Preparing Your Site Before Viabois Delivery and Assembly

The delivery and assembly of your Viabois log home is a milestone moment. But between signing the contract and the arrival of the first semi-trailer, there is rigorous site preparation work to be done. Neglecting this phase risks costly delays, damage to your structure — or worse, a cancelled crane day. Here is everything you need to know to be ready on delivery day.

The Timeline to Follow: 6 to 8 Weeks Before Delivery

Ideally, you should begin preparing your site 6 to 8 weeks before the planned delivery date. This timeline may seem long, but it accounts for weather surprises, contractor delays, and municipal inspections. Here are the main steps in order:

Weeks 1-2: clearing, tree removal, preliminary grading. Weeks 3-4: excavation and foundations. Weeks 5-6: foundation completion, access road preparation, site setup. Weeks 7-8: final verification with the Viabois team, temporary connections, crane position confirmed.

Your Viabois coordinator will provide you with a personalized checklist based on your model. Don't hesitate to consult our teams as early as possible via the contact page.

Clearing, Tree Removal, and Grading

First and foremost, the site must be cleared. This involves removing trees in the construction zone and in the truck access corridor. Also plan for a lateral clearance of at least 6 metres on each side of the crane's path.

Site grading is essential: an uncontrolled slope complicates foundation pouring and can create long-term drainage problems. Have a grading plan prepared by an engineer or specialized contractor. Ensure that rainwater drains away from the future home, ideally with a slope of at least 2% over the first 3 metres around the foundations.

Foundations: The Non-Negotiable Condition

Foundations must be entirely complete and the concrete fully cured before the Viabois structure arrives. This means:

— Slab or strip footings poured and cured (minimum 28 days for standard concrete). — Anchor bolts in place according to Viabois plans (precise placement provided by our engineers). — Foundation wall waterproofing completed. — French drain installed and covered if applicable.

If foundations are not complete by the delivery date, postponement fees may apply. Plan with your foundation contractor by sharing the Viabois plans as soon as possible.

Road Access for Semi-Trailer Trucks

Your log home components arrive on large semi-trailer trucks. To ensure problem-free access, here are the minimum requirements:

— Access road width: minimum 4.5 metres (ideally 6 metres). — Clear height: at least 5 metres (watch out for electrical wires and low branches). — Turn radius: allow for 15-metre radius clearance for turns. — Load-bearing surface: the road must support a loaded truck of 40 tonnes — compacted gravel or asphalt recommended. — No deep ruts that could bog down the truck.

If your land is set back from a public road, have the access assessed by an excavation contractor before delivery. Viabois can assist you with this evaluation.

Crane Placement: Plan with Precision

Assembling the log walls requires a mobile crane. Its placement must be planned in advance with the crane operator and the Viabois team. Here are the key criteria:

— Stable, compacted surface capable of supporting 80 to 150 tonnes (crane weight + counterweight). — Flat surface over an area of approximately 10 x 10 metres. — Crane distance from the home: generally 10 to 20 metres depending on required reach. — Complete aerial clearance within the boom's rotation radius. — No unprotected underground cables in the support zone.

In some cases, consultation with the municipality is necessary if the crane must occupy part of the public road. Plan this step in advance.

Temporary Storage and Site Connections

Viabois materials delivered first (sill plates, joists, assembly pieces) must be stored on a flat surface, out of the traffic path, and protected from moisture. Plan a storage area of at least 100 m² with easy access for the teams.

For the assembly teams, you will need to provide: electricity access (240V outlet for power tools — a temporary connection is sufficient), access to potable water for the work, and temporary sanitary facilities (portable toilet). These elements seem minor, but their absence can delay or halt the project.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

After years of deliveries throughout Quebec, here are the mistakes our teams see most often:

Ready to Start Your Project?

Site preparation is a team effort. At Viabois, we support you from design to the first log laid. Browse our log home and cabin models, explore the regions where we deliver, and contact us for your personalized quote. The earlier you start, the smoother your construction project will go.