In any new construction site, there are often a lot of things that can go wrong. Therefore, before breaking ground, you should inspect the land to find all possible problems that can be fixed early on. All these factors play an important role in the success of your project, so make sure you know what they are before beginning work on a new construction site!
1. Check if the property is zoned for the type of business you want to open
Before tearing up the ground with your general industrial contractor, it is important to check with your local government to see if the property is zoned for the type of business you want to open. For example, it would not be a good idea to begin construction on a bakery if it’s located in an area where restaurants are only allowed. This mistake can greatly hinder the success of your business, so be sure to take this step before beginning work.
2. Meet with your local building and zoning officials to get approvals and permits
After checking with your local government, you will need to meet with your building and zoning officials. These officials can tell you exactly what approvals and permits you need in order to begin construction at the site. This process will also affect the total cost of the project, so be sure to take this step before beginning work. Process these requirements early to avoid encountering problems if ever something goes wrong in the middle of the construction project.
3. Look for any dangers that exist below ground
Many new construction sites have issues with underground pipes and wires that may cause problems later on. Take a look at all layers of soil to see if you can find any utility lines or other things that might interfere with your project. You can also call 811 to have underground utility lines in the area located for free.
4. Consider the effect of local weather on the site
The climate is an important factor when you are building a new construction site, especially if you’re building something that will need to withstand the elements. For example, you might not want to build an outdoor pool during the winter if there is a good chance that it will repeatedly freeze over. This step should be considered even before ground has been broken because it can affect your budget and timeline.
5. Determine if you can build on the site or if you need to purchase neighboring land
Depending on the size of your business, it might be best to buy extra land around your new construction site in order to make things easier for your company. For example, if you’re building an apartment complex, preparing all the necessary roads and paths will be difficult if the complex is separated by other properties.
6. Find out how others have fared at this site
If you can, try to speak with others who have had projects on the same property as you are planning to build. This way, you can learn from their experiences and prevent some common mistakes before they even happen. Survey the neighborhood to see how the developments are performing to help you prepare for the future.
7. Inspect utility services, including power, gas, water, sewage, phone lines, and cable TV
Before tearing up the ground with your contractor, make sure there is a proper supply of all needed utilities at your new construction site. If there isn’t, you will need to work with your local government to get these services in place before moving forward.
8. Find out if there are any environmental hazards on the site
There might be several environmental hazards that exist on your property when you buy it, so it’s important to ask about this step early on. For example, an old gas station might need an environmental cleanup before it is suitable for new construction. It’s also important to check into any existing zoning, easements, and deed restrictions that might exist on the site.
9. Get proof of ownership for your site
Before you order a survey of the site or begin drawing up plans, make sure there is documentation available proving that you own the land. This documentation is often found through a title search, which can be completed by an attorney or title company.
In order to have a successful construction project, it is important to do your research and know what needs to be done before breaking ground. By following the tips in this article, you can avoid common mistakes and problems that often occur during new construction projects.
