Planning a land development project is an exciting and daunting task. The excitement comes from the anticipation of building your dream home, but the burden can be heavy when you consider all of the work that needs to be done. Damon Becnel is helping you through the process with six essential tips for getting through a land development project, no matter how large or small it may be!
Set a Budget of how much you can Spend
Setting a budget will help limit your stress and ensure that the project is completed in an efficient and timely manner. If you have a limited budget, purchasing land with an already existing home on the lot may be more beneficial. This way, all work is completed in one project, and your life can continue as normal while this development takes place. Without a budget, you could spend a lot of money on one project and not have any left to complete the next.
Set a Timeline for Completion
Whether you want your development completed in six months or twelve years, you must set a realistic timeline for yourself. When planning this out with your team members, make sure everyone has ample time to complete the tasks that they need to do. This way, you can stick with your timeline and avoid getting behind schedule.
Make a List of Goals for each Phase
While it may be difficult to create a detailed plan from the start through finish before starting any work, creating an outline of what needs to get done is very beneficial. If you have a list of goals for each phase, it will help break up the project into smaller sections. This way, you can ensure that everything is getting done promptly and that your life does not get interrupted too much by this process!
Be Mindful of Local Ordinances
This information will need to be obtained from the city or town hall where the property lies before any construction begins. These building codes exist for a reason: safety! Make sure that whatever you are planning to build adheres to these guidelines so that everyone stays safe during and after construction. Please keep track of these ordinances and make sure your team is aware of them as well.
Have a Plan for the Future
If you are planning to build on this property, you must know what you want next! This will make sure everything flows together nicely, and there are no hiccups along the way because your team does not know where they need to go next.
Document Everything Along the Way
One of the most important parts of any construction project is documentation! Even if it seems like a small detail, you will regret not having pictures or video evidence of what your team does on this property. Taking time to document how your day went and any hiccups that occurred can help improve future projects and avoid any possible legal issues down the road.
Research Companies Ahead of Time
If possible, research three different companies who specialize in land development projects before making a final decision about which company you want working on your new home’s foundation/land development. This is not only an important step in ensuring your company provides you with the best work, but it will also ensure that they are reputable and experienced enough to handle projects like this one.
Have a Detailed Plan of Action
Once all of these steps have been completed, create a specific outline for how you want your land developed/how long you expect each part to take. For example: excavating may be done within two weeks depending on weather conditions, while building can begin immediately after the foundation has been poured.
Don’t Forget about Permits
When drawing up plans for any construction project, don’t forget to include necessary permits required by local ordinances as well as federal laws set forth by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Stay on Top of the Project’s Progress
The last piece to ensuring your land development project runs smoothly is staying in close contact with your contractor. It can be difficult for people who are not used to construction projects, but it will ensure that you gain information about how the work being done so far has progressed. Have more than one person keep track as well. This will make sure that there is no miscommunication and you are always on the same page.
Always be Prepared for any Surprises Along the Way
No matter how much research has been done or what type of plan was created, it’s important to remember that nothing goes according to plan in construction projects. Whether it’s an issue with weather or materials arriving late, be prepared that there will always be problems to resolve.
Always have a Plan B
Even if everything goes according to plan during construction, always prepare yourself for any unexpected problems or delays by thinking ahead and having an alternative solution ready just in case something does go wrong along the way. This term could also apply to what happens after building/construction begins as well- don’t forget about life outside of this project!
These twelve tips should help you get through any land development project smoothly! As long as everyone follows the plan and stays on top of what needs to happen next throughout the entire building process, you’ll find yourself with a brand new home before you know it!