ground movement from moisture changes |
| Class H2 | Highly reactive clay sites, which may experience very high ground movement from moisture changes |
| Class E | Extremely reactive sites, which may experience extreme ground movement from moisture changes |
| Class P | Sites which include soft soils, such as soft clay or silt or loose sands: landslip: mind subsidence: collapsing soil: soil subject to erosion: reactive sites subject to abnormal moisture conditions or sites that cannot be classified otherwise |
Source: Australian Standard (AS 2870-2011 [1])
The soil test will also ascertain if there is anything under the surface that may need to be removed. Examples include rocks, stone or even trees (including roots). These need to be identified as they may need to be removed or the build plans altered to suit.
Step 3 – Excavation and levelling
This stage is where they remove anything under the surface and flatten the block in preparation for the construction. By levelling the block, the excavator will use a few methods relevant to the block of land and the proposed build. The excavator may use a cut and fill technique or a split-level approach to level the block. The land is then compacted to improve the stability and to stop soil from moving around when underneath the home.
If the ground continues to demonstrate a lack of stability, it may be caused by the type of soil. In these instances, it may require concrete and/or screw piers to provide new points for the building to sit on to hold the weight of the home.
Step 4 – Connection of plumbing and utilities
The next step of the site preparation is connecting the block with electricity and plumbing. These are established in the foundation in accordance to the site plan designs. This is also an opportune time to install termite protection.
Why is site preparation so important?
As we mentioned earlier, the site preparation sets the standard to establishing a beautiful home. Many may feel the site preparation takes a long time as they often don’t realise how much is involved and who is qualified to complete each step in the process. Once the site preparation has been completed, the build commences with the concrete slab and soon you start to see your new home take shape.
Buying a full turn-key home should include site costs
At Crest Property Investments, we help source house and land packages for buyers that feature a full turn-key solution. When building your own home, a full turn-key prevents the uncertainties and price rises that may occur if the soil and site aren’t easy to build on.
If you’d like to learn more about buying a house and land package, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would welcome the opportunity to help with your property purchase. Our YouTube channel and Market Insights also provide a wealth of information to assist you with many areas relating to property.
While we have taken care to ensure the information above is true and correct at the time of publication, changes in circumstances and legislation after the displayed date may impact the accuracy of this article. If you want to learn more please contact us. We welcome the opportunity to assist you.
May 2022
