Preparing Your Lot for New Home Construction
Building a new home can be very exciting, but there is a lot of planning and preparation that needs to be done before building can start. Site preparation is the most important step in construction, as the build’s success relies on this planning. Deer Ridge Construction will collaborate with you during this process, helping you every step of the way. Below we have detailed some of the most important aspects of preparing your lot for new home construction.
Establish Property Lines
First and foremost, you will have to figure out how much land you have to build on. You will need to determine where your neighbor’s land ends and yours begins. Hire a surveyor for help, they can properly determine the boundaries of your property. When you determine your property lines, you will also have to determine where your utilities will be located. Locate and mark where your water, electrical, and sewer lines are.
Establish Site Plan
In addition to establishing your property lines, you will also need to prepare your site plan. Your site plan design will depict everything that will be constructed on the lot, including the building itself, roads, sidewalks, landscaping, and any underground utilities. Your contractor can help you prepare your site plan before beginning on-site construction.
Building and Zoning Permits
As soon as you purchase the lot, start applying for building and zoning permits. The sooner the better as you will need them for utility access. In Pennsylvania, both building and zoning permits are required for new home construction. Deer Ridge Construction can reach out to your local municipal office and obtain the permits you need.
Building Permits
Building permits allow you and your contractors to legally complete construction work on your property. They are government approvals that ensure the construction of a building is safe and up to code. Building permits are required, you cannot break ground on your land before obtaining one. You will also need a licensed contractor to obtain permits for the gas and electric lines that will be extended to the site.
Zoning Permits
Zoning laws focus on the actual intended use of the land to ensure the well-being of the community. You will need a zoning permit to give you the legal right to build on your land as long as they comply with residential zoning requirements. Many localities also require a site survey to show where the new building will be, its distance from existing structures, and where the septic lines will be located. Your area’s local building department will help you understand zoning regulations and permits needed for construction.
Soil Testing and Excavation
Soil Testing
Soil testing is important as it will determine if the soil conditions are adequate to absorb water. Have your municipality’s sewage enforcement officer run a percolation test to determine if the soil will drain water correctly to support the septic lines in place and ensure a marsh doesn’t form. You will also need to investigate the ground and report any potential underground hazards like pipes, plumbing, and inadequate soil conditions. If you do not conduct an investigation, you will not fully know the ground conditions which can lead to construction issues.
Land Clearing
Excavation begins after the site plan has been approved and the necessary permits are obtained. To prepare your lot for excavation, first remove any debris, plants, or tree branches from the area. Once everything is clear, begin laying the house’s foundation and create a drainage system, then level the ground to grade to hold everything in place.
Build Your New Home with Deer Ridge Construction
Once your land is prepped and ready, your home builder can start construction. Deer Ridge Construction’s highly skilled craftsmen can take your vision for your dream house and make it a reality. We use the best-quality materials to build a beautiful home that will last a lifetime. Contact one of our dedicated experts to begin the home-building process today!
