Ready to Build? Here’s How to Prep Like a Pro

You’ve chosen your builder, picked the perfect location, and can already envision your home, office, custom garage, shop, or business standing proudly on your property, but before the building begins, there’s one thing you can’t afford to overlook: preparation.

Proper preparation is the foundation of a successful build. Here are some steps that you might consider before starting your project.

Know the Rules Before You Break the Ground

Before doing anything else, it’s important to understand your local zoning regulations and building codes. These rules determine what kind of structure you can build, how close it can be to property lines, and if it meets all legal requirements. Even if you own the land, that doesn’t mean you can build without restrictions. It’s important to make sure that the building you’re planning will pass all restrictions and codes. It is also important to know what permits you should secure before you break ground.

At JJ's Builders, we have an in-house expert who specializes in researching zoning regulations and handling the permitting process for you. We can make the process stress-free for you!

Set a Realistic Budget

Before breaking ground, it’s important to establish a budget that accounts for more than just the building materials and labor. Set a clear budget that includes more than just the structure. Factor in costs like permits, land clearing, excavation, driveways, utility connections, soil testing, and landscaping. Don’t forget to include a contingency fund for unexpected expenses along the way.

Walk the Property with Your Builder

Once your budget and basic plans are in place, meet with your builder for a site visit. Walking the property together allows your builder to evaluate the land’s layout and access points.

With JJ’s, we typically go out on-site after the initial virtual meeting. This gives us a firsthand look at the property and allows us to review the site better.

Prepare the Land

You need to prepare your land. Prepare the land by removing trees, rocks, bushes, demolishing old structures or fencing. A well-prepared site keeps construction running smoothly.

While we don’t remove trees or demolish buildings ourselves, we do offer site prep services to make sure your land is properly leveled and ready to build on. We will make sure to get your site prepared for a smooth building process.

Finalize Your Building Plans

Before construction begins, it’s better to finalize your building design to avoid delays and unexpected additional costs. This includes finalizing the square footage, layout, and overall structure of your build. 

Communicate with Your Builder

One mistake homeowners often make is that they fail to have consistent communication with their builder through the planning and preparation process. You must have open and consistent communication with your builder. Share your goals, expectations, timeline, and budget clearly so that everything is set before work begins. 

Great builds happen when the homeowner and builder are on the same page. At JJ’s, once your build begins, you’re welcome to call your foreman or project director at any time with questions or concerns. Be sure to share the good stuff too! We love hearing feedback along the way. Great communication builds great projects.

Start Smart with the Right Builder

Preparing your property is the secret to a smooth and successful build. It keeps your project on schedule, your budget in check, and your stress levels low. Whether you’re building a home, workspace, or something in between, JJ's Builders and Lancaster Barndo are here to help you get started.  

Ready to build? Let’s make your vision a reality, build with JJ's Builders today!