0:00
Okay, you're getting ready to build a new home and you might think that one of the most important pieces of equipment
0:09
are the best tool you could use to start the job is a big machine like this to dig the foundation
0:14
Guess what? You're wrong. The best tool to use? It's a soil map. What's a soil map tell you
0:20
Well, it tells you all the characteristics and the good positive and negative qualities about the soil before you buy your building lot
0:27
Now, how does the soil map work? Well, let's put the soil map to you. together by geologists, they've gone out and they've looked at all the different soils
0:33
and the different regions and let me tell you there's lots of them, 20, 30 different types
0:38
These soil maps are made for each county and guess what? They're free
0:42
Now what does the soil map contain? It tells you everything you need to know as to how, what kind of plants will grow great
0:48
in your area, what kind of trees will grow in that soil. It tells you if the soil is very good for septic systems, how well the soils drain, how strong
0:56
they are for roadways and driveways, etc. Now, how do you use one
1:00
It's really simple. Open up the soil map. It's got a big map in the back. You locate the general area where you're thinking about buying the lot
1:07
You then switch over and look at an aerial photograph. And on the aerial photograph, you'll be able to find the exact location
1:14
On that photograph, you'll find some lines and some symbols that tell you the type of soil
1:19
that you have in that area. And all you got to do is open the soil map and check out and read about that soil type
1:25
It's really, really simple. Now, where do you find the soil maps? They're easy. Each of the county soil and water conservation districts have these maps
1:33
All you got to do is find their phone number in the phone book. Call them up and remember those soil maps free
1:37
Remember, get your copy of the soil map before you start up this big machine
1:42
If you want to discover more home improvement tips, go to askthebuilder.com