At Elegant Homes, our philosophy has always been clear—build homes that last, homes that breathe strength, sustainability, and character from the ground up. This begins where all great construction stories begin: the soil beneath your feet.
Site Preparation: A Clear Canvas
In the first week of breaking ground on our latest residential project in DHA Lahore, our team began with site clearing and levelling. The land, previously used as a garden plot, needed thorough excavation to reach solid, undisturbed soil. Our engineers used total station surveying equipment and laser levels to ensure precise grade cuts—no guesswork, no compromise.
We opted for a controlled excavation method using backhoe loaders for speed and bulldozers for precision levelling. Our aim was not only to prepare the surface for foundational work but also to ensure natural surface water drainage would be effective. Site preparation isn’t just about digging—it’s about vision alignment and setting the tone for a structurally sound home.
Soil Testing & Load-Bearing Evaluation
No foundation is ever laid without understanding the soil’s story. We engaged a certified geotechnical lab to conduct plate load testing, sieve analysis, and moisture content evaluation. The results showed moderately cohesive clayey soil, which called for a deeper raft foundation with proper compaction.
These steps are essential for any luxury or custom-built home, especially in areas like Bahria Town and DHA Lahore, where soil conditions vary drastically from one plot to another.
Compaction and Anti-Termite Treatment
Before the shuttering process begins, compaction is performed in layers using a vibratory plate compactor. At Elegant Homes, we ensure each compacted layer meets a minimum Proctor density of 95%. This means zero risk of settlement over time—an issue often overlooked in average construction projects.
Next, anti-termite treatment was applied using a water-based emulsion. Our team uses a government-approved chemical that provides long-term protection against termite infestations, particularly important before pouring concrete on any surface.
Foundation Shuttering & Steel Reinforcement
We transitioned into the formwork phase in Week 2. Using de-shuttering-friendly, oil-coated steel shutter panels, we outlined the raft’s shape and depth with millimetre-level accuracy. Every inch of shutter was inspected for leakage or misalignment—a critical part of avoiding honeycombing in the concrete later.
Parallelly, our steel fixing crew got to work. Each bar of steel (Grade 60, as per ACI 318 standards) was bent and tied with precision to follow the raft reinforcement drawing. At Elegant Homes, we maintain a 3-inch concrete cover for all reinforcement to protect against corrosion and increase the lifespan of the structure.
Our client opted for a double-mesh raft (bottom and top steel layers), which we typically recommend for plots in DHA Phase 6 and similar high-value areas. It allows for better stress distribution and works brilliantly in earthquake-prone zones.
Plumbing Sleeves and Electrical Conduits
Before pouring the slab, all plumbing sleeves for gray water, sewerage, and freshwater lines were installed. We also integrated concealed electrical conduits using corrosion-resistant PVC. Missing this step can lead to costly breakages and rework—something Elegant Homes never allows.
Quality Checks Before the Pour
Before the big pour, our project manager, MEP engineer, and QA/QC officer conducted a final walkthrough:
- Steel bar diameters were checked with a vernier caliper
- Formwork integrity and alignment was verified
- Waterproofing membrane edges were rechecked
- All embedded sleeves were flushed and protected
- Concrete slump was tested at the batching plant
Only once all green lights were given, did we proceed.
