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Why ADU Recompaction Is Critical for Building a Safe, Code-Compliant ADU in California

Building an ADU involves more than design and framing—your structure is only as strong as the ground beneath it. ADU recompaction is a crucial first step that ensures your soil meets California’s strict density, safety, and inspection requirements.

What Is ADU Recompaction?

Recompaction is the process of reworking and densifying soil to create a stable pad for an ADU foundation. Over time, soil can become loose, disturbed, or uneven due to erosion, old landscaping, utility installations, or previous structures. Recompaction restores consistent density across the entire build area.

Why California Requires Recompaction

County inspectors evaluate soil stability before approving an ADU foundation. Without proper compaction, issues such as settling, cracking, or foundation shifting can occur—leading to costly structural repairs.

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Benefits of Professional ADU Recompaction

  • Ensures your ADU passes inspection
  • Reduces long-term foundation problems
  • Supports structural integrity
  • Prevents uneven settling or slab cracking
  • Meets local building code and engineering requirements

Choosing the Right Contractor

A qualified grading specialist uses professional equipment, moisture conditioning, and compaction methods to meet the required density levels. Choosing an experienced team ensures accurate testing, site preparation, and compliance from the start.

Js Valley Grading Inc provides complete ADU site prep, recompaction, grading, and trenching for homeowners and builders across California.

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