When building a home, you should have the soil on the construction site tested for plasticity to determine how it will change under different moisture conditions. This is important because some soil is so "plastic" that (if the condition is not corrected) it can actually break concrete floors, crack the walls and destroy the foundation of your home. Highly plastic soil is sometimes referred to as "fat clay" that swells excessively and loses stability when it becomes wet. Fine-grained soils that contain a high percentage of clay are greatly affected by water, turning to mud when it rains and undergoing large volume changes-sometimes up to 40 or 50 percent, as the soil dries. Not only do clays swell and lose stability when they become wet, but they also retard the drainage of water. If plastic soil is found on your building site, the ground must be over-excavated and replaced with clean gravel. Homebuilders often choose not to include a basement, or to protect the basement walls from excess moisture by surrounding them with a layer of gravel. A fine-grained clay-filled soil with a high plasticity index may require considerable treatment, especially if used in a moist location.

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Laura Harris-Hodges
Coldwell Banker Tomlinson Associated Brokers
8836 Gage Blvd Ste 101-B
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Buying and selling a home is serious business ... after all, for most of us, it is the most important investment we possess. When it comes to selecting a professional, you want a person with the knowledge, characteristics, and resources necessary to best look after your interests. With over 17 years of real estate experience, Laura goes the extra mile for all of her clients. That’s why she constantly researches the market and property values to insure that you achieve your goals. Laura is ranked in the top 1% of all Coldwell Banker agents nationally and is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) and Tri-Cities Home Construction Specialist. From selling to purchasing or building your new home, you won't find a harder working professional to handle all of your real estate needs. Laura Harris-Hodges “Making A Difference For You”

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