BUILDING ON LEVEL GROUND: STEP-BY-STEP TIPS FOR MAKING THE MOST OF A FLAT LOT
Had a buddy who thought his flat lot was a dream until the first spring thaw—ended up with a pond where his crawlspace should’ve been. I always run a hose around the site before pouring anything, just to see where water wants to go. Cheap insurance, honestly. And yeah, those laser levels are handy, but I still trust my old string line more for catching weird dips.
BUILDING ON LEVEL GROUND: STEP-BY-STEP TIPS FOR MAKING THE MOST OF A FLAT LOT
That hose trick is underrated—did something similar with a bucket of water and some patience before we broke ground. Even a “perfectly” flat lot can surprise you with little low spots that’ll collect water. I’m with you on the string line, too. Lasers are great for big stuff, but nothing beats eyeballing a sag in the line when you’re checking for subtle dips. Learned that the hard way after a soggy corner in my garage slab...
BUILDING ON LEVEL GROUND: STEP-BY-STEP TIPS FOR MAKING THE MOST OF A FLAT LOT
I get the appeal of string lines and hoses, but honestly, I’d put lasers at the top of the list for accuracy—especially if you’re aiming for long-term durability. Here’s why:
- Lasers pick up on those tiny grade changes you might miss by eye, even with a tight string.
- Less room for human error, especially if you’re working solo or in low light.
- You can double-check your work fast, which saves headaches later.
I’ve seen a few “flat” pads end up with drainage issues because someone trusted their eye over a level. Not saying old-school methods don’t work, but tech’s there for a reason...
