Building Pads

Precision requirements depend on the structure. A poured concrete foundation requires very precise grades — typically within a fraction of an inch. A gravel pad for a pole barn or machine shed has more tolerance but still needs to be properly crowned for drainage and compacted to support the structure. We discuss the requirements for your specific project during the estimate.

Compaction is the process of mechanically densifying the soil or gravel base to reduce voids and increase load-bearing capacity. Improperly compacted fill will settle over time, causing foundations to crack, floors to heave, and structures to shift. We use plate compactors and roller compactors to achieve proper compaction in lifts, and we can provide compaction testing documentation if required.

For most residential and agricultural structures in western Ohio, a soil test is not required. However, if you're building on fill, in a low-lying area, or on a site with questionable soil conditions, a geotechnical investigation may be advisable. We'll flag any concerns we observe during the site visit.

Yes. Building on sloped ground typically requires cut-and-fill work — cutting into the high side and using that material to fill the low side. This needs to be done carefully to ensure the fill is properly compacted and the drainage is managed. We've built hundreds of pads on sloped sites throughout the region.

A typical residential building pad can be prepared in one to three days, depending on site conditions and the amount of cut-and-fill required. Larger commercial pads may take longer. We provide a time estimate along with the cost estimate.