Things that Site Analysis May Reveal
Prior to commencing the construction process, site analysis is a must within the construction industry. In most cases, the homeowners want to ignore this process, yet it is important for them to know what may emerge from the results. The results of the site analysis can at times make it difficult for construction to be done as planned or may even affect the budget of the construction. Here are some of the things that site analysis is likely to reveal.
Contamination of the Site
For most of the site analyses carried out, site contamination is common and recurring. This implies that the site has harmful compounds in the soil. Harmful compounds may include chemical fertilizers that had been used for a considerable amount of time on the site before the date of analysis. In most cases, the harmful compounds, like arsenic and zinc, are usually deposited in the soil.
In instances where demolition activities had taken place and the remnants of demolition left on-site, the site analysis is likely to show that the soil suffers from asbestos contamination. This happens because most of the demolition waste products like the broken vinyl tiles and smashed asphalt roof shingles contain asbestos.
It is paramount that when the site analysis reveals contamination, then it has to be addressed before beginning the construction-related activities. In instances of fertilizer contamination, the soil remediation contractor comes in handy, while for asbestos contamination, the asbestos removal contractor helps in salvaging the situation before one even thinks of starting the construction of the home.
Weak Soil
Site analysis is likely to reveal that the soil is too weak. Soil being weak means that the soil does not have the required capacity to bear the weight of the structure that is planned for that spot. In instances where the projected weight of the house seems to surpass the weight holding capacity of the soil, the contractor and other professionals may be forced to make essential changes to the house design.
If changing the design of the house is not a choice, then the owner may opt to go for a different site that meets the design requirements. Site analysis has to be done on the new site to determine its viability. For instance, clay is one example of soil that has low weight-bearing capacity. It is known to expand whenever wet and contract when dry.
Because of these possible findings, it is advisable to conduct a site analysis to help establish the chances of constructing a house at the site.