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Home Design Inspiration
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Home Building Tips
Knockdown and Rebuild
Latest News and Burbank Updates
Property Insights and Investments
Home Building Master Class
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Building Your Dream Home: Avoiding Common Pitfalls + Maximising Success
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Understanding Site Costs: Essential Factors for Building Your Dream Home
Building a home is an exciting journey, but it's important to understand that there are additional costs involved beyond the construction itself. One such aspect is site costs, which encompass various factors that influence the stability and suitability of your building site. In this instalment of our "Building Masterclass" series, we will delve into the meaning and significance of site costs, shedding light on why they are necessary for a seamless new home build.
One of the primary considerations in determining site costs is the soil classification of your land. Different soils possess varying levels of reactivity, which refers to how the ground moves in response to moisture and other factors. Engineers use this classification to determine the type and thickness of the concrete required to ensure the stability and longevity of your home. By accounting for soil reactivity, potential issues can be addressed early on, minimising the risk of structural problems in the future.
These range from:
| Class | Foundation |
| A | Most sand and rock sites with little or no ground movement from moisture changes |
| S | Slightly reactive clay sites with only slight ground movement from moisture changes |
| M | Moderately reactive clay or silt sites which can experience moderate ground movement from moisture changes |
| H | Highly reactive clay sites which can experience high ground movement from moisture changes |
| E | Extremely reactive clay sites which can experience extreme ground movement from moisture changes |
| P | Sites which include soft soils, such as soft clay or silt or loose sands; landslip; mine subsidence; collapsing soils; soils subject to erosion; reactive sites subject to abnormal moisture conditions or sites which cannot be classified otherwise |
Soil Leveling and Earthworks:
To achieve a stable foundation, it is essential to pour your house slab on a flat base. Even though the ground may appear level to the eye, it can have significant slopes over the length of the building pad. Soil leveling becomes necessary to create a uniform base, ensuring the stability of the structure. Earthworks may involve either removing or transporting soil to achieve the desired flatness. This process can incur additional costs, but it is crucial for the integrity of your home's foundation.
Levels and Retaining Walls:
In some cases, the levels of your building site in relation to neighbouring lots may require the construction of retaining walls or batters. These structures prevent soil erosion and the washout of soil into the adjoining properties. Retaining walls provide essential support and stability, maintaining the integrity of the land and ensuring the longevity of your home. While they add to the site costs, they are crucial for maintaining a safe and secure environment.
Site Access and Material Handling:
The accessibility of your site also impacts the overall costs. If there is limited side access to the block, additional charges may apply due to the manual handling and carrying of materials. This involves tradespeople manually transporting the materials down the side of the home, as machinery cannot access the entire site. While this can increase labour costs, it ensures that the construction process can proceed smoothly even with limited access.
Rock Removal:
Sometimes, the presence of rocks during soil leveling necessitates special procedures or machinery to break them apart or move them. This additional step incurs an extra fee, as it requires specialized equipment and expertise. Removing rocks ensures a stable foundation and prevents any future issues that may arise from their presence.
Site costs are an essential aspect of any construction project, accounting for various factors that influence the stability, suitability, and accessibility of your building site. Understanding the meaning and significance of these costs allows you to plan and budget effectively, ensuring a successful and hassle-free construction process. By considering soil classification, leveling requirements, neighbouring levels, site access, and potential rock removal, you can navigate the site costs associated with your project with confidence. Remember, these additional expenses are necessary investments that contribute to the safety, stability, and longevity of your dream home.
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