A buyer-side guide to access, foundations, drainage, utilities, unloading and pre-arrival evidence

Quick Answer

The site should be ready before the truck or container reaches the property. At minimum, the buyer needs an approved site plan, verified delivery route, completed and surveyed supports, drainage away from the building, identified utility connection points, safe unloading space and an agreed installation method. The exact requirements depend on the selected model, final package data, site conditions and local approvals.

Site preparation is not the same as opening the unit. It includes the work needed to receive, place, anchor, weatherproof, connect, inspect and commission the ordered configuration. Xutuo House can provide product and order information, but the destination project team remains responsible for confirming local ground, foundation, access, utility and approval requirements.

What Xutuo House Publishes – and What Still Needs Confirmation

Xutuo publishes folded and expanded dimensions for several expandable models, including 20ft XT-EH003, 30ft XT-EH002 and 40ft XT-EH001. Its service page describes a workflow from requirements and quotation through production and delivery. Those pages support early site planning, but they do not publish one universal foundation, crane size, ground-bearing value, anchor schedule, delivery vehicle or utility detail for every model and destination.

1. Freeze the Site Plan and Delivery Position

Mark the final building position, orientation, setbacks, access path, utility routes, rainwater flow and any future additions on a dimensioned site plan. The plan should use the approved expanded footprint, not only the nominal 20ft, 30ft or 40ft label. Confirm that doors, windows, terraces, external stairs and service panels remain accessible after installation.

Check planning, building, land-use and utility requirements with the responsible destination parties before committing to a location. A factory product page cannot determine whether a unit is permitted on a specific property. Record any required surveys, professional reviews, inspections or approvals and connect them to the current drawing revision.

• Dimensioned site plan and orientation
• Setbacks and access routes
• Expanded footprint and opening clearance
• External features and maintenance access
• Local review and approval responsibilities

2. Survey the Full Delivery and Unloading Route

Review the route from the port, depot or main road to the final unloading point. Measure gate widths, turning space, slopes, overhead lines, trees, bridges, soft ground and restricted working hours. Confirm where the delivery vehicle can stop and whether it can leave without reversing through an unsafe area.

Use the final packing list rather than the product net weight to plan transport and lifting. Ask for the number of packages, package dimensions, gross weights, permitted handling points and any loose components. The crane or forklift provider should select equipment from the approved lifting information, operating radius and actual ground conditions.

• Route and access survey
• Final package dimensions and gross weights
• Approved lifting or handling information
• Crane position and operating radius
• Ground support and exclusion zone

3. Complete and Survey the Foundation Interface

The foundation or support arrangement must suit the final configuration and the destination site. Coordinate soil, drainage, frost, flood, wind, seismic and other inputs through the responsible local design team. Do not infer a foundation design from a photograph, a different model or a generic number of support points.

Before delivery, verify levels, dimensions, bearing locations, anchor positions and clearances against the released drawing. Record the survey and resolve deviations before the unit is lifted into place. A small error at a support or utility penetration can obstruct unfolding, distort doors or create site rework.

• Site and ground information
• Foundation design responsibility
• Support and anchor drawing
• Pre-delivery level and dimension survey
• Deviation and corrective-action record

4. Prepare Drainage and Weather Management

Grade the site so surface water does not collect below or against the house. Coordinate roof discharge, site drainage, underfloor ventilation or access, splash protection and any terrace or walkway drainage. Keep excavations, loose soil and stored materials away from the planned crane and installation area.

Plan temporary weather protection for the installation window. Roof parts, flashings, sealants and loose accessories should be identified before work begins. The installation team should know which enclosure checks must be completed before interior finishes, furniture or services are accepted.

• Finished site levels and water flow
• Roof-water discharge route
• Underfloor access and drainage
• Weather protection during installation
• Envelope inspection hold point

5. Coordinate Electricity, Water and Wastewater

Identify the destination supply, connection route, isolation points and responsibilities for power, potable water, wastewater, communications, HVAC and other services. The Xutuo service page discusses factory-prefabricated electrical and plumbing layouts, but the final site connections still need project-specific design, qualified work and local acceptance.

Place service entries so they match the approved house drawings and remain accessible for connection and maintenance. Test drainage falls and confirm the receiving sewer, septic, holding or treatment arrangement before occupation. Never assume that a kitchen-and-bathroom option includes the external site network.

• Electrical supply and load basis
• Water source and isolation
• Wastewater destination and connection level
• Factory-to-site termination points
• Qualified connection and commissioning parties

6. Prepare the People, Tools and Acceptance Records

Agree who controls the site, receives the shipment, verifies package condition, operates lifting equipment, opens the unit, completes seals and anchors, connects services and signs inspection records. Provide the model-specific method, drawings and safety controls to the working team before delivery day.

Create an arrival checklist and photograph packages before unloading. Reconcile loose items, record damage, survey placement, inspect enclosure interfaces and close a punch list after connection and testing. Physical placement is only one milestone; handover requires the agreed inspections and documents.

• Named installation responsibilities
• Current drawings and method statement
• Package receipt and damage record
• Placement and enclosure inspection
• Utility commissioning and handover file

What to Send Xutuo House for an Order-Specific Reply

A useful inquiry gives the sales and technical teams enough information to answer the real project. Send one numbered request and ask for assumptions, exclusions and pending items to be stated rather than filled silently.

• Selected Xutuo model or custom configuration
• Approved expanded and transport drawings
• Final packing list and gross weights
• Handling and lifting information
• Foundation and anchoring interface
• Factory and site utility split
• Installation method and loose-parts list
• Required inspections and handover records

Recommended Buyer Sequence

1. Confirm the site and approval path before freezing the factory layout.
2. Issue approved site, foundation and utility interface drawings.
3. Obtain final package and handling data before booking equipment.
4. Survey the route, supports and service points before dispatch.
5. Receive and inspect packages before unloading and opening.
6. Complete anchoring, enclosure, services and documented commissioning before use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What must be ready before an expandable container house is delivered?

The access route, unloading area, approved supports, drainage, utility connection points, working area, responsible crew and current installation documents should be ready and verified.

Can the folded dimensions be used to choose a crane?

No. Crane selection requires the final packed gross weight, lifting arrangement, operating radius, ground conditions and equipment-provider review.

Does Xutuo publish one standard foundation for every model?

The reviewed official pages do not establish one universal foundation. Use the selected configuration and destination site inputs.

Should utilities be connected before the unit is opened?

Follow the approved model-specific sequence. Connection timing depends on termination locations, installation method and safety controls.

Who checks the foundation level?

Assign a competent site party and document the survey before delivery. The responsible local team should confirm the acceptance criteria.

Is site preparation included in the factory price?

Do not assume it is. Separate factory supply, freight, unloading, foundations, site services, installation and commissioning in the quotation.

Request a Defined Quotation from Xutuo House

Send the destination, intended use, quantity, selected model or required layout, option list, site constraints and evidence requirements. Ask Xutuo to identify the drawing revision, inclusions, exclusions, package assumptions and buyer responsibilities in its response.

Review the Xutuo official service page and confirm the latest model, drawing and order scope directly with Xutuo House.