Earthworks
The first visible stage of every construction undertaking is earthworks. In order to commence them it is necessary for an authorised surveyor to demarcate the building on the land plot. In the case of a single-family home construction, it is necessary to collect a fertile layer of humus prior to performing an excavation. The thickness of this layer is established individually by the person supervising the earthworks – usually it is from 20 to 30 cm.
The humus is removed from the whole surface intended for the building planned, with an additional 1-metre allowance on each side. The collected soil should be stored on piles away from the location of future excavation. The fertile soil can be used later as a substrate for the planned garden. Leaving the surface layer of soil containing organic remains and fungus spores under the building would expose it to decaying processes and development of mould under the floor layers.
After the humus is removed, it is possible to commence the planned excavation. The parameters thereof are closely related to the construction of the foundation – the works will differ depending on whether the building is seated on a foundation slab or traditional retaining base. The excavation is made down to the building seating depth. In the event an excavator is used, it is recommended to handle the last layer manually in order not to dig in too deep.