Preparing Land for New Construction: What Homeowners Should Know

Bymathewbaxter

The work that happens before the foundation is poured decides how well the house holds up for decades.

Step 1: Clear the site

Trees, brush and stumps come out first. Stumps under a building, driveway or patio should be pulled, not just cut, since buried wood rots and settles. See land clearing and stump removal.

Step 2: Prepare the ground

Then comes excavation and site prep. For that side of the job, see site preparation on baxterexcavation.com.

  • Excavation and grading
  • Drainage correction
  • Land leveling
  • Utility trenching
  • Soil compaction

Avoid expensive problems later

  • Foundation settling
  • Water damage
  • Drainage issues
  • Erosion

Check permits early

Critical areas, shoreline rules and erosion control requirements can affect how much clearing is allowed. Check with your city or county before clearing starts.

Have a project in mind? Call (360) 503-0571 for a free, no-pressure estimate anywhere in Skagit, Whatcom, Snohomish or Island County.