02 Site Utilities & Demolition

Introduction

This list of selections serves as a supplement to the Construction Documents (CD’s). Some of the selections below may be difficult to find or omitted on the CD’s. Check the CD’s for consistency with this list. Clarify with your contractor which document takes precedence for any inconsistencies.

 

Principal & Accessory Structures

Your site plan should show the outline of your property, principal structure (house) and accessory structures. The location of accessory structures may have an impact on the location of your house. Verify relavent items below are shown on your site plan, even if they are in a future construction phase:

            __ House                                             __ Detached garage

__ Detached storage building                        __ Pool House

__ Attached Covered Porch                __ Detached Covered Porch/Pergola

 

Site Grading

If your property has significant slope to it, you may require the services of a civil engineer. A civil engineer can produce a topographical (topo) survey which shows the existing contours and ground elevations. A civil engineer can also produce a grading plan which shows the proposed changes to the existing contours.

 

The topo survey will help you to verify if you can achieve a walk-out basement without expensive retaining walls and manipulation of the existing soils. The grading plan, which is required by some municipalities, will ensure proper drainage around your house and any accessory buildings or amenities.

 

Amenities & Significant Site Features

It is wise to show amenities and significant site features on a current or “future” site plan, since they may impact where you decide to locate your house and accessory structures. Verify which items below you want to implement at your property:

            __ Pool                                                __ Driveway

            __ Uncovered patio                            __ Landscaping

            __ Fire Pit                                            __ Retaining walls

__ Other: __________

 

Selection For Utilities:

Determine whether you will use any of the following utilities / systems:

__ Electrical Power

__ Natural gas

__ Municipal Water

__ Well water

__ Geothermal

__Municipal sanitary

__ Septic

 

Demolition Plan:

A demolition plan is often completed for an addition or renovation project. It shows all existing items that need to be removed, which may include the following: foundations, walls, floors, roofs, plumbing fixtures, cabinets/countertops etc. Keep in mind that plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems may be hidden behind existing walls and ceilings.

 

In addition to walls and other large demo items mentioned above, check for the following miscellaneous items that may need to be removed in order to accommodate an addition or renovation:

__ exterior outlets                                          __ exterior lights

__ wall/roof vents                                           __ downspouts

__ hose bibs                                                    __ steps

__ AC condenser                                             __ gas meter

__ electrical meter

Sign Up for Full Access

 

Introduction

Proper drainage away from your house and at accessory structures or significant amenities is one of the most important issues to manage. You may benefit from a drainage plan completed by a civil engineer. If you have a relatively flat site with no accessory structures or amenities, you may not need a drainage plan.

 

Scope Of Work For Excavation, adding or removing earth

  1. Stake out lot
  2. Determine location of construction entrance
  3. Determine how much of site is to be cleared.
  4. Identify existing trees and any other items to be saved.
  5. Determine location of stockpile for stripped topsoil.

 

Scope Of Work For Utilities

  1. Call 811. 811 is the national call-before-you-dig phone number to request marking approximate location of buried utilities so you don’t unintentionally dig into an underground utility line.
  2. Determine how many underground trenches are required. Typically the domestic water has its own trench because it is lower than gas and electric. It is common for gas, electric and cable to be located in one trench.
  3. Determine where your storm water will go. If there is a municipal storm water pipe at the road, you will most likely want to connect to it. If not, you should try to extend an underground storm drain far away from the house to prevent a “wet” basement.
  4. You may find that some utilities conflict with the location of a proposed addition. Some utilities may need to be re-routed.
  5. Make sure utilities are disconnected prior to any demolition work.
  6. For additions, determine if an existing storm drain from your house to the road exists. If not, your municipality may require you to install a new one.

 

Scope Of Work For Demolition (common for additions & renovations)

  1. Determine size of dumpster and location on site.
  2. Review demolition plan with your contractor(s).
  3. Coordinate demolition by different trades. For instance, a general demolition contractor may be suited to remove the structural wall and the roof but not the electrical system within. Consider asking your electrician and plumber to perform select demolition prior to, or at the same time as, general demolition.
  4. Review method for temporary bracing of existing structure above and load bearing walls that are to be removed.
  5. Review any existing items you wish to be salvaged.