Spec PlanB: Lot Excavation

what's on this page

Introduction
about lot excavation
getting started
related topics
planning forms
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introduction

Spec Plan-B begins with lot excavation. Lot excavation is clearing the preparing the land for a home extension, addition or construction.

The issue is to protect trees and other landmarks that should remain as part of your landscape. Also check for good drainage.

Page Topics:

planC: foundation

planA: home style

First Topic: About Lot Excavation

spec plan-B: lot excavation

Spec Plan B: Lot Excavation

what you need to know —

Survey the lot to define the boundaries and dimensions for your home addition or extension

View the physical features of the lot. Note any rocks, trees, water-fronts, or other desirable or undesirable views. Consider options to gain the most desirable view and privacy.

Note any extra requirements. Do you need room for a swimming pool, side-entry garage, recreational space, etc.

These notations and requirements will determine how the lot should be excavated.

Check the drainage

Water should drain away from the house and channel into natural or man-made tributaries

Be careful not to channel water into your neighbors yard (drainage that is not already part of the natural flow). This could save you from potential litigation down the road.

view this infographic on the importance of good drainage
	designing a better yard drainage system

Check your county and/or local governments for property easements and property line setbacks

Many governments require them. Survey resource information:
lsrp.com
Lookup county and city governments:
statelocalgov.net

When breaking ground, consider these points:

know where the underground utilities are if they cross your property — then need to be marked
plot where the addition will be situated with plenty of room for setbacks and proper drainage
tag any trees that you want untouched and make sure they are not damaged following excavation
be present when they clear the area
ensure that the area has been cleared and that all trash has removed — including tree stumps

from howstuffworks.com:
about excavating land

Next: Getting Started

spec plan-B: lot excavation

Getting Started

Step 1: develop the plan

take a completed draft of the spec sheet to your architect or survey, who will can customize a lot excavation plan or revise an existing plan that meets your specs.
use your spec sheet to bid the lot excavation project to contractors

	lot excavation spec sheet

lot excavation spec sheet

Step 2: get required building permits

It will either be up to you or the contractor to obtain each permit.
all about permits
Check with your local jurisdiction regarding site and change permits:
local government for permit information
It would be good idea to purchase as reference an illustrated building code book to make sure your project is up to code:
- building codes illustrated