Home Construction Specification Planning

Spec Plan B: Lot Excavation

what you need to do —

• Survey the lot to define the boundaries and dimensions for your home construction.
  
  View the physical features of the lot. Note any rocks, trees, water-fronts, or other desirable or undesirable views. Consider options to gain the most desirable view and privacy.
  
  Note any extra requirements. Do you have room for a swimming pool, side-entry garage, recreational space, etc.
  
  
  
• Check the drainage.
  
  Water should drain away from the house and channel into natural or man-made tributaries.
  
  Be careful not to channel water into your neighbors yard (drainage that is not already part of the natural flow). This could save you from potential litigation down the road.
  
  
  
• Check your county and/or local governments for property easements and property line setbacks.
  
  Many governments require them. Survey resource information:
  http://www.lsrp.com
  
  Lookup county and city governments:
  http://www.statelocalgov.net
  
  Find a surveyor:
  http://www.surveyseek.com
  
  
  
• When breaking ground, consider these points:
  
  

  ··	know where the underground utilities are if they cross your property — then need to be marked
  ··	plot where the home will be situated with plenty of room for setbacks and proper drainage
  ··	tag any trees that you want untouched and make sure they are not damaged following excavation
  ··	be present when they clear the area
  ··	ensure that the area has been cleared and that all trash has removed — including tree stumps

  
  From howstuffworks.com:
  about excavating land
  
  
  
• Find Pre-screened Contractors:
  click to search pre-screened contractors in your area
  
  or find excavating services via your local yellow pages:
  search yellow pages