Note: Prior to any work on a new foundation, the builder will meet with Shepherd Excavating’s project manager to review the plans & permits, as well as set the grade before the process begins. Before this meeting we ask that the house be staked and all permits be acquired. Once this meeting takes place the builder will be advised on a regular basis as to our progress and may participate as much or as little as desired.
Step One:
Generally, the first crew on the job will be our excavation crew. This crew will install the sanitary sewer lateral (if public sewer service is available), as well as excavate the basement, garage, and porch.
Step Two:
The second crew will verify the grade set and set up the footing forms. The governing municipality will inspect the footings once the forms are in place. Then we pour the footing.
Step Three:
The wall crew will verify the grade set and layout of the footings and proceed with forming walls. Rebar is installed as per engineered wall drawings, ledges and windows are installed, sleeves are set for plumbing, and the walls are poured. The following day, forms are stripped and the foundation is re-checked for square, plumb and level. The timing of this phase depends on the size of the foundation.
Step Four:
Our waterproofing crew will arrive the day after the forms are stripped to apply the specified water-proofing product and install insulation if required.
Step Five:
The perimeter stone crew will install the drainage system, which consists of the drain tile, and gravel around the exterior of the foundation. If you chose to have flatwork included with the package we will also install the interior drain tile and prep the basement slab. Porches and garages are filled with stone at this time as per code.
Step Six:
One of our skilled dozer operators will backfill your foundation and rough grade the site for proper drainage. Typically three grades are included with the grading package. The first trip is to backfill and rough grade, the second to cut walks, drive, and rough grade, and the last trip to the site is for a final rough grade. When the final rough grade is complete we ask you to review the site for proper drainage requirements.
Step Seven:
Water and gas services are installed. This is done as soon after backfill as possible. This allows the utility trenches plenty of time to settle during the remainder of the construction process.
Step Eight:
Flatwork will be installed as your scheduling permits. Keep in mind Shepherd Excavating offers a variety of concrete finishes. These finishes include a standard broom or trowel finish to colored, stamped and stained finishes.
