When it comes to building a new home in Michigan, many people focus on floor plans, finishes, and energy efficiency, but the real story starts underground. The type of soil beneath a structure can affect everything from foundation stability to long-term maintenance costs.
In Michigan, where soil types vary dramatically from region to region, understanding the ground you're building on is essential. From the clay-rich terrain of Macomb County to the sandy lakeshores of Ottawa County, every lot poses unique challenges. Failing to account for soil conditions can result in costly issues like foundation cracks, water damage, or even structural failure.
Fortunately, Michigan Builders License offers the 3-Hour Continuing Competency Course, where industry expert Sid Woryn breaks down this important topic in the 1-Hour Code Updates video. It’s where builders can get a practical, up-to-date look at how Michigan code changes and geological factors intersect—and what they must do to stay compliant and build safely.
Common Soil Types in Michigan
Michigan features a wide variety of soils, and knowing what you're working with can make or break your project. Here's a quick overview:
- Clay Soil: Found mostly in Southeast Michigan, this dense soil swells when wet and shrinks when dry. That constant movement can lead to cracking and structural shifting if foundations aren't properly prepared.
- Sandy Soil: Common along the western shoreline, sand drains well but lacks the strength to hold shape. Builders need to reinforce foundations to prevent erosion and shifting.
- Loamy Soil: A mix of sand, silt, and clay, loamy soil is ideal for building, offering both drainage and stability. While not abundant, it's highly sought after.
- Peat Soil: Found in swampy or low-lying regions, peat is spongy and waterlogged. It requires replacement or special treatment before building.
Why Soil Testing Should Be Step One
Soil isn't "just dirt." It's your foundation's foundation. Different soils expand, shift, or compress differently. If you don't account for that early on, you might see problems like:
- Cracked walls or uneven floors from shifting clay
- Drainage issues and erosion in sandy soils
- Structural sinking on peat or reclaimed farmland
- Flooded basements from high water tables
According to the Michigan Residential Code, a building official may require soil testing when expansive, compressible, or questionable soils are suspected to exist. But as Sid Woryn warns, relying on whether a municipality enforces it could leave you—and your client—with a major liability.
Soil Testing and Site Preparation
Before construction begins, soil testing should be your first step. Results reveal how your specific soil handles moisture, pressure, and weight, which helps determine the proper foundation depth and drainage plans.
Here's how soil type impacts prep:
- Clay: Often requires deeper digging, foundation drains, and strategic grading to ensure stability.
- Sand: Requires compaction and sometimes structural reinforcement.
- Peat: Usually removed and replaced with load-bearing fill.
- Loam: Easier to work with, though grading is still necessary to redirect water.
Regardless of the soil, proper grading to direct water away from the foundation is a must, especially in Michigan's freeze-thaw climate. Without it, spring melt can lead to erosion, leaks, and a very unhappy homeowner.
Build Smart from the Ground Up
Michigan builders face unique environmental and geological challenges, which is why local knowledge and updated training are key. Soil testing may seem like a small detail, but it can make the difference between a smooth build and a financial disaster.
In the Michigan Builders License 3-Hour Continuing Competency Course, master instructor and building expert Sid Woryn dives into exactly why soil testing isn't just smart—it's critical. His real-world examples and code-specific commentary help builders avoid costly mistakes that could arise from overlooking soil characteristics. One of the biggest takeaways? Don't assume every lot is build-ready just because it looks solid on the surface.
Enroll in the 3-Hour Continuing Competency Course
Final Thoughts
Soil isn't just the ground you build on—it's the foundation your entire investment depends on. Whether you're working with clay, sand, loam, or peat, knowing your soil type early helps you design and build smarter, safer homes.
Avoid the costly mistakes that come from guesswork. Start with the right knowledge, test your soil, and build with confidence.
