Planning and Site Design
Planning and site design tasks are very important to do FIRST so you can avoid costly mistakes. Typical errors include property line set-back limits and other zoning and township or county regulations. Let BedRock Siteworks help you identify requirements for permitting and zoning for your township or county.
General Progression of Requirements
There are a basic set of requirements that must be considered for every excavation project. They are:
- Investigate all possible zoning issues for your location
- Apply for a zoning or building permit
- Generate engineered structural plans for retaining walls (typically when higher than 3-4 feet)
- Address storm water issues and requirements
Each of these must be considered and evaluated to keep your project on time and within the regulations and requirements of your municipality.
Example Process Drawings
This section shows a progression of an excavation project from a planning and design map through the excavation and construction process.
Property Map with Site Design Overlay
Use of an overhead property map helps to view property areas where a set-back may come into play and also can be used to identify wetlands and other important features including ground slope.
Overhead View of Construction Site
West Looking View of Construction Site
Completed Satellite View with Design Overlay
Excavating and Site Preparation
Some amount of excavating is required on all construction and foundation projects. BedRock Siteworks is experienced in both small and large excavating and site preparation requirements.
BedRock Siteworks can help design the site for you to accommodate the structure of your choice. Or, if your design is already completed, we are happy to be your excavating contractor. Either way, we excavate and prepare the ground according to plan so you can be confident when your builders arrive, the site is completely ready for them to get right to work.
Site preparation is often a two step process. The first step includes excavation to level the site and after the structure is built, we return to perform the second step, final grading. Final grading helps to ensure proper drainage, and to divert surface water away from the building.
Regardless of the use for your building, BedRock Siteworks helps you make the right choices.
Site Grading
Whether you are building a structure or just changing the grade to make a property more useful, we can help your excavation project succeed. Rest assured we are familiar with your local regulations for building and storm water requirements.
More information about site grading…
Agricultural Excavation Projects
Agricultural excavation projects can include: pole barns, garages, barndominiums, horse barns, equine arenas or other equestrian buildings, sheds and other agricultural uses. BedRock Siteworks is experienced with agricultural project’s special requirements for storm water retention and maximum acceptable grade.
More information on agricultural excavation projects…
Retaining Walls
The primary purpose of a retaining wall is to prevent erosion and to increase and enhance your usable space. Every retaining wall is under constant pressure, so designing and building the wall correctly is vital. At BedRock Siteworks, we back fill with stone, add a drainpipe, and then cross-brace the wall. This process gives the wall extra strength, carries water away, and lengthens the useful life.
Note that there may be an engineered structural plan requirement for retaining walls. This is typically when walls are higher than 3-4 feet.
Our Retaining Wall Options
Redi-rock Retaining Wall
A Redi-rock wall utilizes gravity to keep the wall in place and without movement over time. The Redi-rock blocks are available with different textures.
Grand Ledge Retaining Wall
The Grand ledge retaining wall is a non-masonry dry laid wall with a natural boulder look. It greatly increases yard space and minimizes erosion.
Concrete Block Retaining Wall
Block retaining walls are used when height varies with length. They can be built stronger by filling hollow block cavities with concrete. It can also be dressed with a stone veneer for a more natural look.
Treated Timber Retaining Wall
Timber retaining walls can be built quickly and in many different shapes and depths. When the retaining wall height is tall, cross timbers are used to anchor the wall so it is sturdy and has a longer life.
Stone Base Foundations and Pads
In most cases, it’s recommended that a wood floor structure rest’s on a stone base pad. However, if you’re looking for concrete to be your floor, check out our concrete foundation options. Then choose from Basic, Standard, or Signature stone foundation designs; each with better containment and longevity options. In some cases a retaining wall may be needed to extend or to level your site.
Stone Base Foundation Options
Signature Stone Base Foundation
The Signature stone base foundation pad has a border of 6” X 6” pressure-treated wood secured with ½” X 24” steel rebar and 3/8” x 10” stainless steel structural screws. They create a distinct perimeter around your structure. Geotextile fabric within the border stabilizes the stone and prevents weed growth. Stainless steel corner braces ensure that the foundation remains square and that the timbers do not pull apart over time. The Signature is our best and most durable option and has a 10-year guarantee.
Standard Stone Base Foundation
This containment design includes a border of 6” X 6” pressure-treated wood secured with ½” X 24” steel rebar that creates a distinct perimeter around the structure. Geotextile fabric within the border stabilizes the stone and prevents weed growth. Six inches of drain stone insures quick drainage and a dry floor so that your structure remains level and stable. It comes with a 5 year guarantee for any settling or drainage issues.
Basic Stone Base Foundation
This concrete-free foundation provides a stable stone base pad for the least cost. An earthen berm contains the drainage stone. This method can be susceptible to erosion and settling with the passage of seasons. This type foundation may be appropriate in wooded areas and spaces where a structure is not frequently utilized.