Determining Site Constructability
Three Determing Factors
Commercial development is an exercise in risk management. Considering lenders, developers, owners and contractors, anyone with skin in the game doesn't want to deal with schedule delays, cost overruns, claims or disputes.
In our experience, all sites are buildable; it's often just a matter of cost. Conventional construction methods may be hindered by many factors. If undetected, these factors could have a huge negative effect on budget, schedule, or even the feasibility of the project to advance as planned or at all.
Subsurface Soil Conditions
Soil conditions can vary widely from site to site, or even across a single site. As time goes on, it seems like all of the sites with suitable soils have already been developed. A geotechnical exploration can help determine the properties of the soil at your site, and how best to proceed. Many times, problem soils can be improved, removed and replaced, or a deep foundation system can be designed and installed to support the construction.
Groundwater Level
Many sites in northern Michigan have a high water table, which can cause problems during development. Groundwater conditions are also investigated as part of a geotechnical exploration, which allows us to offer construction considerations and solutions upfront, rather than after the excavation or worse, the basement, has flooded.
Wetlands
Wetlands are present at many sites, and sometimes, they're not obvious. The discovery of wetlands on a site after plans are drawn and construction started can be disastrous. Including a wetland delineation with your environmental due diligence will aide in determining constructability, as well as protect the environment and your bottom line.
Gosling Czubak has worked with developers, contractors, owners and lenders throughout northern Michigan. To learn more about foundation solutions and development due dligience, contact us at info@goslingczubak.com
Want more news like this? Sign up for our newsletter!