It is important to carefully plan the placement of the house in relation to property boundaries, the position of the sun, and other natural elements. The excavation depth should be determined based on the sanitary and storm sewer connections, as well as to ensure efficient surface water drainage. Additionally, the location of underground utilities, such as electrical, telephone, or gas lines, must be identified beforehand.
It’s crucial to adhere to the setback requirements imposed by the city concerning property boundaries. At this stage, it is highly recommended to enlist the services of a surveyor to ensure that the placement complies with municipal regulations.
Excavation can begin once the site has been properly laid out. Typically, one day is sufficient for excavation. A trench must be dug to connect to municipal services, if applicable. To ensure that the foundations are not affected by frost or unstable soil, the excavation depth will vary depending on the soil type.
In some cases where the soil is soft and/or contains significant amounts of water, additional excavation is required to backfill with granular material that will be compacted. In other cases, the presence of rock may prevent the excavation of the basement. In such instances, blasting or rock breaking may be necessary to continue the work.
