Building on a sloped site is something less experienced builders may advise against. This type of build comes with a few challenges (many unforeseen), that can quickly put pressure on both your budget and your timeline.

But while these challenges may seem tricky to overcome, an experienced builder can help you work through these and take advantage of all the benefits sloping sites have to offer – largely incredible views of your surrounds.

Here we’re going to take a look at some of the challenges you may face when building on a sloping site and how to mitigate the impacts.

Differing Site Levels

As a sloping site will naturally have varying levels across the block, building a level, or flat, home means your builder will be required to carry out additional earth and site works. This may include significant cut and fill – moving soil from one side of the site to the other to create a flat surface. Your builder will also likely have to construct retaining walls to hold this new soil in place and backfill to give your block a seamless look and feel.

These types of works come with a cost, so it’s important to ensure your builder has quoted for this in your contract, when building a level home on a sloping site. Another option is to opt for a split-level home design, which will help to reduce the amount of earthworks required.

Additional Foundations

Moving soil around on site can mean your new home is no longer sitting on solid ground, as it would be on a flat site. This will likely see the need for additional foundations – be it brand new strip footings or bored piles, or by increasing the depth size and strength of existing foundations.

Retaining walls will also require their own foundations, which may be installed deep into the ground for stability and permanency.

Site Drainage

Site drainage is very important to consider as this will have a direct impact on the likelihood of mudslides on your site. There are two types of drainage that you’ll need to consider when building on a sloped site:

• Site drainage – water from rainfall
• Dwelling drainage – sewerage and water that comes from everyday use at home

Rainfall runoff must be managed so that it does not run directly into your new home or neighbouring properties or damage your house foundations over time. This can be done though landscaping layouts and hidden drains that direct water into stormwater.

It’s also important to consider the location of wet areas in your home, like the kitchen, bathroom and laundry. If these spaces are situated at the top end of a sloping site, pumps or other creative solutions may be required to ensure water is directed away from the home and into the appropriate drainage systems.

Access

Convenient access to your property both during and after construction is essential. This largely comes down to the design and planning phases of your project, which is why it’s so important to work with an experienced team to create the best possible solution.

We recommend considering things like your driveway prior to starting any earthworks. This will allow you to take advantage of these works happening early and reduce the need for further updates later in construction.

Landscaping

Landscaping on a flat ground is relatively simple, but a sloped site can bring additional challenges and costs, including access to all areas of the site.

Working with an experienced builder means they can talk through your options before construction begins, which may include things like plants with deep roots (to stabilise top soil and prevent erosion) or choosing shrubs that can be planted on an incline.

While building on a sloped site can come with challenges and costs that you wouldn’t experience on a flat site, these can be minimised when working with an experienced builder. A sloping site specialist will be able to work with you to find creative solutions to challenges and help to mitigate unforeseen costs so you can get the best outcome for your site and new home.

If you’re looking to work with a highly experienced builder to craft your dream home on a sloped site, get in touch with the team at Toto Properties today.