There are many steps to complete before construction can begin on a business building, residence, or industrial property. From lot clearing to making a foundation, this process can take several weeks. Here are five tasks contractors should follow to get an area ready for construction.

How to Ready a Construction Site 

1. Get Permits

Go to your local zoning office to establish where you can build on a property. They will explain boundaries and local regulations, like building at least 300 feet from a body of water. These experts can help you apply for permits to build to ensure the site is legal.

2. Site Surveying

A surveyor will establish the property boundaries using past surveys and real estate transactions, plus area maps. They will denote the boundaries using colored tape or marking the ground or trees, so it’s easy to tell where you can build.

3. Lot Clearing

A construction company will use earthmovers and other heavy machinery to remove trees, shrubs, and rocks from the site. This step should create a relatively flat surface for a foundation or basement to house the structure’s bottom. Lot clearing is necessary whether you’re building new construction, creating an addition, or expanding a grassy area.

4. Soil Testing & Site Investigation

Contractors and geotechnical site investigators will take soil samples to learn whether the ground can support buildings or if it’s too weak due to the type of rock or water table.

The engineers will establish how quickly the ground absorbs water to assess whether it is in a flood plain, and the building will be at risk of water damage. They can also test whether there is enough water to install a well if it’s outside the local city water system.

5. Site Planning

A contractor will work with the property owner to choose where to place the buildings. The duo will decide how construction crews will access the area through temporary roads, and where to store vehicles and supplies to make the site safe and efficient. The construction team will factor in whether you will be living or working on-site to limit inconveniences while finishing the job quickly.

Individuals and companies interested in lot clearing should contact Musson Brothers in Oneida County, WI. The excavation company has been in the industry for 73 years. Visit the website or call the Rhinelander location at (715) 365-8700 to learn about aggregates, snow removal, basement construction, and more.