image
image
image

image
image
image

Choosing a Lot

Investigating a lot is a fundamental and challenging activity in the organization and execution of construction projects. It is a step-by-step process that includes soil testing, identifying environmental concerns, and how utilities will run within the home. Each step will be carefully investigated and eventually will go through a process of approval, and finally put into action. It is important to select your lot wisely because site conditions affect your design and the cost to build it.

Soil testing is an important tool in identifying and developing efficient soil for a construction site. A soil test provides basic information on the composition of the soil and its ability to support a structure; as well as the absorption and drainage rate of the soil. The absorption rate will give homeowners an idea on how well the soil will accommodate septic and water. The type of soil on your site will determine the drainage rate. Keep in mind: sands and gravel drain better than clays and silts.

Another important step includes identifying the water table. The water table includes the surface separating the upper layer of non-saturated soil and the lower layer of saturated soil. Engineers and site planners will identify the water table by testing the color or "mottling" of soil in the pit. It is important to identify the water table in order to know where foundation footings and basement slabs should sit.

If your house needs a septic system, a soil test that includes the absorption and drainage ratings, will determine where the septic system and well will be placed. For this reason, soil tests are performed before a site is purchased. One specific test, referred to as a "perc test" is performed to identify the absorption rate. A "perc test" is a method of determining the ability of the soil of a property to absorb liquids.

Overall, it's a good idea to have all the site information before you build. Some of this information can be gathered on your own and some of it may need to be obtained by a civil or geotechnical engineer. Other suggestions include asking neighbors for information on your sites ledge, water table and soil status. You may also be able to find useful information from a local soil map or soils engineer.

 

 



Home Improvement, Room Addition & Kitchen Remodeling for:

Aliso Viejo Anaheim Brea
Buena Park Costa Mesa Cypress
Dana Point Fountain Valley Fullerton
Garden Grove Huntington Beach Irvine
Laguna Beach Laguna Hills Laguna Niguel
Laguna Woods La Habra Lake Forest
La Palma Los Alamitos Mission Viejo
Newport Beach Orange Placentia
Rancho Santa Margarita Rossmoor San Clemente
San Juan Capistrano Santa Ana Seal Beach
Stanton Tustin Villa Park
Westminster Yorba Linda OC Unincorporated Areas
Balboa Island Newport Coast Sunset Beach
Quail Hill Shady Canyon Orange County

zx, how much does it cost to Choosing a Lot. ask a contractor about Choosing a Lot, ask a pro about Choosing a Lot. questions about Choosing a Lot. how much does a Choosing a Lot cost. interior remodeling and exterior remodeling Choosing a Lot ideas. zztzx tips. Choosing a Lot discussion forum. FAQ's about Choosing a Lot. cheap Choosing a Lot. How to save money on Choosing a Lot. How should I Choosing a Lot. what should I do first when I Choosing a Lot? What is the best way to start a Choosing a Lot. How to hire a contractor. How to pull a city permit for Choosing a Lot. Orange County Choosing a Lot

image
 
Tips & Tricks
 
 --Home Page
 --Interior Remodeling

Additions
Construction Managers - Will You Need One?
Don't Forget These Important Remodeling Steps
Hiring an Architect
Making the Right Choice When it Comes to Home Builders...
Planning Ahead for Remodeling
Reinvent Your Home with an Addition

Carpentry
Coping Saws
Hand Saws
Hand Squares
Framing - Wood, Steel
Portable Table Saws
Table and Radial Saws
Types of Levels

Custom Home Building
Building a New Home
Choosing a Lot
Different Types of Houses
Modular Homes
Site Preparation

Decks
Deck Maintenance
Deck Materials
Decks as Outdoor Rooms
Planning and Building an Outdoor Deck from Start to Finish
Tips for your Deck Project
Wood Deck Alternatives

Fencing
Chain Link Fences
Electric Fences
Fencing Possibilities to Let your Dog Run Free
Metal Fencing
Picket Fences
Styles of Fences
The Many Different Types  of Fencing
Vinyl Fences
Wood Fences
Wrought Iron Fences

Garages
Carports
Help Organizing your Garage
Selecting a Garage Door for your Home

Gutters
Gutter Basics
Gutter Cleaning and Maintenance
Gutter Installation Tips
Help with Gutter Repair

Landscaping
Choosing the Correct Sprinkler System
Designer Landscape Styles
Efficient Landscape Design
Greenhouses
Landscape Design Overview
Soil Testing
Terracing Basics

Painting
A Step by Step Guide to Painting
Electrostatic Painting
Exterior Painting - Before you Begin
Faux Painting
Paint Color Selection

Paving
Concrete Flatwork
Heated Driveways
One of a Kind Driveways
Smooth Paving

Roofing
Asphalt Shingles
Attics
Maintaining your Home's Roof
The Top Reasons for Roof Repair
Understanding Roofing Terminology

Siding
Installing New Siding
Siding Trim
Stucco Siding

Swimming Pools & Spas
Adding a Hot Tub
Hot Tub and Spa Frequently Asked Questions
Swimming Pool Heaters

Windows
Installing the Right Blinds

 
 
image
image