When it comes to building your custom dream home or even installing something like a solar panel array to provide electricity, land clearing is an import aspect that requires a lot of preparation and planning. If you are taking on a land clearing project for the first time, there are plenty of small details that are easy to overlook. You may not be aware of all the things that could result in hefty fines, time-consuming delays, or a less-than-perfect result.
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Performing the necessary research and reaching out to land clearing companies can help simplify the process and take away some of the stress that comes with large projects like this one. Plus, you may even find ways to save on expenses!
So, before you do anything else, take a look at some of the things to know before your next land clearing project.
Make sure you clear enough land
When you plan on building on your current property, it is essential that enough area is cleared not just for the house, but also the yard, driveway, septic system, and water well if you intend on building one. Using ample space and ensuring it's clear of debris also helps prevent fires from developing and spreading. Marking the boundary lines between properties and any additional areas will easily clarify what needs done.
So, before you do anything else, take a look at some of the things to know before your next land clearing project.
Make sure you clear enough land
When you plan on building on your current property, it is essential that enough area is cleared not just for the house, but also the yard, driveway, septic system, and water well if you intend on building one. Using ample space and ensuring it's clear of debris also helps prevent fires from developing and spreading. Marking the boundary lines between properties and any additional areas will easily clarify what needs done.
Check with the proper authorities
A home builder’s worst-case scenario is facing fines and other expenses because of legalities. So, to avoid conflict with your local government and neighbors, check with your town’s building and zoning departments to ensure you aren’t breaking any laws and that the area you plan to clear falls within the boundaries of the town’s ordinances and other regulations. |
Set a budget
As with any project, developing a budget is crucial. However, you don’t just want to allocate the amount of money you plan on spending to clear your land. You also want to establish a set time frame as well.
Establish clear communication
If you choose to hire a land clearing company, loggers, or other contractors to help you with your project, establishing concise, clear communication is imperative.
Conveying your exact specifications to the contractor and alerting them to features on the property that you would like to keep, such as a tree, will ensure your wishes are respected and understood.
Mark the areas or features you want untouched with bright tape or paint, like the house footprint, driveway, and other parts of your future home. Don’t be afraid to clarify what you want to be preserved several times with your contractor.
Additionally, when you clearly discuss your desires and the size specifications of the project, you and the contractor will have a simpler time finding the right equipment for the job.
Check for water
Finding out where your sewer, septic, and well systems are is something that needs doing before any land clearing begins. A helpful way to determine what you need to do for water connections is looking at planning maps.
One of the biggest problems in land clearing for home development is discovering water or finding complex root systems. A single mistake could immediately put you over budget and cause significant delays.
Oversights like these are avoidable. Consider hiring a professional to help you set up your well and septic system how you want it, and do it early on to prevent any further issues down the road.
Make money where you can
If you are getting rid of any trees that are usable for lumber or firewood, consider calling a company who will buy them from you. Some home builders can get a sizable amount of money depending on the type of tree as well as its current state.
Similarly, garden centers may also be willing to purchase any viable soil that you no longer need. Contact a nearby center and ask about soil delivery or pickup.
Some states offer tax deductions for land clearing services as a business expense or if you are improving the area’s sustainability. Depending on the size of the refund, you may be able to cover a large portion of costs.
As with any project, developing a budget is crucial. However, you don’t just want to allocate the amount of money you plan on spending to clear your land. You also want to establish a set time frame as well.
Establish clear communication
If you choose to hire a land clearing company, loggers, or other contractors to help you with your project, establishing concise, clear communication is imperative.
Conveying your exact specifications to the contractor and alerting them to features on the property that you would like to keep, such as a tree, will ensure your wishes are respected and understood.
Mark the areas or features you want untouched with bright tape or paint, like the house footprint, driveway, and other parts of your future home. Don’t be afraid to clarify what you want to be preserved several times with your contractor.
Additionally, when you clearly discuss your desires and the size specifications of the project, you and the contractor will have a simpler time finding the right equipment for the job.
Check for water
Finding out where your sewer, septic, and well systems are is something that needs doing before any land clearing begins. A helpful way to determine what you need to do for water connections is looking at planning maps.
One of the biggest problems in land clearing for home development is discovering water or finding complex root systems. A single mistake could immediately put you over budget and cause significant delays.
Oversights like these are avoidable. Consider hiring a professional to help you set up your well and septic system how you want it, and do it early on to prevent any further issues down the road.
Make money where you can
If you are getting rid of any trees that are usable for lumber or firewood, consider calling a company who will buy them from you. Some home builders can get a sizable amount of money depending on the type of tree as well as its current state.
Similarly, garden centers may also be willing to purchase any viable soil that you no longer need. Contact a nearby center and ask about soil delivery or pickup.
Some states offer tax deductions for land clearing services as a business expense or if you are improving the area’s sustainability. Depending on the size of the refund, you may be able to cover a large portion of costs.
Do you need land clearing services?
Land clearing is intensive, but it is critical to laying the foundation of your future home or any commercial property. Doing it right minimizes problems and leaves you with a more beautiful space. Check out our article on land clearing process so you know what to expect. If you don't want to remove all of the trees on your own, our Albany land clearing contractors are available to help. |