During the site visit, the sales consultant and customer can establish the work that will be performed under a contract of sale. The site visit is also the time to identify any hazards on site. It is also helpful to get a site map (or schematic drawing).
The site visit process is not an option it is a requirement for getting it right the first time. Site visits and schematic drawings with measurements, give us accurate information and allows us to provide information to facilitate designing an appropriate playground and prevent potential costly delays when it comes time to install.
Some other important things to establish but not limited to at the site visit are:
- Is temporary fencing required on site?
- Is the site secure for overnight storage?
- Identify area for soil disposal
- Identify the site access for vehicles
- Identify water and power at the site
- Is there items (1) AROUND or (2) WITHIN the perimeter of the designated area for the proposed playground?
- Identify the site access for large vehicles including cranes and concrete delivery
- Identify the site access for mulch if required (truck size or blow in mulch) – If removal of existing equipment is required, what is the access for the skip bin?
- If we need to remove existing mulch, we must have depth of existing mulch measured at multiple points throughout the site.
Site Identification
When out on site, it is important to look around to note any hazards or objects that we need to quote around. Look up: Look up for power lines, shade sails and trees Look sideways: Look sideways for overhanging tree branches, retaining walls and fire hydrants Look down: Look down for service pits, drains, flow away and kerbs. Also check the ground levels:
- Abrupt changes in levels (If 6cm or more, it is a trip hazard)
- Surfaces level with no internal concaves (water retention)
- Make sure water flows to correct locations (drains)
Underground Service Locating
It is important to have the services marked on a site-map as well as on site. It is also important to have measurements to boundaries, drains and all services. Underground Service scans are an important task that needs to be done prior to the site preparation. All services need to be identified to avoid any major incidents (cutting communications cables/gas lines etc.).
Site Preparation
The first task of site preparation is clearing the site. The site should be in a cleared and graded condition. This involves the removal of trees, demolishing buildings, removing any and all old underground infrastructure and any other obstacles that might affect the construction process in the future or hinder the project to be done in an efficient manner.
It is helpful to have the site clearly identified by reference points (survey pegs for example) so installers can be sure they are installing in the correct position.
It is also important to have any underground services marked on the site so the installers are able to safely avoid the areas and keep themselves out of harm’s way. The reference points can also communicate to the contractor as to the actual elevation, the required cutback or fill necessary to obtain the correct levels.
The next task is to create a design to indicate the placement of equipment and all necessary fixtures within the designated area. The site install will go a lot smoother if the first steps are done with good planning and management of site prep, site investigation is the key to obtaining sufficient and correct site information for the design.
Start Right, Finish Right.
Where a site visit is possible, all of the above ensures a smooth installation of your new fitness equipment or playground equipment for your school or open space project.
