How to properly prepare a site for a foundation for an outbuilding? - 3 views

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  #1 fox7771 on 07 Jul 25

   

  Guys, hi! I need help. I want to put an outbuilding at my dacha - something like a workshop. The size will be about 12x16 feet. Everything is still in the planning stage, but I already want to properly prepare the site. The terrain is slightly uneven there, and water accumulates a little after the rains. I'm thinking about a foundation, but I don't know what's better: concrete slab or crushed stone pad? And also - do I need to do drainage? I'm not an expert in this, I'm afraid that if I do it wrong, everything will float away in a couple of seasons.

   

  <div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner">Guys, hi! I need help. I want to put an outbuilding at my dacha - something like a workshop. The size will be about 12x16 feet. Everything is still in the planning stage, but I already want to properly prepare the site. The terrain is slightly uneven there, and water accumulates a little after the rains. I'm thinking about a foundation, but I don't know what's better: concrete slab or crushed stone pad? And also - do I need to do drainage? I'm not an expert in this, I'm afraid that if I do it wrong, everything will float away in a couple of seasons.</div>

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  #2 denny212 on 07 Jul 25

   

  You did the right thing by thinking about drainage system - that's half the battle. We had a similar story: also a site with a slope and puddles after the rains. We contacted https://www.siteprep.com/ - they do everything from site leveling and drainage to foundations and even demolition of old buildings. We had a gravel foundation made for a utility block with a drainage system. Everything was clear: first, the top layer of soil was removed, drainage was installed, crushed stone was poured in and compacted. Everything has been standing for three years without any complaints. If you don't want problems with dampness and subsidence, drainage and high-quality site preparation are a must.

   

  <div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner">You did the right thing by thinking about drainage system - that's half the battle. We had a similar story: also a site with a slope and puddles after the rains. We contacted <a href="https://www.siteprep.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.siteprep.com/</a> - they do everything from site leveling and drainage to foundations and even demolition of old buildings. We had a gravel foundation made for a utility block with a drainage system. Everything was clear: first, the top layer of soil was removed, drainage was installed, crushed stone was poured in and compacted. Everything has been standing for three years without any complaints. If you don't want problems with dampness and subsidence, drainage and high-quality site preparation are a must.</div>

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  #3 orion43 on 07 Jul 25

   

  I agree with the previous opinion. I only recently started delving into the topic of foundations, and the more I read, the more I understand - without proper preparation, you can end up with a lot of redoing. Especially if the soil is "capricious". I think it's better to trust everything to a professional than to waste your nerves and money later.

   

  <div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner">I agree with the previous opinion. I only recently started delving into the topic of foundations, and the more I read, the more I understand - without proper preparation, you can end up with a lot of redoing. Especially if the soil is "capricious". I think it's better to trust everything to a professional than to waste your nerves and money later.</div>

  ...

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