Factors You Need to Understand When Building on a Sloping Block

Construction on a sloping block is difficult. It would require creative and innovative thinking from your contractor to ensure a great outcome. You, on the other hand, would need to spend a lot of time and money just to make this project possible. You also need to understand the following factors when you decide to build on a sloping block.

Slope Direction

One main consideration in slope construction is the direction of the slope. There are some pieces of land that are sloped upwards, which rise from the road. Others, on the other hand, are sloped downwards, facing away from the road. Additionally, some land can slope from side to side. If you own an upslope site, then expect it to be more expensive to build than other slope directions as it requires more cut and fill. Cut and fill is a process of levelling out the land by cutting away some earth materials on the high side and transferring them to the low side.

Severity of the Slope

Aside from slope direction, it is also important to consider the severity of the slope gradient. This factor can give you and your contractors an idea on how to effectively design your home that is suitable to the site. If your slope has an incline that is less than 2 metres of fall, then it is easier to build a house on. Alternatively, a slope with more than 2 metres of fall would require more skills and knowledge to effectively build a home.

Ground Conditions

Another important factor in building on a sloping block is your ground condition. Slopes may have different elements compared to their flat counterparts, so your contractor must check what’s underneath them. They must figure out the stability of the ground to be built on. Elements such as high-water tables in the soil, deep tree roots, and soil properties must be assessed carefully. The abundance of moisture in the soil can cause dampness and put pressure on your structure, while any presence of rock in the surface soil can be difficult for excavation.

Climate and Vegetation

The climate of your site is crucial to your home. The wind direction and exposure, solar orientation, and average rainfall amount are only a few of many factors that are related to the climate and weather conditions of your structure location. If the rainfall amount in the area is heavy, then there might be a risk of flooding and erosion in the future. Extreme heat can also subject your surrounding areas to bush fires, especially if you are located near the forests or woodlands.

Another thing that can effectively determine your climate is the presence of some types of plants around and on your site. Some plants can only survive under a specific type of climate. These plants are crucial since they can stabilise a slope or cause issues because of their root placement. They can also affect your overall view and shade, so use them wisely.

Access Points

One vital aspect of construction on a sloping site is access points. Determining access areas on your site can make sure that cars and pedestrians can still get to your property easily and safely. Access points can also help you figure out the optimal position for your driveway and other entryways.

Water Pathways

From the access above, it is also important for your property to have adequate access and pathways for your underground and accumulated water. The water around structural components of your home can cause erosion and other damaging effects if they are left untouched for a long time. You should always consider ways to efficiently redirect the water from stormwater pits, tanks, or drainage corridors out of your property.

Knowing these factors can help you assess if your sloping block is ready for home construction. Fortunately, we at IKE Building Pty Ltd can make your dream home possible. Get in touch with us today so that we can guide you on the next steps of sloping block construction.