In any construction project, site excavation is one of the first and most important steps of the entire process. During this integral step, whether you are a homeowner or land developer, your site is prepared for construction with all natural and manmade materials removed and the surface levelled to create a strong foundation.
At ProCut, we have been performing high-quality site excavation across Auckland for years. Based in Wainui, we are a locally owned business that prides ourselves on delivering a swift, precise and most importantly, quality, service. Our concrete cutting, drilling and controlled concrete demolition services are second to none.
Below, we have broken down all you need to know about site excavation for construction or land development projects.
Why book professional site excavation in Auckland?
Preparation is everything when it comes to construction. Site excavation quite literally lays the foundation of a sturdy, successful build that will stand the test of time. If you skip this step or try to do it as cheaply as possible, you risk running into serious issues including unstable ground, drainage problems and expensive delays.
When it comes to building your dream home or developing premium properties, don’t overlook the importance of site excavation. Hire the professionals and rest in peace knowing your project is in good hands.
Stages of site excavation
There are several steps when performing a site excavation, outlined below.
- Site survey: A surveyor will visit you on-site to mark the building boundaries and elevation levels, identify water, electricity and gas lines to avoid costly damages, and clearly stake out the area to be excavated.
- Site clearing: The next phase is to remove any trees, bushes, debris and manmade materials obstructing the excavation site.
- Excavation: It’s time for the professionals to start excavating! Using industry-grade machinery including bulldozers and excavators, your crew will dig out soil and rock to form a strong foundation custom to your requirements.
- Grading: Next, the site is levelled to ensure correct drainage. Sometimes, dirt may be added or removed to achieve this.
- Soil testing: An expert will now inspect the soil to determine whether it is compact enough to support the proposed structure.
- Adding utilities: If you have chosen a slab foundation, trenches for utilities such as sewers, water and electrical conduits will be dug before the foundation is poured.
- Sediment Control: At this point, certain steps such as the insertion of drainage ditches and silt fences may be required to control runoff and prevent the occurrence of erosion.
- Foundation preparation: Your site is now ready for the foundation! Your crew will set up forms and rebar, then pour ready-mix concrete into the forms and use vibrators to carefully eliminate pockets of air. They will then level and finish the surface. One to two days after pouring the concrete, forms will be removed.
- Curing: Freshly poured concrete requires a curing period to strengthen. You should wait at least one week and up to one month before using your new concrete in any way, to ensure maximum durability. During this period your crew will keep the concrete moist by spraying it with water and covering it in plastic compounds.
Regulations in Auckland
Some site excavations require permits for different stages of the process. In Auckland, this varies depending on the type of site and proposed build. Check with Auckland Council to determine whether your specific property is covered or requires resource consent.
Some of the areas that may require permits are:
- Stability testing: If you are building a driveway or quarry, excavating a retaining wall, or completing earthworks for large subdivisuion or multi-storey buildings, you will likely need some form of resource consent.
- Soil inspection: Some authorities require soil testing before you can proceed with your construction project.
- Archaeological sites: If your construction may affect a known or suspected archaeological site, you must consult with the council to determine best practice.
Smooth, efficient site excavation Auckland-wide
Look no further than PROCUT for premium excavation contractors Auckland-wide. We specialise in drilling, concrete cutting and controlled concrete demolition to meet all your needs and transform your property.
View our premium site excavation services online or get in touch today to see how we can help you achieve your property vision.
