Preparing the land is one of the most important steps when building a new home. While it may seem simple on the surface, proper land prep sets the stage for your entire build and can have significant long-term impacts on your home’s functionality and value. At Schumacher Homes, our expert team focuses on land prep as the foundation that supports your dream home.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the key steps involved in land prep for new construction. Proper grading, utility installation, access roads, drainage, topsoil and seeding are all critical components. We’ll overview the purpose of each step and provide tips to maximize your property’s potential. With careful planning and execution, you can create the ideal canvas for your custom home.

The purpose of land preparation is to convert a raw piece of ground into a pleasant house site that is tailored to your idea. When done correctly, it creates a flat surface for construction, good drainage, utility hookups, and an appealing yard area. While it’s tempting to focus just on the house, don’t overlook the necessity of land preparation. The effort and money you put into your property now will pay off for years to come.

Clearing the land is one of the most important first steps when preparing to build a new home. This involves removing any existing trees, bushes, brush, and large rocks or boulders from the property.

Schumacher Homes begins by surveying the lot and identifying any vegetation or site features that will need to be removed. Schumacher Homes marks the trees and bushes that you want removed with ribbon or spray paint. Consider if there are any existing trees you may want to preserve for landscaping later.

Schumacher Homes uses heavy equipment like an excavator or backhoe to remove brush, pull out stumps and grade the property. Schumacher Homes also uses chainsaws to cut down any trees and vegetation marked for removal. Schumacher Homes starts clearing from the area where the house will be built and works outward.

Schumacher Homes will extract rocks, boulders and tree stumps. Removing stumps can be challenging and will require stump grinding equipment. Clear out vine-type brush that may be tangled in existing vegetation. Old fencing and waste materials should also be removed at this stage.

Once existing vegetation, rocks and obstacles have been removed, the property should be leveled. This prep work helps create a blank canvas and clears the way for utility installations, equipment access and foundation building.

Properly grading the land around your home is a critical step for maximizing your home’s potential. The ground should slope away from the house in all directions at a grade of at least 1 inch per foot for the first 10 feet. This slope allows water to drain away from the foundation.

When grading, mound the soil slightly at the foundation walls to direct water flow away from the house. Use a transit, laser level, or string levels to ensure the yard slopes uniformly away from the home. The ideal slope is about 5% to 6% for the first 10 feet out from the foundation.

Finally, decide on a sewer solution. Areas with municipal sewer systems require connecting your plumbing lines to the main sewer, often via gravity or pump systems. In more rural locations, a septic tank and drain field system should be installed and approved by your local health department.

Building a home is one of the most important investments you’ll make in your lifetime. While the house itself is crucial, maximizing your property’s potential starts with proper land prep. In this guide, we covered key tips for clearing, grading, installing utilities and access roads, shaping drainage and installing hardscaping features. Taking the time upfront to properly prepare your land will pay dividends for years to come. With a smart land prep plan, you can transform an empty lot into a beautiful, functional property filled with possibilities.

As your trusted home builder, Schumacher Homes is here to help make your dream home a reality. Our expertise in land development and site preparation helps home builders maximize their budget for the home itself. A properly prepared property provides the ideal blank canvas to build your forever home. Visit our website today to learn more about how we can assist with your new construction project from start to finish.