Site Development
When you purchase an empty plot of land, work needs to be done to develop it and get it ready for construction. Site development work includes performing a land survey to determine the borders of the plot and property lines and a percolation test to make sure the soil can be built upon. In addition, we will submit a detailed site plan drawn to scale showing the elements of the building, including a driveway, garage, and all other features and structures. A site development plan is important because it shows the city that the project follows the zoning laws of your area.
Before construction can start, a grading plan also needs to be submitted detailing the grade of the land and your house placement upon it, as well as illustrating where the utilities will be placed. The county will not give permits for the project until they see and approve the grading plan.
Septic Systems
Properly installed septic systems are crucial for the basis of the plumbing network in your home or building. The right septic system for your home is eco-friendly and can help you conserve water. Some buildings need alternative septic systems either due to too many typical septic systems in close proximity or because of the type of soil on the building’s property. Septic tanks also come in several different materials. Concrete, fiberglass, and plastic are common septic tank materials, each with its own benefits.
If you are doing new construction or are looking to update your septic system, you need certified experts and permits to install. Our team has experience installing a variety of septic systems in residential and commercial properties, taking into consideration the nature of each piece of land and structure. We will help you choose the proper material and size of your septic tank to accommodate the needs and amount of people who will be utilizing it.
Sewer Jetting
During construction, sludge from drywall and other debris can enter your sewer line and cause problems like backups. Before we complete a project, we wash out your sewer pipes with a hydrojet so you can enjoy your new or updated space without experiencing plumbing issues. A hydrojet blasts water at high pressure into the pipes so that all sludge and debris is quickly pushed out, leaving the pipes clear and clean.
Hydro-jetting is a delicate job that can be dangerous, and anyone nearby must wear protective gear. Too much pressure could also cause damage to your pipes, which is why you need someone knowledgeable and experienced in using a hydrojet. Our professional team is experienced at regulating the pressure of the hydrojet to make sure the appropriate amount of pressure is used.
Excavation
A strong and sturdy foundation is crucial for the integrity of your home or building. Our expert team handles all kinds of excavation, from digging out basements to moving topsoil, rock, or muck to make a plot of land suitable for supporting the load of a building.
Before we start an excavation job, we trace the boundary lines and center points on the ground in order to dig out the appropriate amount of area. We use compaction tests to make sure the soil stays firm, and we compact it further if needed. The soil needs to be firm in order to support the structure built upon it. We also dig trenches and tunnels as needed. Along the way, we perform quality checks to make sure everything is going according to plan.
Utilities
We keep all necessary utility companies in the loop during a construction project. Various utilities such as gas, electricity, and plumbing will often become affected during a project. That’s why it’s helpful to have a point person for each utility who we can contact whenever something comes up.
A written description of the work we intend to do and how this work will affect each utility is important in establishing a plan of action with our utility contacts. We keep our contacts in the loop before, during, and after every project so that they feel involved in the job and therefore more responsive if any issues arise. This kind of open communication with utility companies helps the project go smoothly and without preventable delays.
Land Clearing
When starting a new construction project, we first clear the land of vegetation, bushes, and topsoil so we can create an appropriate space for the building to be built. We may also need to remove existing structures and trees, including trees who are outside the building area but whose roots extend into the designated area and may pose a problem in the future. After the land is surveyed, our experts grade the land and handle any issues unique to that property that may arise. This is the time when a septic tank may be installed.
We also work to prevent erosion over time, which can compromise the integrity of the structure. Erosion can be caused by removing vegetation and roots that had been holding soil in place. Our team makes sure the soil remains secure and protected from erosion in the future. We always keep the health of your land in mind, and all our methods for the land clearing process are environmentally-friendly and safe for your property.
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls are needed if you want to build a structure on a piece of land that is elevated off the surrounding land grades. The wall serves to strengthen the elevated land so that the soil does not fall. It also prevents erosion of the soil over time. If your land is like a small hill, you might need a retaining wall to keep everything in place so that the property can be structurally sound and support your home or building.
Retaining walls come in many different materials and styles. All materials are not created equal, however, and you will have to consider not just which material you prefer aesthetically but also which one works best for your property and budget. Some materials, like wood, require regular maintenance and are susceptible to warping over time. Stone is beautiful and can be quite strong assuming it is installed by an experienced professional, such as the ones at DRG Construction. Concrete is likely the most durable and reliable choice. No matter which material you choose, our team will discuss with you how you would like your retaining wall to look so that it becomes part of the curb appeal of your home or building.