There’s nothing quite like designing your own dream house on the perfect lot. Taking time at the beginning of the process to thoroughly prepare will ensure your construction goes smoothly, saving you time and money. The general contractor at MK Enterprises in Kodiak, AK, shares tips for what to do before your house site is excavated.

A General Contractor’s Guide to Smart Excavation Preparation

1. Determining Placement

Where you choose to situate the building on your property will depend on a lot of factors. Consider any easements on the properties and topography. Slopes will be costlier to grade, for example, than a flat surface. Consider the distances you’ll need to run utility lines, where your driveway will be and how you can connect to any municipal services. Consider the view from the home, the proximity and privacy of your neighbors, and the sun exposure the home will get.

2. Rough Staking

Rough staking is the process of mapping the layout of the building on the site itself with stakes. You can then plan for how far around the building you want to continue clearing, such as for a backyard or to give the home some space from the trees. Staking will help your clearing team work efficiently, which will save you money on the labor. It also prevents snags in the future, such as finding an area that should have been cleared and wasn’t or the removal of too many trees you would have preferred to keep.

3. Clearing

The clearing will remove all trees, roots, large rocks, or vegetation from the building site. Speak with a general contractor about the best way to remove the debris. Hauling it away is always an option—and might be necessary in some cases—but will be the most expensive. Depending on your area and other conditions, you might also be able to bury or burn the debris.

The team at MK Enterprises offer complete services, so they can guide you throughout your entire project. From preparing the site to putting the finishing touches on your project, they will provide reliable service and quality craftsmanship. Other helpful services they offer include heavy equipment rental, sewer installation, and snow removal. See their full range of services online, and call (907) 486-5537 to schedule a consultation with their general contractor today.