Breaking ground is one of the most exciting parts of the homebuilding process — and one of the most important. Putting in the right prep work before excavation can make a big difference in helping your project move forward smoothly. Here’s how Capstone can help you make it happen.
Save Your Topsoil
Quality topsoil is one of the most valuable parts of a lot, especially when it comes to future landscaping. Reusing quality topsoil can help create a better foundation for your future lawn and other yard projects. While not all lots have quality topsoil, walking your lot before excavation and speaking with your excavator can help you learn more about your soil conditions. Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to plan to store excavated topsoil on your property during prep work so it can be used later on.
Make Sure Utilities Are Marked Before Digging
If utility lines are already present on your lot, your excavator will coordinate with local utility services to mark underground lines before excavation begins. Utility companies will then mark gas, electric, and communication lines, usually with flags and paint. You should avoid disturbing these areas before excavation so workers know where existing lines are located. While this step may take a few days, it is critical for protecting everyone and preventing costly damage to utility lines.
Be Present on Dig Day if Possible
Being on-site when your home is staked and when excavation begins can be incredibly helpful. Walking the lot with your builder gives you a chance to confirm important features like the driveway location or the position of the home. This is the time to ask about elevation, grading, or layout while the entire site is visible. This way, you can have confidence that work is getting started in a way that matches your vision.
When done right, the groundbreaking process helps establish a solid foundation for the rest of the custom home building process. A little extra prep and involvement on your end can go a long way. At Capstone, we’re always happy to help address your needs and answer your questions at every step of the process. Contact us to learn more about our work or to check out our customizable floor plans.