Built in 2006, this home in Saratoga Springs is undergoing a thoughtful addition on its north side; an RV pad designed to store a recreational vehicle securely behind a gated enclosure, as required by the HOA. The new slab measures roughly 59 feet long by 18 feet wide, providing ample space while maintaining the home’s clean exterior layout.
To retain the grade, the client is using 2 ft x 2 ft x 6 ft concrete blocks weighing about 3,200 lbs each. These blocks are engineered with interlocking keyways on the top and bottom, allowing them to align securely as they’re stacked. The wall will reach a maximum height of 8 feet, or four blocks tall.
The base has been properly prepared. This was done by first compacting the soil, then adding 12 inches of compacted engineered gravel. This stable foundation distributes the wall’s load evenly across the base and helps prevent settlement. Along the back side of the wall, a drainage curtain of 1” minus gravel has been installed, with drainage fabric visible in the photos. This system will relieve water pressure and protect the wall from long term damage.
Though construction is still in progress, the work completed to date appears well executed and consistent with sound engineering practice. The project reflects careful preparation, good materials, and a clear understanding of how to manage both load and drainage. Each are key elements of a lasting structure.
