Exterior Details
Initial Construction: Foundation
The initial step in the home building process is to survey the site. This helps the homeowner place the house and maintain the correct distance from property lines. The excavator will remove surface soil a couple of feet wider than the actual perimeter of the foundation to allow workers room to move around the area. Typically a structural engineer considers the soil, the frost line and the height of the water table to determine the depth. Once the excavator has completed digging, concrete pathways called footings are poured and allowed to harden. On top of the footings the walls of the foundation are “formed up” and are poured with concrete. The forms are removed once the concrete cures. Foundation insulation, drain tiles, plumbing groundwork, prep for any radiant heat, sewer and water laterals, and waterproofing should be done at this time. A sump pump is required for an area where the soil tends to be wet. After the framing and decking have started, the basement floor is usually poured, which helps stabilize the base of the foundation walls. Then, soil is used to “backfill” around the foundation exterior. Since the excavator comes back on site, this is a great time to rough grade the driveway, add layers of gravel to it, and add a culvert pipe as part of your erosion control plan.
Erosion Control
Before construction takes place, the homebuilder needs to formulate an Erosion and Sediment Control plan (ESC) for the construction process. This plan describes what forms of erosion control you will utilize, whether mulching, sediment ponds, silt fences, temporary seeding, tracking pads, etc.
Runoff rainwater and melted snow accumulate pollutants such as sediment, oil, grease, fertilizer and other chemicals. In addition to contaminating drinking water, it damages the aquatic habitat of many plants and animals. For this reason you will also need a stormwater management plan for long term rainfall control. This plan must be specifically geared toward your particular property and detail what practices you will utilize. Grass swales, infiltration devices and areas, vegetative buffers and wet detention basins are different options you can employ.
Waterproofing
Basement waterproofing is one of the wisest investments for you home. It provides a healthier environment, more living and storage space, and increased property value, while helping you prevent damage to your home.
Prevent water problems before they occur by waterproofing during the building process, whether in new construction or a home remodel. Cracks in concrete are common. Waterproofing will help ensure any cracks that occur will not lead to moisture-related problems in the future. Even in existing homes with moisture problems or with signs of seepage, a waterproof professional can help.
Because there are a variety of methods, such as interior and exterior drain tile, spray on liquid waterproofing, interior wall edge drainage strips, hydrostatic pressure relief systems, crack repair, window wells and down, it is best to discuss your options with the local professionals. They are trained to recommend a practical and economical solution for your particular situation.
Septic System
Households not on a public sewer line need a septic system to remove their wastewater. The septic system is a wastewater recycling system. It uses the natural soil to treat the wastewater before restoring it to the groundwater basin. Septic systems are composed of a pipe from the house, a tank, a drainfield, and soil.
After you test the soil, consult with your builder to decide where to place the septic tank and drainfield. If building in Dane County, you must pick out an alternate septic placement site. The house must be at least five feet from the tank and ten feet from the drainfield. Your water well should be at least 25 feet from the tank and 50 feet from the drainfield. The size of your septic tank and drainfield depends on the size of your house. Typically, the baseline is a 1,000-gallon tank for a 3-bedroom house.
Once you have figured out where to place your septic system, you need to obtain the proper permits. The septic and driveway placement permits are the first to obtain—even before the zoning and building permits.
Read the instruction manuals for information on how to properly care for your septic system. Proper maintenance is an essential part of getting the most out of your drainfield and preventing your septic system from backing up. In Dane County it is mandatory to have your system inspected and/or pumped every three years.
