Planning the construction of your new home can be incredibly exciting. However, do not let this excitement make you overlook important aspects of the planning process, one of them being a site analysis. A site analysis is not merely carried out to determine the placement of the new home build. This study also provides your architect and contractors with vital information that would help them decide what design would be best for your home. Below are some of the reasons why a site analysis is necessary before home construction.

Establishing the sun path

Before embarking on home building, it is best to determine the average temperature of the location and how the prevailing heat would affect the comfort in your home. During a site analysis, the contractors can establish where the sun path is on your property. By knowing the direction of the sun path, the professionals would then be able to discern which side of your home would be more exposed to this heat, helping them figure out which would be the best orientation for the structure. In relation to the sun path, commonly used spaces such as the living room will be situated away from direct sunlight, which would help in decreasing the household's dependence on artificial cooling. However, if you live in a location that is prone to frigid temperatures, the sun path will be used to ensure maximum thermal gain for your structure.

Establishing wind direction

Wind direction is not something homeowners will consider, as they may not be aware of its importance when it comes to residential construction. If you are looking to erect a building that will be climatologically responsive, wind direction is a crucial aspect to consider as the contractors can ensure the wind is channelled efficiently through the interior of the home. Coastal locations that are exposed to high temperatures and humidity for most times of the year would highly benefit from the placement of openings in different parts of the home that would channel the wind and inadvertently enhance the overall ventilation in the property.

Establishing the soil type

The kind of soil on your site will have a significant impact on the construction of your property because different soils will have their inherent properties. It is essential to bear these properties in mind, as they will dictate the load bearing capacity of the structure, the type of foundation required and more. For example, black cotton soil is ideal for construction when it is in its dry state. But if the black cotton soil is exposed to water for a prolonged period, it expands significantly and could cause movement of your foundation.

Share