Planning Your Build: Key Considerations for Breaking Ground
Breaking ground is exhilarating.
Whether you’re constructing a new job site facility or building your dream home, watching dirt fly can’t be beat.
There’s one problem…
Without proper planning before breaking ground, excitement can quickly turn to frustration. Costly delays and budget busting mistakes happen before you know it.
Here’s the unfortunate truth…
Many builders and landowners are eager to get moving. Once they’ve purchased their property, they want to start building immediately. Dump trucks rolling. Bulldozers digging. Concrete being poured.
If they only stopped to plan first.
Investing time in breaking ground preparation pays huge dividends down the road. Taking a deep dive into these topics before shovels hit the dirt will set you up for success.
Let’s dig in…
Table of Contents
- Why Pre-Construction Planning Is Important
- Breaking Ground? Consider These 5 Site Preparation Factors
- Breaking Ground? Here’s the Equipment You’ll Need
- Digging Deep? Make Sure You Have These Permits
- Construction Project Tips: Pad Your Budget for Delays
- Don’t Forget Your Pre-Building Checklist
- Conclusion
Why Pre-Construction Planning Is Important
Construction delays are commonplace. A whopping 75% of construction projects don’t finish within 10% of their planned schedule.
That’s according to a KPMG study that analyzed project data from the construction industry.
Yikes.
Poor planning before breaking ground is a leading factor in these delays. Pre-construction preparation includes everything from analyzing your build site to collecting the proper equipment and applying for permits.
When you cut corners during the planning phase, expect headaches during construction.
Completing a thorough job ahead of time creates a roadmap you can follow as you begin building.
You’ll know which equipment to rent, which permits you need to secure, and what obstacles you may encounter along the way.
Breaking Ground? Consider These 5 Site Preparation Factors
Don’t start digging before considering these five factors.
Site prep work is just that – work. You’ll want to do your due diligence before entering your build site with a phonebooth full of equipment.
First, you’ll want to conduct soil testing. Your soil’s composition can change which type of foundation you use. Plus, soil type can affect your equipment choices and site drainage.
Creating a topographical map is also important. Just because your site appears level doesn’t mean mother nature made it that way. Water runoff and foundation support can be jeopardized if your soil doesn’t lay flat.
Locating nearby utilities is critical too. Underground sewer, water, gas lines, and cables should be mapped prior to digging. You don’t want to knock out an underground pipe when you’re breaking ground.
Speaking of breaking ground, let’s talk about equipment.
When breaking ground, you may be wondering where to find the best equipment. For many contractors and builders, browsing used equipment listings is a great place to start. You can often find quality used New Holland equipment from reputable dealers. Not only will you save big money by buying used equipment, but you’ll also have more money available for other build expenses.
Breaking Ground? Here’s the Equipment You’ll Need
Unless you plan to break ground with a golden shovel, you’ll need heavy equipment to prepare your build site.
For most ground breaking projects, you’ll need at least an excavator, loader, and dozer. Excavators are great for digging and trenching. Loaders are ideal for moving large material piles. Dozers can grade and level your land.
When choosing which equipment to use, consider these factors:
- Size of your project. The larger your land area, the more powerful machinery you’ll need.
- The ground you’ll be working with. Wet or soft ground may require tracked equipment instead of wheels.
- How easy it is to access the job site. Large equipment doesn’t always fit in small areas.
- Your budget. New equipment comes with a hefty price tag. But you can often find quality used equipment at a fraction of the cost.
Earthmoving equipment accounted for more than 41% of all construction equipment sales in 2023. There’s a reason why…
Earthmoving machines like excavators, loaders, and dozers are necessary for most construction job sites.
You’ll have to decide if buying or renting your equipment makes more sense for your project.
Renting is typically more cost-effective for short-term use. But if you plan on using the same equipment for multiple projects, buying could be a better long-term investment.
Digging Deep? Make Sure You Have These Permits
Permits should be your top priority before beginning construction.
Not only do permits ensure your job site follows local regulations, but they also ensure the safety of your construction team.
You’ll want to check with your local city hall for specific permit requirements.
Typically, you’ll need the following permits before breaking ground:
- Building permit
- Grading permit
- Environmental permit (if located near wetlands)
- Utility connection permits (water, sewer, electric, etc.)
- Stormwater management permit
Start the permit process as soon as possible. In many cases, you’ll want to obtain your permits before even breaking ground.
Permit denials are cited as one of the top causes of project setbacks. Many builders jump the gun and think they can obtain a permit instantly.
Map out time to acquire your permits in your project schedule. And don’t forget to pad your timeline. You’ll need it.
Construction Project Tips: Pad Your Budget for Delays
Here’s a dirty little secret construction contractors don’t want you to know.
Construction projects always cost more than the original bid.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a contractor that’s been building for 30 years or just starting out. Construction costs will exceed your estimates.
Always build in extra money for unforeseen problems.
I recommend padding your budget by 10-15% for unexpected issues.
Weather can delay construction projects. Unexpected site conditions like underground rock can increase your costs. Prices for construction materials can fluctuate between your estimate and construction phase.
And who can forget about scope changes?
Once you start building, it’s almost inevitable that you’ll discover something you want to add or change.
Whatever the reason, your construction project will likely cost more. Plan for it.
Equipment rental and purchase costs are a large part of your budget too. As previously mentioned, buying used construction equipment can save you tons of money.
But equipment cost isn’t just the initial purchase price. You’ll also have to account for maintenance, fuel, and operation.
Don’t Forget Your Pre-Building Checklist
Trying to remember everything you need to do before breaking ground is a challenge.
Leave it to the professionals.
HRAGripower has created a comprehensive pre-construction checklist to keep you on track.
Our construction pre-build checklist includes:
- Site surveys and soil tests
- Required permits applied for
- Equipment identified and delivery scheduled
- Utilities located
- Budget set (including contingency)
- Construction timeline created
- Contractors hired
We understand how easy it is to miss a step during the construction process. Use our checklist to ensure you don’t forget any of the aforementioned topics.
Check out our construction pre-build checklist today!
Conclusion
There’s nothing like breaking ground on a new build.
But failing to plan before your start date can create headaches you’ll have to deal with for the entire construction project.
Remember…
75% of construction projects aren’t completed within 10% of their original deadline.
By failing to plan before construction, you’re putting your project at risk for delays and hitting that 75%.
Take these tips into consideration before starting your build. It’ll make your life (and budget) much easier in the long run.
Plus, who doesn’t want their build to finish on time and under budget?