8 Steps to Clear Land for New Home Construction
Follow this complete guide to prepare your Texas property for building. Each step includes what to do, how long it takes, and pro tips.
Determine Permit Requirements
1-3 daysBefore any work begins, contact your city's planning department to determine what permits you need.
What to do:
- ✓Check if you're in city limits or unincorporated area
- ✓Identify any protected trees on your property
- ✓Apply for tree removal permits if required
- ✓Check for floodplain or environmental restrictions
💡 Pro Tip: In rural/unincorporated areas, permits are usually not required. Within city limits, expect permits for trees 6"+ diameter.
Survey and Mark Your Property
1-2 daysEnsure you know exactly where your property lines are and what areas need clearing.
What to do:
- ✓Get a current survey if you don't have one
- ✓Mark property corners with stakes or flags
- ✓Identify house placement and building envelope
- ✓Mark any trees you want to keep (ribbon or paint)
💡 Pro Tip: Never rely on old fences or assumed boundaries. A survey costs $300-$500 and prevents expensive mistakes.
Call 811 for Utility Locates
2-3 daysBefore any digging or clearing, have underground utilities marked to avoid costly (and dangerous) damage.
What to do:
- ✓Call 811 at least 48 hours before work begins
- ✓Wait for utility companies to mark lines
- ✓Note locations of electric, gas, water, cable, phone
- ✓Plan clearing path around existing utilities
💡 Pro Tip: This is FREE and required by law. Hitting a utility line can cost thousands and cause serious injury.
Select and Hire a Clearing Contractor
3-7 daysGet multiple quotes and choose a licensed, insured professional for the clearing work.
What to do:
- ✓Get at least 3 written quotes
- ✓Verify liability insurance and workers comp
- ✓Check references and reviews
- ✓Ask about forestry mulching vs traditional clearing
- ✓Confirm timeline and what's included
💡 Pro Tip: Forestry mulching is usually 20-30% cheaper and leaves no debris to dispose of.
Clear the Building Envelope
1-3 daysThe contractor removes all vegetation from the designated area, including a buffer zone around the building footprint.
What to do:
- ✓Clear building footprint completely
- ✓Clear 15-25 feet buffer for construction access
- ✓Clear driveway access path
- ✓Clear utility trench paths (water, electric, sewer/septic)
💡 Pro Tip: Don't over-clear! Mature trees add value and take decades to replace. Keep shade trees where practical.
Remove Stumps (Where Needed)
Same day or +1 dayStumps must be removed from any area that will have foundation, concrete, or significant traffic.
What to do:
- ✓Grind stumps in building footprint to 6-12" below grade
- ✓Remove roots in foundation area
- ✓Grind stumps in driveway path
- ✓Can leave stumps in non-build areas to decompose
💡 Pro Tip: Stump grinding is usually cheaper than full removal. The chips can be spread as mulch or removed.
Rough Grade the Site
1-2 daysLevel the building area and establish proper drainage away from where the foundation will be.
What to do:
- ✓Create level pad for building footprint
- ✓Establish 5-10% slope away from foundation area
- ✓Grade driveway path for equipment access
- ✓Address any low spots that collect water
💡 Pro Tip: Proper drainage is critical. Water problems after construction are expensive to fix.
Install Erosion Control
Same dayPrevent soil runoff during construction, which is required for building permits in most areas.
What to do:
- ✓Install silt fencing around disturbed areas
- ✓Seed or straw bare soil if construction is delayed
- ✓Create sediment traps at low points
- ✓Plan for dust control during dry periods
💡 Pro Tip: Erosion control is usually required before building permits are issued. Budget $200-$600.
Total Cost to Clear Land for a House
| Service | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Land Clearing (forestry mulching) | $1,500-$4,000 |
| Stump Grinding/Removal | $200-$500 |
| Rough Grading | $500-$1,500 |
| Erosion Control | $200-$600 |
| Permits (if required) | $25-$200 |
| TOTAL (Standard Lot) | $2,500-$7,000 |
Costs vary based on lot size, vegetation density, and terrain. Heavily wooded lots or properties over 1 acre will cost more.
Typical Timeline: From Start to Site-Ready
Permits
5-15 days
Clearing
1-3 days
Grading
1-2 days
Total
2-4 weeks