Site Preparation: Complete Guide

Overview

Site preparation is the first physical phase of construction. This phase transforms raw land into a buildable lot with access, utilities, and proper drainage. Rushing this phase or cutting corners creates problems that haunt the entire project.

I've seen builders save $5,000 on excavation only to spend $15,000 fixing drainage issues later. Good site prep is invisible when done right but catastrophic when done wrong.

When This Phase Happens

Site preparation happens before any vertical construction begins.

Must be complete first:

Can happen in parallel:

What comes after:

Should You DIY This Phase?

DIY If:

Hire Out If:

My recommendation: Hire the heavy equipment work (excavation, tree removal, rough grading) but do your own clearing of small brush and site layout. This saves $3,000-$5,000 while leaving the critical work to professionals with proper equipment.

The most expensive mistakes happen during excavation - hitting utilities, improper grading, or over-excavating. A skilled operator pays for themselves.

Materials Needed

Primary Materials

Primary materials for site preparation
ItemQuantityTypical CostNotes
Gravel for driveway150-200 tons$3,000-$5,00012" base for construction traffic
Gravel for utility trenches20-30 tons$600-$1,000Bedding and backfill
Erosion control fabric500-1,000 sq ft$200-$400Silt fence around perimeter
Survey stakes50-100 stakes$100-$200Layout and reference points
Temporary power pole1 complete$1,200-$2,000Includes meter base and panel
Portable toilet rental10-12 months$1,200-$2,000Monthly rental
Construction fence200-400 linear ft$300-$600If required by jurisdiction

Utility Connection Materials

Utility connection materials and costs
ItemCost RangeNotes
Water meter and tap$800-$2,500Varies by distance from main
Electric service connection$1,500-$5,000Distance and amperage dependent
Sewer connection$2,000-$5,000If municipal available
Septic system$8,000-$20,000If needed, whole separate project

Tools Required

Essential:

Nice to have:

Specialized (rent or hire):

Step-by-Step Process

Week 1: Planning and Layout

Day 1-2: Site assessment and planning

⚠️Warning

Always call 811 at least 48 hours before digging. Hitting utilities can be deadly and costs $10,000+ to repair. It's free and required by law.

Day 3-5: Initial clearing

💡Pro Tip

Stockpile topsoil separately from subsoil. You'll need it for final grading and landscaping. Good topsoil is worth $25-$40 per yard to replace.

Week 2: Heavy Equipment Work

Day 1-3: Tree removal and major clearing

Cost consideration: Tree removal averages $800-$1,500 per large tree. Get multiple bids and verify insurance. An uninsured tree service is a lawsuit waiting to happen.

Day 4-5: Rough grading

🚨Critical

Grading must direct water AWAY from the foundation. This is code-required and prevents 90% of foundation water issues.

Week 3: Utility Installation

Day 1-2: Utility trenching

Day 3-4: Utility installation

💡Pro Tip

Sleeve driveways with extra conduit now. Adding communication lines later requires cutting through your new driveway. I always run 2-3 extra 2" conduits for future use.

Day 5: Backfill and compact

Week 4: Final Preparation

Day 1-2: Temporary utilities

Day 3-4: Access and drainage

Day 5: Final layout

⚠️Warning

Foundation layout must be exact. A 1" error here becomes a major problem when walls don't fit. Verify diagonal measurements - they should match if corners are square.

Code Requirements

Key code items for site preparation:

Subcontractor Considerations

If hiring site work contractors:

What to look for:

Typical pricing:

Timeline:

Red flags:

💡Pro Tip

Get at least 3 bids and check references. The lowest bid often comes from someone who forgot something major. Middle bid is usually your best value.

Common Mistakes

1. Not Calling 811 Before Digging

Why it's a problem: Hitting utilities can be fatal, shut down the project, and cost $10,000-$100,000 in repairs and legal liability. How to avoid: Call 811 at least 48 hours before any digging. It's free and legally required. Hand-dig within 18" of marked utilities. Cost if you don't: $50,000-$500,000 in damages and legal fees, possible criminal charges.

2. Poor Drainage Planning

Why it's a problem: Water pools around foundation, causes basement flooding, foundation movement, and crawl space moisture issues. How to avoid: Grade minimum 6" fall in first 10 feet. Create swales to direct water away. Test with water before foundation. Cost if you don't: $5,000-$25,000 for drainage correction after construction, possible foundation repairs.

3. Not Stockpiling Topsoil

Why it's a problem: Have to buy topsoil for landscaping at $30-$40 per yard. How to avoid: Strip and stockpile topsoil before grading. Keep separate from subsoil. Cost if you don't: $2,000-$5,000 for replacement topsoil.

4. Skimping on Driveway Base

Why it's a problem: Construction traffic destroys thin gravel. Creates mud pit that delays construction and costs money to fix. How to avoid: Install minimum 12" compacted gravel base. Budget $3,000-$5,000 for construction access. Cost if you don't: $2,000-$8,000 to repair destroyed driveway, project delays.

5. Ignoring Erosion Control

Why it's a problem: Sediment washes onto neighbor's property or into waterways. Code violations, stop-work orders, fines. How to avoid: Install silt fence before starting work. Maintain throughout project. Cost if you don't: $500-$5,000 in fines, potential stop-work order, neighbor lawsuits.

6. Improper Utility Depths

Why it's a problem: Fails inspection, must excavate and reinstall. Water lines freeze. Electric lines are safety hazard. How to avoid: Verify code requirements before trenching. Measure depth before backfilling. Get inspection. Cost if you don't: $3,000-$8,000 to excavate and reinstall.

7. Not Protecting Trees to be Saved

Why it's a problem: Construction equipment damages roots, compacts soil, kills valuable trees. Some jurisdictions fine $500-$5,000 per tree. How to avoid: Fence off drip line. No storage or traffic within drip line. No grade changes around trees. Cost if you don't: Lost trees worth $2,000-$10,000 each, possible fines.

8. Inadequate Temporary Power

Why it's a problem: 100-amp service trips constantly with multiple tools. Delays work, damages tools. How to avoid: Install 200-amp temporary service. Include multiple circuits and GFCI protection. Cost if you don't: $1,000-$2,000 to upgrade later, work delays.

9. Wrong Foundation Elevation

Why it's a problem: House is too low (drainage issues) or too high (excessive fill, step problems). How to avoid: Verify finish floor elevation before grading. Account for foundation height, floor systems, finish flooring. Cost if you don't: Cannot fix without re-grading entire site - $5,000-$20,000.

10. No Construction Access Plan

Why it's a problem: Heavy trucks get stuck, damage yard, can't deliver materials. Delays entire project. How to avoid: Plan truck access routes. Install gravel base wide enough for concrete trucks (12-14 feet). Account for turning radius. Cost if you don't: $2,000-$5,000 in towing, site repairs, and redelivery charges.

Quality Checkpoints

Before moving to foundation phase, verify:

Budget Breakdown

Example for 1-acre lot, 2,000 sq ft home:

Site preparation budget breakdown
ItemCostNotes
**Survey and Engineering**
Property survey$500-$800If not already done
Site plan and grading plan$800-$1,500Required for permit
**Clearing and Grading**
Tree removal (8 trees)$6,000-$10,000Large hardwoods
Stump grinding$1,200-$2,000Building area and driveway
Excavation and grading$3,000-$5,0002-3 days with excavator
Topsoil stripping and stockpile$800-$1,200Included in grading
Erosion control$400-$600Silt fence perimeter
**Utilities**
Water service and meter$2,000-$3,500150 feet from main
Electric service trench$1,500-$2,500200 feet to transformer
Sewer connection$3,000-$5,000Or $12,000-$18,000 for septic
Gas line (if available)$1,200-$2,000150 feet from main
**Site Improvements**
Driveway gravel base$3,500-$5,000300 feet x 12 feet x 12"
**Temporary Facilities**
Temporary power pole$1,200-$1,800200-amp service
Portable toilet (12 months)$1,200-$1,800Monthly rental
**Contingency**$2,000-$3,000Rock, unexpected utilities
**Total****$27,300-$44,700**Typical range for 1-acre lot
💡Pro Tip

Site costs vary enormously by location, soil conditions, and utility access. Get local bids before finalizing your budget. I've seen similar lots range from $15,000 to $60,000.

Timeline Tips

Best season: Late spring through fall in most climates. Avoid winter in areas with frozen ground.

Weather considerations:

Scheduling with other trades:

Critical path items:

What Comes Next

After completing site preparation:

  1. Foundation layout - Precise staking of foundation corners and dimensions
  2. Foundation excavation - Digging footings to code depth
  3. Foundation inspection - Footing inspection before pouring concrete
  4. Foundation construction - Forms, rebar, concrete placement

Typical gap between phases: 1-2 weeks to schedule foundation contractor

What you can do while waiting:

Link to: Foundation Construction Phase

Need Help With Site Planning?

Site preparation sets the foundation (literally) for your entire project. Poor site work causes problems that haunt you through the whole build.

If you're unsure about drainage, utility placement, or grading, a site visit consultation can save you thousands in problems later.