Ground Up Construction Sitework Basics: Utilities, Stormwater, and Soil Prep

Before the concrete trucks arrive and the building starts to look “real,” the job has already begun. On ground-up construction projects, the work under your feet decides how smooth the rest of the build will go. That’s where sitework comes in, including key details like stormwater and soil prep.

At Emgee Contracting, we treat this phase like the backbone of the project, because mistakes here don’t stay hidden for long. In this guide, we’ll break down the basics in simple terms, so you know what’s happening on your site and why it matters.

Key Takeaways

Here are the main things we want you to walk away with before we get into the steps:

• Sitework sets the tone. If the ground isn’t shaped and prepped right, everything after it becomes harder and slower.

• Utilities demand accuracy. Correct depths, slopes, and placement help avoid conflicts and keep inspections moving.

• Stormwater and soil prep control prevents headaches. Managing runoff protects the site, reduces erosion, and prevents water from pooling near the building.

• Soil prep is about stability. A site can look smooth but still fail if the base isn’t compacted properly.

• Good sequencing saves time. Doing each step in the right order reduces rework and schedule delays.

From Dirt to Foundation: Utilities, Stormwater, and Soil Prep Step-by-Step

Step 1: Layout, Utility Marks, And Access Planning

Before the movement of dirt, first ensure the site is ready. Good planning keeps the job organized, safe, and on schedule. This step involves layout details confirmation and prep for excavation and underground work.

Here’s what we focus on early:

• Layout stakes and reference points for the building pad and key areas.

• Utility marking coordination to avoid surprises.

• Equipment access routes for trucks and machines.

• Staging areas for soil, stone, and materials.

Step 2: Removing Topsoil and Unusable Material

Once the layout is set, the team starts clearing and stripping to reach solid ground. Topsoil may be good for landscaping, but it can hold moisture and shift under slabs and foundations, which can create problems during stormwater and soil prep.

To get the site ready, this step usually includes:

• Vegetation and debris clearance from the build zone.

• Stripping of topsoil to expose stable material below.

• Separation of reusable material for later finishing work.

Step 3: Rough Grading and Excavation

This is when the site begins to take shape. Rough grading helps guide water flow and forms the building area. Then, excavation takes place for what the project needs, including foundation zones, trenches, and site cuts.

A smart rough grade and excavation phase usually includes:

• Cut and fill work to level the site.

• Building pad shaping to match planned elevations.

• Trenching and excavation zones based on layout.

• Material handling to keep work clean and efficient.

This is also where the weather starts to matter. Wet soil behaves differently from dry soil, which can slow progress, so good planning through design-build services can help keep things organized.

Step 4: Installing Underground Lines the Right Way

Once underground utilities are covered, changes are costly. We install each system to meet code, pass inspection, and work long-term. Every line must be placed at the correct depth, route, and location, and some require specific slope or protection, especially when it ties into stormwater and soil prep planning.

Common underground utility work can include:

• Water service lines for building supply.

• Sanitary sewer lines with proper pitch for flow.

• Electrical and communication conduits as needed.

• Gas connection coordination when included.

Step 5: Controlling Stormwater Runoff Before It Becomes a Problem

Stormwater is often ignored until water starts pooling, washing out soil, or turning the site into mud. In many ground-up construction projects, stormwater control is required for approvals and inspections.

Depending on the build, stormwater work may include:

• Catch basins and storm inlets to collect runoff.

• Storm piping to move water to the planned system.

• Dry wells or infiltration systems where allowed.

• Drainage routing away from building and access areas.

Step 6: Soil Prep and Compaction

Soil prep makes sure the ground can support the structure long-term. This step is about stability, not appearance. Weak or wet soil can settle later, causing cracks or uneven surfaces.

To prep soil correctly, the focus is on:

• Removing soft spots and unsuitable material.

• Using the right fill when native soil is not stable.

• Compacting in controlled layers for a firm base.

• Building base layers for concrete and paving areas.

Compaction helps keep the site solid and works hand in hand with stormwater and soil prep.

Step 7: Fine Grading, Inspections, And Final Site Readiness

Fine grading matters because small slope changes affect drainage and concrete results. We also confirm everything is inspection-ready before anything gets covered or poured.

To wrap up sitework, we focus on:

• Final shaping of grades to move water away from the building.

• Backfill completion around trenches and installed systems.

• Inspection coordination based on project requirements.

• Site readiness checks to prevent delays.

The 3 Biggest Sitework Problems (And How to Avoid Them Early)

Problem #1: Water Takes Over the Jobsite

A site doesn’t need to flood to cause trouble. Standing water can slow work and weaken the ground, especially during active commercial construction sitework.

When water sits on the work area, it can lead to:

• Mud and ruts that block equipment.

• Soft soil that won’t compact.

• Erosion that damages grades.

Problem #2: Utility Conflicts Show Up Too Late

Utility mistakes can quickly delay a project, especially once foundation work begins. These issues can also throw off the schedule and sequencing for stormwater and soil prep.

Late conflicts often come from:

• Incorrect line placement.

• Mismatched elevations.

• Routes that clash with building areas.

Problem #3: The Settlement Shows Up After the Concrete Is Poured

Settlement happens when the ground shifts later, leading to cracks or uneven areas.

It usually happens when:

• Soil was left too loose.

• The wrong base material was used.

• Moisture was not handled before finishing work.

Conclusion

If you’re planning a ground-up build, sitework is the part you don’t want to gamble with. Because it can show up later as drainage problems, utility fixes, or uneven surfaces that cost real money to correct. That’s why we focus on doing sitework the right way from the start, with solid planning, accurate installs, and proper stormwater and soil prep.

If you’re getting ready for a ground-up project in Bohemia or the nearby Long Island areas, reach out to us to plan the scope and timeline of your construction.

FAQs

1.      What is “sitework” in ground-up construction?

Sitework is the preparatory work before construction begins, including grading, excavation, utilities, stormwater systems, and soil compaction to support foundations and paving.

2.      What is stormwater management on a construction site?

Stormwater management controls rain runoff using drainage systems like inlets, piping, and infiltration methods so water doesn’t pool, erode soil, or damage work areas.

3.      What causes a site to stay muddy during construction?

Poor drainage, heavy rain, and soft soil can hold water. Proper grading and stormwater routing help keep the work zone stable and support cleaner stormwater and soil prep work.

4.      How do you know if the soil is too weak for construction?

Soft spots, rutting, or pumping water are warning signs. When needed, the area is corrected by removing bad material and rebuilding the base properly.