Building Addition Placement

One of the first considerations when planning an addition for an existing structure is to examine the land on which you will build.  Drainage is key to the building process.  Utility placement is also very important.

Dirt work may be required if the natural slop of your land flows toward the existing structure.  It will be worth the cost of hiring an excavator to shape your building site if you lack the equipment and or expertise.

You will want to create a drainage so that water will flow away from the structure when there is a big rain fall or snow melt.  Water that is not properly drained will compromise the ground around the foundations of your structure.  This may lead to a sinking foundation and the building floor and walls will crack and sink with time.  Parts of your structure may be forced to carry unintended loads.  Another result that is often evidence of a sinking foundation occurs when doors don’t fit their archway after some time. 

Bad drainage is a problem easily avoided at the beginning of any building project.  On the other hand, it can be extremely cumbersome and costly to fix later on.

Utility placement is the second consideration when building onto an existing structure.  Take note of where power, sewer and water lines enter and exit the existing building.

Weather or not to build over an existing waterline is a common question.  The pipe used for the waterline should be examined before proceeding with any building project over and existing line.  If a schedule forty PVC pipe has been used the project should be good to go.  Be leery and take the time and expense necessary if you find a lighter walled pipe was used.

Drainage off the roof of the building is just as important to think about as well.  Make sure there are no places for standing water to pool or collect on the roof.  Once again, all water should drain away from the top of the building.  Roof lines should match and demonstrate a progressive flow of any natural moisture.

Simple steps to insure proper drainage during the early phase of the building process ensures a successful project in years to come.