Before a residential or commercial construction project can begin, it's important for the crew to ensure that the land is adequately prepared for the specific type of undertaking.
Depending on the state of the land when it's purchased, there are a number of specific tasks that will need to be completed by an experienced and professional work crew before construction can officially begin.
What Does Site Preparation Entail?
In most cases, site preparation begins with a survey of the land and construction blueprints to determine what needs to be done. Usually, this includes clearing existing structures as well as any obstructive rocks and vegetation from the site. Large rocks and roots from plants, such as trees, can hinder construction and lead to problems down the road.
Depending on the slope of the land, it may also be necessary to grade or level the ground so that it's safe to build on. Special measures for drainage control and erosion prevention may also be required before the land can be staked out for construction. For homes that will have a basement, land excavation may also be necessary.
Depending on the location of the land, access roads might need to be built so that the site is easily accessible not only to construction vehicles, but future residents as well. The site may also need to be connected to city utilities such as plumbing and sewage, electricity, and gas.
What about cost? Certain factors (described below) can influence the cost to prepare land for construction, but most companies charge by the square foot. The average cost ranges between $1.28 and $2 per square foot, meaning a half-acre of land (about 20,000 square feet) could cost as much as $40,000 to prep.
Cost Influences
There are many factors that can ultimately influence the total cost of preparing land for a construction site. The size of the plot can make a big difference when it comes to cost. Many companies will offer landowners a smaller cost per square foot for larger projects. However, regional pricing factors can also come into play here.
Furthermore, the cost of a construction site preparation project can vary based on the condition of the land and how much work needs to be done. Hilly land with lots of overgrown vegetation and rocky soil, for example, will cost more to prepare than land that's clear of obstructions and already relatively flat. Specifically, clearing vegetation alone can cost $20-$200 per acre, depending on the amount of vegetation present. A plot of land that's already hooked up to local utilities will also cost significantly less. Owners should budget for a soil test as part of assessing the plot's condition.
Saving Money on Site Preparation
Fortunately for budget-conscious homeowners, there are many steps that can be taken to cut down on residential construction site preparation costs. Perhaps the best thing that a prospective new homeowner can do is purchase a site that's already relatively flat and doesn't have a lot of vegetation or rocky soil.
Homeowners may also be able to save money by simply requesting multiple quotes from construction site preparation experts. After all, most companies will issue free, no-obligation quotes. Because it's a competitive market, most companies will work hard to win the bid when they know a potential customer is shopping around.
Finally, seeking help from site preparation services during non-peak times of year can also drive down costs. For most companies, off-peak times of business include the fall and winter months.
Special Considerations
Before hiring a construction site preparation company, however, there are some special considerations all homeowners should keep in mind to ensure that they're happy with the finished product. For example, while some vegetation may need to be cleared in order to make construction possible, homeowners may want to request keeping some trees and other vegetation on their property so that they can enjoy a nice view.
The orientation of the home may require special consideration, especially for those who want to maximize exposure to natural sunlight in certain areas of the home.
Furthermore, for homes that will require the installation of a septic tank or well, homeowners will want to take the time to determine the best locations for these. Generally, septic tanks are installed in backyards whereas the better place for a well may be in the front or on the side of a home. Homeowners should consider a driveway location that will be most convenient.
There's no denying the importance of construction site preparation for any new home-building project. While the cost can be high, the good news is that there are plenty of ways to go about saving on this type of work.
