Site evaluation checklist: Considerations for property selection
1. Poor soil condition
- Assess soil conditions to avoid underestimating construction costs.
- Early discovery of weak soil conditions is vital for accurate planning.
- Weak soil conditions might necessitate reconsidering site selection due to foundation design implications.
- Conduct comprehensive soil testing and analysis to identify potential issues such as soil instability, compaction, or poor drainage.
- Determine the feasibility of soil improvement methods, such as compaction of soil replacement, to ensure safe and stable construction.
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2. Rock
- Identify the presence of bedrock or rocky formations on the property.
- Assess the impact of rock formations on excavation, foundation construction, and overall project costs.
- Geotechnical engineer provides information on rock type and location.
- Consider potential rock removal methods like grading or blasting for subterranean construction.
3. Underground water
- Identify water table locations to plan foundation and underground construction.
- Consider floodplains and wetlands for accurate foundation costs.
- Special waterproofing methods might be needed to mitigate water presence.
- Perform hydrogeological studies to understand the depth and movement of groundwater on the site.
- Evaluate potential impacts on foundation stability, excavation, and drainage systems.
4. Surface water
- Analyze surface water sources, including rivers, streams, and ponds, to assess flood risk and drainage patterns.
- Consider implementing proper drainage systems to manage surface water and prevent flooding on the property.
- Control water flow to prevent property and adjacent property damage.
- Incorporate water management features in site planning for marketing or functional purposes.
5. Mines
- Detects the presence of underground mines before purchase.
- Account for the costs of filling mines with proper soil if they exist.
6. Land restrictions and covenants
- Review legal documents and land records to identify land use restrictions, easements, or covenants that might affect development plans.
- Determine how these restrictions might impact the project’s design, layout, or potential uses.
- Consider historical ownership and potential restrictions from the past.
7. Boundary and topographical surveys
- Obtain accurate boundary and topographical surveys before master planning.
- Boundary survey provides property boundaries and relationships with neighbours.
- A topographical survey gives elevations, contours, and critical site features.
- Use these surveys to inform site planning, design and to identify potential challenges.
8. Environmental assessment studies
- Conduct thorough environmental site assessments (Phase I and potentially Phase II) to identify contamination risks or hazardous materials.
- Determine the need for remediation measures and potential costs.