Use this guide to prepare better questions
Good planning helps property owners compare options, identify hidden site issues, and communicate a clearer scope before an estimate is prepared.
General information only. This guide is not engineering, architecture, surveying, code, permit, legal, financial, or soil advice. Requirements and appropriate construction details depend on the project and authority having jurisdiction.
Confirm boundaries, setbacks, and easements
Use reliable survey information and verify the authority having jurisdiction. A building should not be positioned from a fence line or informal landmark unless that line is known to be accurate.
Setbacks can apply from property lines, roads, easements, utilities, wells, septic systems, waterways, and other buildings. Subdivision rules may be more restrictive than local zoning.
Study water movement
Observe the site after heavy rain. Identify low areas, swales, culverts, runoff from neighboring land, and where roof water can discharge without creating erosion or directing water toward another structure.
Finished-floor elevation should be chosen with the surrounding grade and drainage plan. Simply making the pad flat does not ensure water will move away correctly.
Plan access for construction and daily use
Concrete trucks, material deliveries, lifts, trailers, and excavation equipment need more room than a passenger vehicle. Consider turning radii, grade, soft ground, gates, overhead obstructions, and all-weather access.
Temporary construction access may need geotextile, rock, widening, tree trimming, or a different route than the final driveway. Restoring soft or damaged access can add work.
Locate public and private utilities
Contact the appropriate 811 service before excavation. Remember that private lines, septic components, wells, owner-installed electric, propane, irrigation, and other facilities may require separate locating.
Mark private utilities and systems from owner records, visible components, and specialty locating when needed. Stop work if an unknown line, tank, pipe, or structure is found.
Prepare a stable building pad
Organic topsoil, uncontrolled fill, wet material, and poor drainage can undermine slabs and foundations. The required preparation depends on the structure, soil, grade, and engineering or code requirements.
Imported fill must be appropriate, placed in manageable lifts, and compacted to the project requirement. Unverified deep fill can create settlement risk.
Questions to bring to the estimate conversation
- Are property lines and easements known?
- Where does water flow after heavy rain?
- Can concrete and delivery trucks reach the pad?
- Have public and private utilities been located?
- Is unsuitable soil or deep fill present?