Before You Clear: Questions to Ask Your Contractor
The cheapest land clearing quote can turn into the most expensive one by the time your house is built. Most of the problems we get called to fix come from questions that weren't asked before the first tree came down.
"Cleared" is not always the same as Ready to Build
Unfortunately, we are seeing it more and more. We show up to start the site work for a new build on a lot that supposedly cleared and ready, and it isn't. Stumps are still in the ground, roots run through the pad, and tree debris has been ground up and left on site. Now, before we can start the job, there's more clearing and prep to do that costs the owner more money and time. It's frustrating for everyone.
It comes down to a few things. Perhaps a mismatch between what was quoted and what the building site actually needs. The first contractor may honestly have not known what more was needed.
As an example, I often see forestry mulching as the initial land clearing. A mulching head grinds trees into chips where they stand. It's fast and costs less up front. But the stumps and roots stay in the ground, the chips stay on the surface, and the brush starts growing back within a few years. You really can't build a foundation, a driveway or a septic field on wood chips, stumps, roots or even topsoil. You can try, maybe for some it worked out, but I am here to tell you, I've seen it fail more.
All the wood has to come out, the topsoil has to be stripped, and the crew has to get down to solid soil that can be compacted. If mulch gets buried under fill instead, it rots and settles.
To be clear, this isn't a knock on anyone. Mulching is a real service, and has its place and benefits.
The cheapest quote isn't always the best deal. A lower price could mean a smaller scope, and the rest of the work still has to get done before you can build. Asking the right questions up front makes sure you're comparing the same job.
Ask what "cleared" actually means.
"Cleared" can mean anything from cutting trees at the ground to a finished, graded house pad. Get it spelled out.
Are stumps and roots being removed (grubbed), or just cut flush? Stumps left under a foundation, driveway or septic field rot and settle for years.
What happens to the debris? Hauled off, burned on site, or just mulched and left?
What happens to the topsoil?
Which trees are staying? Walk the lot together and flag the keepers.
Does the price include rough grading or a building pad? If not, you'll be hiring a second crew and paying a second mobilization.
Ask about what's under and around the lot.
Has 811 been called to mark utilities? It's required before digging, and a hit gas or fiber line stops a job cold.
Where is the septic system going? If your lot needs septic, the approved drain field area has to be protected.
How will water drain off the lot? Clearing changes how water moves. Ask where the runoff goes, and whether it will end up on your foundation, your driveway or your neighbor's yard.
What's the soil and rock like? Ask what happens, and what it costs, if they hit rock or soft, wet ground.
Ask what the price really covers.
Two quotes can look $5,000 apart and be for completely different jobs. Line them up side by side. Is this a fixed price, per acre, or hourly? Each one puts the risk on a different person. Know which one you're signing. What's not included?
What would cause a change order? Rock, buried trash, unmarked utilities and wet weather are common. (The stumps from above, too.) Ask how those are priced before they happen.
The right questions will help save you money.
Having the right foundation sets the rest of the project up for success. Everything after it, sits on top of that work. Whether you're just getting started, stuck somewhere in the middle, or ready to dig, we are here to help.
Call or text and ask for Mike. You can also send us a message.
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