• The site of a building greatly affects its planning, design and construction.
• It may be selected as required or accepted as available.
• The selection of site depends upon the purpose for which the proposed building is to be constructed.
(1) LEVEL OF THE SITE
The level of the site must be higher than that of its surroundings, so as to provide good drainage.
(2) CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
The intensity of rainfall and sub-soil water level should be low, so as to avoid dampness in the building.
(3) SUB-SOIL CONDITIONS
A hard stratum should be available at a reasonable depth (3ft to 4 ft from the ground level), so as, to construct the foundations of the building safely and economically.
(4) AVAILABILITY OF MODERN AMENITIES
The site must be within municipal limits, so that, modern amenities like, water supply, electricity, sewerage, roads, etc. can be made available with more ease, if there is no provisions at present.
(5) AVAILABILITY OF OTHER FACILITIES
The site should provide an easy access from the nearest road and offer sufficient light and air. There should be good and cheap transport facilities available near the site. It is always better, if public services like, fire brigade, police station, etc, are also not very far off from the site.
(6) SURROUNDINGS
The situation and surroundings of the site must be such as to suit the purpose for which the building is to be constructed. Each type of building requires different surroundings, than for others.
Precautions that must be kept in Mind While Site Selection
(1) The site consisting of reclaimed soil (made useful for cultivation) should be avoided, as far as possible.
(2) The site must not be located in water logged areas or near the bank of a river.
(3) Old quarry sites must be avoided, as far as possible.
(4) The site for a residential building should be away from the area causing foul odor or smoke nuisance due to industrial buildings.
(5) The site for a residential building, school or hospital should be away from noisy areas.
(6) There should be no disabling easement.
(Easement is a right, which a person may have over another man\’s land by law, such as, the right to walk over it or to run a pipe through it).
