Why Proper Excavation is Critical Before Building a New Home or Addition

Excavation is one of the most important steps of a new residential construction project or home addition. Why is proper excavation critical before building? Because it lays the groundwork for a lasting structure.

Proper excavation ensures a lasting structure by:

• Creating a stable foundation
• Improving drainage
• Preventing future settling
• Maintaining safe utilities
• Ensuring regulatory compliance

Benefits of Professional Excavation Services

Excavation involves more than moving dirt and debris. Comprehensive excavation services include:

Project planning

A thorough project review and site assessment ensure the proper location of structures and utilities and make for an accurate project completion estimate.

Creating a stable foundation

A strong foundation depends on stable, well-prepared soil, including the removal of unstable soils, loose roots, rocks and debris, and soil compaction to eliminate air pockets and reduce movement.

Improving drainage

Shaping the land strategically directs water away from your home. We add the drainage needed to control water flow from rain, preventing erosion and moisture damage that can weaken concrete and lead to foundation failure.

Preventing future settling

Proper leveling and grading, along with soil stabilization where necessary, reduce the likelihood of foundation and structural shifting and cracking.

Maintaining safe utilities

Locating and excavating utilities properly, and digging so that nearby foundations don't settle, supports the safe, lasting operation of water, septic, gas and electrical systems.

Ensuring regulatory compliance

We obtain local and utility permits in advance, so the project finishes on time without unnecessary delays.

What Happens if You Skip Excavation When Building or Adding On?

It can be tempting to get a head start by building without proper excavation. But that apparent advantage can lead to setbacks down the road, including the following.

A slow, stressful building process

Construction delays from poor planning and failure to obtain the necessary local government and utility permissions can significantly push back your project timeline.

Regulatory and safety violations

Fines and delays for not obtaining the proper permissions, or for not meeting required building, plumbing, gas and electrical safety requirements, can lead to costly post-construction repairs or even tearing work out.

Foundation problems

Excess settling from improper or neglected subsoil preparation shows up quickly as drywall and foundation cracks, uneven floors, and structural damage or failure. Those repairs are extensive and hard to perform once you have moved in.

Drainage issues

Improper grading and sloping and insufficient drainage cause water flow, pooling and flooding problems, which are leading causes of foundation failure, flooding, mold and structural damage.

Get Your Project Off to a Smooth Start

Don't learn why proper excavation is critical before building a new home or addition the hard way. Contact Fisher Construction at (509) 424-6072 to get an excavation estimate in the Yakima Valley.