Where does site preparation fit your project?
Pick the closest match. Each one shows how we handle that kind of job, then you can go deeper or book a visit.
For homeowners: Site Preparation
Planned for the home you live in, with the work done in order and the site kept clean.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For custom homes: Site Preparation
Included in the full new-build plan, with the trades coordinated under one lead.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For commercial spaces: Site Preparation
Scheduled around occupancy, built to the commercial code and the building use.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For high-rise buildings: Site Preparation
Planned for vertical access, fire separation, sound and the building schedule.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For renovations: Site Preparation
Scoped with the rest of the renovation so the trades work in the right order.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
Site Preparation
Clearing, levelling and compacting the site so the foundation, the build or the landscape starts on solid ground.
How this guide works
Site preparation sets up everything that follows. The ground has to be cleared, levelled, drained and compacted to the standard, or the foundation and paving will move. Work through the decisions in order.
Decision 1: Where site preparation is used
Site preparation goes before new builds, additions, garden suites, driveways and commercial sites. The scale decides the equipment.
| Use | Typical scope | What matters most |
|---|---|---|
| New homes | Clear, grade, compact pad | Level, drainage, soil |
| Additions and suites | Small pad, access | Access, clearance, drainage |
| Commercial sites | Full site grading | Load, access, drainage, schedule |
Our pick: The site is prepared to the foundation plan, not to the old grade.
Decision 2: Survey and grade
The site is surveyed for levels, drainage and the existing grade. The new grade is set to direct water away.
| Item | Check |
|---|---|
| Existing grade | Mapped and recorded |
| New grade | Falls away from the building |
| Drainage | Outlets and swales confirmed |
Our pick: Set the grade before the work starts. Changing it later is costly.
Decision 3: Clearing and removal
Vegetation, old structures, debris and topsoil are removed. The topsoil is kept if it will be reused.
| Material | Action |
|---|---|
| Trees and stumps | Removed or ground |
| Old structures | Demolished and removed |
| Topsoil | Stripped and stockpiled |
Our pick: Keep the topsoil if you plan to landscape. It is valuable and expensive to replace.
Decision 4: Compaction
The soil is compacted in layers to the standard for the load. Poor compaction is the most common cause of settlement.
| Use | Compaction |
|---|---|
| Under foundations | Compacted to the engineer standard |
| Under driveways | Compacted to the pavement design |
| Landscape areas | Compacted lightly, to avoid settlement |
Our pick: Compact to the load. Settlement under a foundation shows up as cracks.
Decision 5: Access and staging
Machines, trucks and materials need access. The site is staged so the trades can work in order.
| Item | Plan |
|---|---|
| Machine access | Clear route to the work |
| Material staging | Planned storage area |
| Neighbours | Protected from the work |
Our pick: Plan access before the machines arrive. It decides how fast the work goes.
Decision 6: Warning signs and timing
Site preparation problems show as settlement, standing water and soft ground. These are signs the base is not ready for the build.
| Sign | Act by |
|---|---|
| Soft or wet spots in the pad | Testing the soil and the drainage |
| Standing water after rain | Checking the grade and the outlets |
| Settlement after the first season | Checking the compaction |
Our pick: Test the soil before the build. A soft pad is much cheaper to fix before the foundation than after.
Decision 7: Permits and inspection
Site preparation for a new build is part of the permit. Grade changes near the property line and the drainage outlets are checked.
| Scope | Check |
|---|---|
| New build pad | Part of the permit and grading check |
| Grade change at the property line | Confirm with the municipality |
| Drainage outlet | Checked before the outlet is connected |
Our pick: Confirm the grading plan before the site is cut. Changes to the grade need approval.
Decision 8: Coordination with the other trades
Site preparation is the base for the foundation, the drainage and the landscape. Each depends on a level and compacted site.
| Trade | What it needs from site prep |
|---|---|
| Excavation and foundation | Pad level and compacted to the engineer standard |
| Drainage | Outlets and falls set before the build |
| Landscape | Topsoil kept and graded |
| Access for trades | Clear routes and a staging area |
Our pick: Set the pad and the drainage before the foundation. Everything else sits on them.
Decision 9: Warranty and maintenance
A well-prepared site stays stable when the drainage is kept clear. The compaction and grading record protects the house.
| Item | What to do |
|---|---|
| Drainage | Kept clear and checked after storms |
| Grade | Checked after big landscape work |
| Records | Compaction and grading kept |
Our pick: Keep the grading and compaction record with the house file.
Questions
Why does compaction matter?
Loose soil settles under the foundation or the paving, and the settlement causes cracks.
Can you handle the soil?
Yes. Soil is removed or reused as the plan requires.
Do you do the drainage too?
Drainage is planned as part of the site preparation.
Talk to the Plug
Tell us the site, the build and the access. We survey the grade, clear the site and compact it to the standard.
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