Accurate Leveling in New Construction: Have We Become Less Precise?
Accurate leveling has always been a critical aspect of building construction, encompassing homes, businesses, and even decks. However, modern construction practices may not be as meticulous in ensuring precise leveling as they were in the past. This article explores several factors contributing to this trend and highlights the importance of maintaining strict adherence to best practices.
Factors Contributing to Less Accurate Leveling
Several factors can lead to less comprehensive leveling in contemporary construction projects:
Cost-Cutting Measures
A significant number of construction companies strive to reduce costs by opting for quicker, less precise leveling techniques. This approach may compromise the precision of the foundation, impacting the overall structural integrity of the building in the long run. Builders may justify these cost-saving measures by emphasizing short-term savings, but they often overlook the long-term consequences of substandard leveling.
Technology Changes
While modern technology, such as laser leveling and digital surveying tools, can enhance precision, relying solely on such tools without proper training or quality control can lead to errors. The absence of proper oversight can result in inaccuracy, despite the advanced equipment available today. This phenomenon underscores the critical role of skilled labor and thorough quality control in achieving precise leveling.
Increased Demand and Rushed Jobs
The rapid pace of construction in response to housing shortages can lead to rushed jobs, where thorough leveling is occasionally overlooked. Due to the intense demand for new buildings, constructors may rush through certain processes to meet deadlines, compromising on quality to meet project timelines.
Regulatory Changes
Building codes and regulations can vary by region, and less stringent standards can allow for more variability in leveling practices. In some areas, more lenient regulations may permit lower levels of precision, further contributing to the trend of reduced accuracy in foundational work.
Labor Shortages
The ongoing labor shortage in the construction industry can result in less experienced workers being tasked with critical leveling jobs. These inexperienced employees may make mistakes that a more skilled workforce would avoid, leading to less precise leveling.
Focus on Aesthetics
In some cases, there may be a greater emphasis on appearance rather than structural integrity, leading to compromises in foundational work. Architects and builders may prioritize the aesthetic aspects of a project over crucial structural considerations, which can result in less accurate leveling.
Modern Advances in Leveling
Despite these challenges, significant advancements in technology have made it easier to achieve extremely precise leveling. Lasers, for instance, have revolutionized the field, enabling construction teams to achieve flatness and levelness that would have been impossible just a few decades ago. Commercial building materials, which are often thinner, require a higher degree of flatness and levelness than in the past. This has made it imperative for builders to maintain meticulous attention to detail.
A recent project in which I was involved involved a new airline terminal building that was over 5000 feet long, essentially a mile in length. The final survey revealed that the position of the exterior wall varied by a mere 3/8 of an inch from one end to the other—a figure that is virtually indistinguishable and would be considered a rounding error in today's standards.
Ensuring Precise Leveling
With the ease of checking level, plumb, and square today, it has become simpler to determine what is accurate and what is not. This technology has not only improved precision but also enhanced the overall quality of construction. However, the importance of proper oversight and adherence to best practices remains paramount. Skilled labor, rigorous quality control, and adherence to stringent building codes and regulations are necessary to ensure accurate leveling in all construction projects.
Modern construction practices must balance the demands of efficiency and cost with the need for meticulous and precise leveling. While advances in technology can significantly aid in this process, the role of skilled labor, quality control, and regulatory compliance cannot be overstated. By prioritizing these elements, we can maintain and enhance the accuracy of leveling, ensuring the longevity and safety of our buildings.