What Is Site Prep & Why Does It Matter?
Site preparation is the essential first step in building a new home. Before your foundation can be poured, the land must be cleared, graded, and made ready for construction. Done right, site prep ensures your home sits on solid ground with proper drainage. Done poorly, it can lead to foundation problems, flooding, and expensive repairs for years to come.
Site Prep Includes:
- ✓Land clearing – removing trees, brush, and vegetation
- ✓Stump removal – grinding stumps below grade
- ✓Rough grading – establishing drainage and level pad
- ✓Debris removal – hauling or mulching cleared material
- ○Fine grading – precision leveling (sometimes separate)
- ○Utility trenching – digging for services (often separate)
- ○Driveway prep – may be included or separate
- ○Erosion control – silt fence, seeding (if required)
Site Prep Costs: What to Budget
Site prep costs vary widely based on your lot size, vegetation, terrain, and local requirements. Here's what Texas homeowners typically pay:
2026 Texas Site Prep Pricing
Grass, brush, small trees; minimal grading
Mixed vegetation, moderate grading, typical lot
Dense woods, significant grading, challenges
Rule of thumb: Site prep typically costs 3-5% of total construction budget. For a $400,000 home, expect $12,000-$20,000 for land, clearing, and prep.
What Affects Your Cost?
Vegetation Density
A grass-covered lot costs far less than one with mature trees. Dense vegetation requires more time, larger equipment, and more debris management.
Lot Size & Shape
Larger lots cost more but have lower per-square-foot rates. Irregular shapes require more maneuvering and may have more edges to finish.
Terrain & Grading Needs
Flat lots need minimal grading. Sloped lots require cutting, filling, and drainage work that significantly increases cost.
Accessibility
Easy access for equipment keeps costs down. Tight lots, narrow driveways, or areas requiring smaller equipment add time and cost.
The Site Prep Process: Step by Step
Understanding the process helps you plan properly and ensures nothing is missed. Here's what happens from start to finish:
Review Plans & Survey
Study your site plan to understand building footprint, setbacks, easements, and utility locations. Walk the property with the survey to identify the clearing boundaries.
Obtain Permits
Apply for tree removal permits if required by your municipality. Process takes 1-4 weeks depending on location. Your contractor or builder can often handle this.
Mark Trees to Save
Flag any trees you want to preserve with bright tape. Communicate clearly with your contractor—once a tree is cut, it can't be replaced.
Call 811 for Utility Locate
Required by Texas law at least 48 hours before any excavation. Free service marks underground utilities to prevent dangerous and costly damage.
Clear Vegetation
Contractor removes trees, brush, and vegetation from the building area plus work zone. Forestry mulching leaves mulch on-site; traditional clearing hauls debris.
Grind Stumps
Stumps are ground below grade level—typically 4-6 inches for grass areas, 12+ inches below planned structures. Critical for preventing settling.
Rough Grade Site
Establish proper drainage slope (typically 2-3% away from home location), create level building pad, and ensure positive drainage throughout the site.
Install Erosion Control
Install silt fence, mulch bare areas, or seed temporary cover to prevent erosion until construction begins. Often required by permit.
Typical Timeline
Common Site Prep Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Don't Do This
- • Skip the permit—fines and stop-work orders are costly
- • Forget 811 utility locate—hitting a gas line is dangerous
- • Save tree decisions for last—too late once cutting begins
- • Ignore drainage—water problems haunt homes forever
- • Choose cheapest contractor—quality issues are expensive
- • Rush the process—mistakes during prep cost more later
✓ Do This Instead
- • Verify all permit requirements before starting
- • Call 811 at least 48 hours ahead—it's free
- • Mark trees to save before contractor arrives
- • Ensure drainage slopes away from home site
- • Check references and insurance before hiring
- • Allow realistic timeline with weather buffer
How to Hire a Site Prep Contractor
Your builder may handle site prep, but if you're hiring separately, here's what to look for:
Contractor Checklist
Planning Your New Home?
Get a free site prep quote from Bear Claw. We'll visit your lot, assess the vegetation and terrain, and provide a detailed estimate for getting your land construction-ready.