Although it may seem relatively straightforward, site development is one of the most important phases of any construction project. In addition to clearing the lot and excavating, contractors often have to overcome a variety of challenges, many of which lead to increased expenses. If you’re planning a development project, below are a few factors that influence the cost of site work.

5 Factors That Determine the Cost of Site Development

1. Contaminated Soil

If the site was previously a commercial facility, the soil might contain heavy metals, dangerous chemicals like arsenic, or pesticides. Before building any new construction, these will have to be neutralized or removed, which can be time-consuming and costly.

2. Buried Storage Tanks

When commercial buildings are torn down, their underground oil, fuel, or chemical storage tanks are often left behind. Removing these tanks must be done carefully to avoid further contaminating the surrounding soil.

3. Poor Soil Condition

Extremely damp soil or earth with a high clay content can be unsuitable for building without extensive preparation. Depending on the circumstances, your contractor may have to excavate the soil, apply dewatering products, and replace the ground with more stable material.

4. Conflicting Utility Lines

Part of site development is building out to the utilities, but existing lines can be even more difficult. Any buried fiber optic cables, water lines, and sewage pipes will have to be rerouted, along with any overhead wires, to protect the integrity of the system and the safety of construction workers.

5. Accessibility

The site development costs also include the expense of transporting heavy equipment and workers to the job site. In many cases, preparing a site in a difficult-to-access area is more expensive than building within the city limits.

For over 75 years, the site development experts at Musson Brothers have been serving municipal governments and private clients throughout the Rhinelander, WI area. With their decades of experience and expertise in the most advanced techniques in the industry, they pride themselves on providing competitive quotes and completing every project on time. Visit their website for more on their broad array of services, or call (715) 365-8700 to discuss your project and request a quote.