Whether you’re making way for a new building, a sizeable garden or just want your yard free of debris, then land clearing is what you’ll need to look into to make it happen. This process involves moving trees, rocks, bushes and any other natural obstructions that may exist on a given stretch of land. While some of this can be done on your own, much of it will require the use of specialized tools, along with the know-how of experienced professionals. However, even with the right help there are a few things you should know before getting started with a project of this type, such as:

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One of the basics of home and residential construction is to have a good understanding of the site to be built upon. A host of factors determine the viability of a site for building. In some cases, these factors can completely rule out the site as a desirable place to build a home or other structure. In still other cases, it can add significant costs to the project, or it can increase the time frame of the construction. Following best practices in site preparation protects all parties involved in the project.

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Having a drainage system in your yard or some interior solution is important because it can protect against potential water damage. Installing a drain in or around your home is a great way to minimize the risk of significant loss or damage of property. So, how do you figure out which drainage system is right for your home? These are just a few possible yard drainage systems you could go with.

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When you think of excavating contractors, you probably picture large backhoes ripping big holes into the ground and huge dump trucks hauling the dirt away. While it is true that excavators do work with heavy equipment that removes large amounts of earth, they can do much more to help you create the home of your dreams. Here are three times you may want to call a contractor about excavating:

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There are so many unique and beautiful ways to put in a driveway. You can have brick, stamped concrete, stone, etc. However, sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most affordable and appealing. An asphalt driveway is a wonderful alternative to more expensive options, and it still provides homeowners and businesses with a striking appearance. While the price is definitely a motivating factor for such a selection, asphalt has several other benefits and attributes that make it a solid decision for driveways.

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It is easy to forget the importance of plumbing, especially when everything is working and draining as it should. However, when one thing goes wrong, like a clogged drain, it is easy to understand how integral plumbing is to your daily life. Many plumbing issues are resolved easily using a handheld auger, but when the basic solutions don’t work, and a professional tells you that the problem is external, who do you turn to for help? An excavation contractor. These professionals can work with other plumbing professionals to pinpoint the problem areas and safely remove the soil or concrete to gain access. Although, what type of damage can you expect, and why can’t you do the work yourself?

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When considering your home’s curbside appeal, do you often include your driveway as an item of beauty or pride? Many people take their concrete or asphalt driveway for granted, and this moves into realms far beyond aesthetic appeal. There are several benefits that driveway paving can bring to your home.

Vehicle Logistics

The most obvious reason for a driveway lies with its use as a parking spot for your vehicles. Not just for cars, truck or motorcycles, but for RV’s, boats or trailers. Parking on a solid surface makes navigation easier, as wet lawns, gravel or dirt can create ruts, form puddles and encourage sinking. Concrete or asphalt surfaces also extend and protect the life of your tires.

Cleanliness and Presentation

Not only do tire tracks leave a terrible visual blight on your lawn, but the foot traffic the leaves the car and enters the house creates a mess. On rainy days, the mud gets tracked into your front foyer or other family spaces, making more work to keep the area tidy. Even if you have a partially-completed parking surface, driveway paving will do wonder for the cleanliness and presentation of your home and lawn.

Low-Maintenance Investment

If you are currently parking in your lawn or on gravel, consider the investment of driveway paving. It takes time, money and hard work to keep replacing sod or grass seed, just as it takes a chunk of change to have loads of gravel or dirt delivered every few years. Whether you choose asphalt, concrete,  or stone or brick pavers, the investment will last several years and have relatively low-maintenance. This stretches your dollar and time even further.

Paving a driveway is a big job and takes precision and skill. This is a job needing the input and experience of a professional. You will be able to set your price point, making the hardest part of the decision determining what type of material to use.

Much like a good fence, retaining walls are a functional and safe barrier between neighbors. The walls are essential to get the most out of undevelopable land. Builders use them to create level lots for homes or apartments. Homeowners can benefit from them to create new walkways, flower beds, additional parking or a patio.

Notice Problems

Once built, retaining walls typically do not draw the eye. Beyond making the wall look less aesthetically pleasing, problems often indicate a deeper structural issue. If you notice a problem, contact a professional to determine how serious it is. Small problems are easier to address than larger ones. Cracks, bowing and tilting are typical problems with small and large walls. The pressure of the soil, shifting blocks or water can all affect the wall over time.

Repair Damage

The type of damage the wall has sustained determines whether or not it can be salvaged. Sometimes the damage is too great, and the wall must be completely taken down and rebuilt. Often though, contractors can make repairs to the wall. A professional contractor who specializes in the foundation work may be needed.

Use Anchors

Helical anchors, or “tiebacks,” help fix walls that have begun to tilt or crack. Contractors utilize the steel anchors to repair foundational issues. A hole is made for the giant screw-like anchors to go in. They have plates to pull the anchor through the hole and into the soil with each turn. Hydraulic pressure is measured to determine appropriate depth of the anchor. Pressure is exerted on the wall to keep the anchor in place with a large-diameter nut placed on the outside of a steel plate.

Repairing damaged retaining walls can keep the land it holds back level and functional. Beyond repair, a contractor may decide to add additional features to the retaining wall such as drains to move water away from the wall.  

Excavation work is far more than simply digging in the dirt. Not only are the many different projects that require excavation, there are also plenty of different types of excavators and applications for these powerful machines. Learn how you can find high quality services for any construction project.

Types of Excavation

Most people think of excavation services as basement excavation. This service is one of the initial steps of constructing a new building that has a basement or slab foundation. For commercial projects, a basement can be quite deep, so this service can vary in size depending on the project.

Another common use for excavation services is dredging sediment deposits. When a pond, lake or river has enough mineral and sediment deposits build up, it can be dangerous for passing ships and boats. High quality excavation equipment can be used to clear the sediment and restore lanes through the water.

Other projects require clearing large areas of land. Known either as cut and fill or as stripping, this excavation service can help you prepare a site for a new building, farm or other use.

Consider Your Material

The cost and speed of your excavation work will depend dramatically on the quality and consistency of your soil. Some projects require extensive clearing of rocks and especially hard soil. This can be more taxing and time consuming than softer earth projects.

Muck excavation can also require precise planning and an appropriate area to place the removed muck and sediment. This can require specialized machinery, which may increase the overall cost.

There are a surprising amount of services that a high quality excavation company can perform. If you need any land or body of water cleared, contact a local company for a quote. The best services can perform excavation work on any type of soil in an efficient and affordable manner. You’ll soon enjoy a cleared building site or solid foundation with a professional excavation company.