Preparing To Build on a Slope

Build

Building any type of home takes a lot of preparation. That is especially true when your home is being built on a slope. Whether you are in the mountains or by the coast, a home built on a slope has the best view and also some protection from heat and wind. There are definitely challenges with this type of location. Be sure to ask your builder about some of these common issues.

Assessability

Building a home requires a lot of equipment and materials which need to go somewhere. Usually, homes built in hilly or mountainous areas have limited space around them to park vehicles and stack lumber. Think ahead to where these things will go. Also, determine if the roads and driveway can support trucks that will need access to the building site. You may need to transport some materials using a barge if you are near the water. If that is not an option, then you may have to arrange for crane installation Nashville TN. Cranes can sit on nearby open ground and transport materials into tight spaces.

Drainage

Rainwater runs down slopes, and if you aren’t careful it can flood or wipe out your home. This is a major factor with homes built on the side of mountains. Have a plan for how run-off will be diverted away from your home’s foundation. Subsurface water is also a concern. Speak with a contractor about whether a french drain or sump pump will be required to keep your home and yard dry.

Foundation

The complex foundations required to build on a slope can be expensive. This is because more material is needed to secure the foundation, and builders will have to dig deeper to make sure the home is secure. Some common methods include using stilts or cutting and filling the ground on the building site. Builders may need to blast or cut bedrock to secure the foundation. A strong foundation is the most important concern when building on a slope.…