The lot you choose affects everything from construction costs to your daily life once your home is built. Consider these key factors:
- Topography & Slope – Steep or uneven land can require extensive excavation and grading, increasing costs. A gently sloped or flat lot often makes construction simpler and more cost-effective.
- Soil Composition – Soil quality impacts drainage, stability, and foundation type. A soil test can reveal potential issues like clay that expands, rock that’s difficult to dig, or sandy soil that may require special footing.
- Utilities & Access – Check availability of water, sewer, electricity, and road access. A remote lot may be idyllic, but bringing utilities in can be costly.
- Drainage & Flood Risk – Proper drainage prevents water issues in your basement or yard. Avoid areas prone to flooding or poor drainage unless you’re prepared for additional engineering solutions.
- Sunlight & Views – Orientation can affect energy efficiency and your enjoyment of your home. Think about morning vs. afternoon sun, natural light, and view corridors.
The Role of Site Excavation
Once you’ve chosen the perfect lot, site excavation begins. This step prepares the land for a stable foundation and ensures proper grading. Excavation includes:
- Clearing & Grubbing – Removing trees, brush, and debris from the site.
- Cut & Fill – Adjusting the land elevation to create a level building area.
- Trenching & Utility Preparation – Digging trenches for plumbing, electrical, and drainage systems.
- Foundation Prep – Ensuring soil is compacted and ready for footings or slab installation.
Proper excavation prevents future issues like foundation settling, drainage problems, and soil erosion. Skipping this step or cutting corners can lead to costly repairs later.
Tips for Homebuyers & Builders
- The right excavation contractor can help you get started by visiting available sites with you, to discuss the pros and cons of each location based on your plans.
- An experienced contractor with excavation knowledge, like Roy Construction Inc, can work with both you and a surveyor/engineer to choose the best layout of your home on the site.
- Budget for site preparation—this can be 5–15% of your construction costs depending on the lot.
- There are potential cost benefits to hiring a contractor who does their own site excavation. This can also avoid costly errors in site lay-out with a separate excavation team, who will have less detailed knowledge of the plans.
- Work with an experienced excavation and construction team to get accurate estimates and avoid surprises.
Conclusion
Choosing the right lot and preparing it properly is just as important as the home you’ll build on it. At Roy Construction Inc., we guide our clients through every step—from site evaluation to excavation and foundation—to ensure your dream home starts on solid ground.
