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New Addition Sitework in Hatfield, Bucks County, PA

  • Writer: Pankey Nelson
    Pankey Nelson
  • Jul 22
  • 4 min read

Updated: Aug 3

Bird's eye view of a newly dug, leveled basement area with stone laid and leveled around concrete foundation, and a sump pit in one corner.

When building an addition, everything starts below ground.


A strong foundation doesn't begin with concrete walls—it begins with accurate layout, precise excavation, properly reinforced footers, and a drainage system designed to protect the structure for years to come.


For this project in Hatfield, Bucks County, VAS Contracting trusted K+L Construction to complete the first phase of sitework for a new residential addition.


From basement excavation through foundation drainage, our goal was simple: prepare the site for a successful build while keeping the project moving on schedule.


This is just Phase 1 of the project. We'll be returning after the foundation walls are complete to backfill the addition, and again after the home is framed and roofed to complete final grading and major water management improvements throughout the property.


At K+L Construction, we look beyond completing the project—we prepare every site for long-term success.


Project Snapshot

Location: Hatfield, Bucks County, Pennsylvania

General Contractor: VAS Contracting


The freshly excavated basement for an addition to the house. In the background is the house next foor & its driveway with a car on lifts and wheels on the driveway. There are trees as well, and a blue sky with an abundance of white clouds.

Phase 1 Scope of Work

  • Layout according to engineered site plans

  • Basement excavation

  • Concrete footer layout, forming, reinforcement, and placement

  • Installation of sump pits

  • Foundation drainage installation

  • Schedule 35 PVC drainage piping

  • 2B clean stone installation for drainage and future concrete flatwork

  • Coordination with a block foundation subcontractor to keep the project on schedule


Sitework: Preparing the Site for Construction


Every successful foundation begins with careful planning.

Before excavation began, we laid out the entire addition using the engineered site plans to ensure the excavation and footers would be installed in their exact locations.


Accurate layout is critical because every phase of construction that follows depends on getting the first measurements right.


Once the layout was complete, we excavated the basement and prepared the site for the concrete footers that would support the future foundation walls.


Building the Foundation from the Ground Up


Construction workers carefully install and level concrete in forms for a foundation.

After excavation, it was time to construct the concrete footers.


Using the site plans as our guide, we installed form boards to establish the exact dimensions before reinforcing the footers with three continuous rows of #4 rebar.


The reinforcement helps strengthen the concrete and provides long-term structural support for the foundation walls that will soon be built above.


Once everything was inspected and ready, the concrete footers were poured, creating the foundation for the next phase of construction.


We'll take a closer look at this entire process in a dedicated blog featuring additional photos from the footer installation.


Working Efficiently in a Tight Space


Construction workers installing cement in forms for the foundation, using an extention truck to pour the concrete without damaging the yard or driveway.

Every job site presents its own challenges. On this property, access around the addition was limited, so careful planning was essential.


Instead of using equipment that would create unnecessary disruption, we brought in a conveyor truck to place the concrete exactly where it needed to go while minimizing disturbance to the surrounding property.


We also requested that the truck driver wash the mud from the truck's tires before leaving the site to avoid tracking dirt onto the public roadway.


Attention to details like these helps keep projects cleaner, safer, and more professional for everyone involved.


Foundation Drainage Starts Before the Foundation Walls


The concrete foundation fo the addition, with stone laid and level, and foundation drain pipe running along the foundation.

Water management begins long before final grading.


During Phase 1, we installed sump pits along with a foundation drainage system using Schedule 35 PVC piping.


The system was surrounded with 2B clean stone, allowing groundwater to move efficiently toward the drainage system while preparing the area for future concrete flatwork.


Proper drainage now helps protect the addition for decades after construction is complete.



Keeping the Project Moving


Construction projects depend on coordination. When the original block contractor became unavailable, VAS Contracting needed another solution to keep the project on schedule.


Because of the relationships we've built throughout the industry, we connected them with one of our trusted block foundation subcontractors, helping prevent unnecessary delays and keeping the project moving forward.


Good construction isn't just about equipment—it's about teamwork.


What's Next?


Phase 1 is only the beginning. 


Once the block foundation walls have been completed, we'll return to backfill around the addition before construction continues.


After framing, roofing, and siding are complete, we'll return again for the final phase of sitework, which will include:

  • Final grading

  • Driveway improvements

  • Backyard renovations

  • Water management solutions designed to eliminate existing drainage issues


We'll be documenting each phase as the project progresses.


Frequently Asked Questions


The freshly excavated basement for an addition to the house. In the background is the house next foor & its driveway with a car on lifts and wheels on the driveway. There are trees as well, and a blue sky with an abundance of white clouds.

What does sitework mean?

Sitework is the construction term for all the work required to prepare the site for a build. This may include:

  • Clearing the land

  • Grading - or leveling the property.

  • Digging trenches and laying underground conduits & pipes for utilities such as electric, cable, water & sewer.

  • Excavation - or digging out for the foundation &/or basement.

  • Paving


What is a sump pit, and why use it?

A sump pit (or basin) is a hole dug at the lowest point of a basement or crawlspace. It collects excess groundwater and moisture that builds up beneath the foundation. They are used to prevent basement flooding, control indoor humidity, and protect the structural integrity of your home. This is an important part of the site's water management system.


What if access to my property is limited?

Not every job site has room for large equipment. Using smaller trucks allows materials to be delivered efficiently while minimizing disruption and protecting the surrounding property. Smaller equipment is available for most jobs, and can be an important part of ensuring a quality build, respecting the homeowner's interests and property.


Related Articles

Follow this addition project through each phase of construction:


Proudly Serving Bucks County and Surrounding Areas


Kyle and Laura Schaeffer standing in front of the K+L company covered pickup truck, with their three dogs at their feet.

K+L Construction provides excavation sitework, construction services, basement excavation, foundation drainage, water management, concrete, utility installation, grading, and site preparation throughout Bucks County, Berks County, Montgomery County, Lehigh County, and  neighboring communities throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania, including Boyertown, Bally, Fleetwood, Kutztown, Oley, Topton, Bechtelsville, Reading, Pottstown, Quakertown, and more.


Whether you're a homeowner, builder, or general contractor, we deliver reliable sitework that keeps projects moving forward.


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A man in a dark t-shirt and jeans walking hand in hand with a woman in a white sundress through a field with a black & white dog coming along behind them. There are trees at the edge of the field, and a small mountain in the distance.

Planning a home addition or looking for an experienced excavation sitework contractor for your next construction project?

K+L Construction works with homeowners, builders, and general contractors to provide dependable sitework, excavation, concrete, and drainage solutions from the ground up.


Fill out our online estimate request form today to discuss your upcoming project.


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