When you are looking to purchase or develop a plot of land, it is a good idea to consult with professionals who can tell you what types of water drainage issues you might be facing, where the property lines are and much more. These pros are Civil Engineers and can provide much more information than a standard inspection can, information to help you decide whether you want to make the purchase and if your development plans are solid.
Assess the Property
Some standard civil engineering services from firms include existing conditions studies, site and grading plans, and erosion and settlement control plans. These services can help you determine what problems a building is likely to face on the property and what some solutions could be. For instance, an existing conditions study can determine whether the property is prone to flooding, and an engineer can plan the grading you need to fix it.
Evaluate the Design
Once you have found where to build a home or business, it is time to design it. You can work with an architect or civil engineer to develop this design or evaluate an existing plan regarding the property’s current conditions. This can help you spot problems before it is too late to fix them, such as extending the garage over the property line or having improper support for the second floor.
Secure the Materials
Civil engineers are not generally in the habit of ordering construction materials, but they can help you determine which ones will give you the most benefit for the costs and which ones will not hold up to the quality needed for the building. This becomes especially important when you need to support the weight of multiple floors with an open-concept living or retail space on the main floor, as support beams will need to be strong but lightweight.
Civil engineering firms offer many benefits to those starting residential or commercial development projects and can provide services throughout the project. They can survey the current property conditions, help you evaluate designs and materials, and even survey the finished project.