At Drippé Homes, we recognize that there’s no place for guesswork when you are planning to build your dream custom home. Besides hiring the right custom home builders Lawrence, KS, there are other essentials to consider. One such essential step is preparing the lot before the construction work begins. Lot preparation is a non-negotiable part of the process. But how do you actually prepare a vacant lot before the builders can get to work?
Preparing a property for a custom home requires a lot of work. You need to complete the land surveys, soil tests, and site clearing before the construction begins. Completing these essential steps helps ensure the ground is safe, legal, and ready for construction.
Building a custom home requires a significant investment and careful planning. You can’t afford to overlook the basics and regret it later. Here’s how you can make the lot preparation process for a custom home more manageable.
Surveys And Boundaries
Getting the property surveyed and setting boundaries is vital to ensure the property is legally suitable for building a home. By hiring a qualified site evaluator or surveyor, you can learn about the property’s characteristics. They will help you define the buildable boundaries and determine what can realistically be constructed. It will also help you identify building restriction zones.
Land Survey
The land surveyor you hire will help you define the exact property lines and map the site’s topography for construction. The professional surveyor will explain which areas are buildable and help ensure the home is placed correctly and meets local zoning requirements.
Setback Rules
A setback is defined as the minimum distance required between your home and property lines and roads. These vary by zoning laws and can affect where your home can be built on the lot. The land surveyor will help you determine setbacks based on the legal boundaries and local rules.
Tree Tagging
When you see trees on your property, you may assume they all need to be removed. But that’s not the case. Removing them without planning can cause erosion and create runoff problems later. Some trees might be needed for shade and visual appeal. So consult a professional and have the trees or natural features you want to preserve marked before any heavy machinery arrives.
Testing And Permits
Several tests need to be completed before construction can begin. Also, you need to obtain the required building permits to confirm that you are legally allowed to commence construction. Here are details about the important tests and permits involved in typical property preparation before building a custom home.
Soil And Septic Tests
Test holes are dug to see if the ground can support the home’s foundation and handle the septic system. Geotechnical engineers extract core samples to test the soil’s load-bearing capacity. This helps them determine if the ground can bear the weight of the future house without shifting or settling. It also helps determine the design of your septic system. Typically, there are two options, a standard gravity septic system and a mound system.
Utility Mapping
Securing utility access for new construction can be challenging. While some properties are already connected to the public water and sewer system, others require utility mapping before connection points can be established for electricity, gas, water, and propane. Utility mapping for a custom build involves identifying underground lines, planning exact connection routes, and avoiding permanent structures over service paths. With expert assistance, you can develop a coordinated utility plan.
Local Permits
Before heavy machinery can begin work, you have to apply for local zoning, building, and driveway permits. Local zoning permits confirm that your home design meets the local rules. You also have to apply for septic and utility permits to ensure your sewer connections comply with local codes. Last but not least, you need a demolition permit before you remove any old sheds, foundations, or trees from the site.
Site Clearing And Access
This is when you begin to see real progress and the project taking shape. During this stage, you establish entry paths, remove any leftover vegetation, and grade the land. This step often falls between utility mapping and grading decisions, so extra attention is needed.
Clear Vegetation
By this stage, the contractor will have removed any vegetation that might inhibit the construction process. Still, they will double-check the site to remove trees, stumps, or organic topsoil from the area where the building pad will be created.
Erosion Control
Creating construction access and a temporary driveway can cause soil erosion. To control it, the contractor would set up silt fences or barriers to manage the runoff and mud.
Construction Driveways
To make way for heavy trucks and machinery, a temporary gravel path is built. This allows heavy trucks and other machinery to enter the construction site safely.
Drippé Homes – We Build To Last
At Drippé Homes, we understand that despite the time and effort involved, preparing a property before building a home always pays off. You need to build a home that’s properly constructed and built to last for years to come. The above information outlines the steps a homeowner needs to take to prepare the lot for a custom home build.
Lawrence residents seeking a trusted custom home builder can contact us at Drippé Homes. With over two decades of experience, we stand out as a reliable home builder that can help you build a custom home exactly as you envision it. Contact us today to request a quote.
