Is your business thinking about expanding? If so, you may have been put in charge of building a new building. Even though this can be an exciting process, it is also important for you to make sure you take advantage of building information modeling. There are a lot of factors you need to consider before you break ground. Take a look at a few of the most important points below, and remember to reach out to an expert who can help you make sure you are putting your building in the right location.
Make Sure There Are No Lines Under the Building
If you’re planning any kind of excavation – whether it’s for a construction project, landscaping work, or even just planting a garden – it’s absolutely essential that you first locate any underground utilities that may be in the area. This is because excavating without knowing where these utilities are can result in serious damage or even injuries.
One way to reduce the risk of digging is to locate underground utilities before starting excavation. This will help you avoid digging in areas where utilities are located, which will reduce the risk of hitting utilities during excavation and save you time and money.
There are a few different ways that you can go about locating underground utilities. One is to contact your local utility companies and ask for a “locate request.” This will prompt them to send someone out to mark the approximate location of any utilities in the area. Another option is to use a special utility locator device from GPR services (ground penetrating radar). These devices use electromagnetic waves to detect the presence of underground utilities and are used by professionals as it is a sensitive and intricate process.
Think About the Stability of the Land
Next, you need to think about the stability of the land. Before you start putting your tools in the ground, make sure the ground can actually support the building. Think about how tall the building is, and consider the total weight. Then, take a look at the type of soil you are digging through. How sturdy is the land? For example, if the land is too soft, it may not be strong enough to support the pillars you put in the ground. As a result, the instant you start building, the ground may start to shift. This can make it nearly impossible to put a building in that location. You may need to make some alterations to the land before you can finish the project.
Consider Expansion Opportunities
Finally, you also need to think about expansion opportunities. Even though the building might be big enough for your purposes right now, there is a chance that it may get larger in the future. If your needs start to change, can you expand the building relatively early? What does the land look like around your building? If the land is not safe for you to expand the building, you may want to pick a different location. That way, you know you will be set up for success in the future. Think about what might happen if you have to expand the building down the road. Make sure the land is able to support this.
Always Model the Area Before Moving Forward
These are a few of the most important factors you need to think about if you are thinking about putting up a new building in the near future. There are a lot of companies that are looking to expand right now, but you need to make sure you put your building in the right location. If you take the time to consider the benefits and drawbacks of each option, you can increase your chances of the project’s success. If you need help evaluating the land, reach out to an expert who can help you during the planning process. If you take the time to plan the building now, you can avoid serious issues in the future.
