How to prepare the plot for foundation digging

Foundation digging goes fast and costs little when the plot is ready. Here is what to check before the machine arrives and what comes after the digging.

1. Paperwork

Digging for a new building is done under the building permit. See Permits and approvals you need before digging.

2. Setting-out

The foundation outline and levels are marked on site, usually by a surveyor, following the design. With the setting-out done, the operator starts straight away, with no hours lost.

3. Access for the machine

• the mini excavator fits through a gate of about 2 m;
• the large excavators come on a trailer: the access road must take the truck;
• clear away materials, cars and anything that could get in the way.

4. Utilities on the plot

Find out whether pipes or cables (water, gas, power, sewer) cross the plot and mark them. The operator digs carefully in marked areas, but cannot guess an unmarked line.

5. Topsoil stripping

The top layer of soil is removed and kept separately: it is useful at the end, for the garden. On large areas, stripping is faster with the bulldozer.

6. Where the soil goes

Decide in advance where the excavated soil goes: on site, for backfill, or into a tipper truck. Soil piled too close to the edge of the excavation can make the sides collapse.

7. After digging

Before concrete is poured, the formation is checked by specialists (usually the geotechnical engineer and the site supervisor), who confirm that the depth and the ground match the design.

Ready to dig? Pick the machine and the period in the calendar or call +40 744 66 77 33. See also What digging a house foundation costs.