Environmental Considerations When Building A Custom Home

January 30, 2024

New rancher-style custom home with blue and beige stucco finish, large windows and deck.

Important Considerations

Being a custom home builder is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also comes with some challenges. An important factor to consider when choosing a lot for your dream home is the geotechnical condition of the site. Different geographic areas have different soil types, groundwater levels, seismic hazards, and other factors that can affect the stability and safety of your foundation and structure. Some of these challenges might only be apparent once you start digging, and they can cause delays, extra costs, and design changes. That’s why it’s important to know what to expect when building in different regions, and how to prepare for potential geotechnical issues. In this blog post, we will dive into the nuances of a custom build on different sites. Below, we will explore some of the common geotechnical challenges that you might encounter in various parts of British Columbia, and how to overcome them.

Site Development in Winter

One of the challenges of building in winter is dealing with the frostline, which is the depth at which the soil freezes. If the frostline is too deep, it could affect the stability and insulation of your foundation. In some areas, such as the northern regions, there is also permafrost, which is soil that remains frozen year-round. Permafrost can cause frost heave, which is the upward movement of the soil due to freezing and thawing cycles. Frost heave can damage your foundation, pipes, and pavement. To avoid these problems, you need to know where the frostline and permafrost are located and design your foundation accordingly. In some cases, you might want to avoid basements altogether. In the Okanagan, the frost penetration (by code) ranges from 24”- 36”, depending which region you are in, so you can still have a basement if you wish.

Custom home, winter scene, white and grey siding with wood finishing.

Debris Clean-Up of Older Homes

Excavator on side at a custom home currently in construction.

Another challenge of rebuilding is dealing with the debris and waste from the previous structures on the site. If you have an older farm or carriage home on your lot, you might need to demolish it and remove the materials. At Brentwell Construction, we have the equipment and expertise to handle any kind of on-site earthworks, including retaining walls, septic systems, road works, and debris cleanup. We can help you clear your site and prepare it for your new custom home in Vernon and surrounding areas while minimizing the environmental footprint and maximizing the recycling potential.

High Elevation Areas

Site Landscaping for Water Management

Landscaping is not only a matter of aesthetics but also a key factor in your site’s water management. How you arrange the plants, soil, and mulch around your house can significantly impact how the water flows and drains. You want to create a balance between the bedding areas and the drainage areas so that the water is distributed evenly and does not accumulate near your foundation. Adequate drainage is important for the long-term integrity of your custom high-performing home.

Landscape walk way at custom home with cedars and wood/bark chips.

Conclusion

A new construction project involves more than just the necessary permits; it requires a proactive approach to site assessments and a keen understanding of probable environmental challenges. By exercising caution before purchasing a lot, you can reduce the likelihood of costly construction complications. With Brentwell’s extensive experience with geotechnical challenges in different areas around Vernon and the Okanagan, you can trust that your home will not only meet the highest safety standards but also be thoughtfully designed for long-term site management and effective environmental risk mitigation. Your dream home is not just a structure; it’s a commitment to lasting quality and sustainable living.

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