When you're paying residential construction contractors to handle work, you want your site to be as ready as possible for work to start. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to promote a good beginning for a project.

Survey and Engineering Studies

Before you start any work, it's a good idea to determine what you'll be up against. Have a professional surveyor confirm the dimensions of the property and place stakes for key points on it. These measurements will dictate everything from where the house will go to how you'll comply with local laws.

It's also critical to know if there are any potential engineering issues with the location. An engineering study can help you to identify problems that might only become evident years down the road. You can test the ground to make sure the site is good for construction work.

Remember, engineering needs extend beyond the structure going up. The site also has to be suitable for the types of equipment that will come in and out of the property during the build. Talk with your contractor to verify what their requirements will be for access roads and staging areas for equipment and materials.

Permits

Contact the local code compliance office to learn what the permit rules are in your area. Never assume the contractors will know the regulations. Find out whether your plans are feasible within the current rules. If they're not, you'll either have to ask for a variance or adapt your ideas to what is allowable.

You'll also need to line up permits for the job. It's wise to speak with the residential construction firm to determine which dates will work best for them. You should also find out what the process is for extending permits in case the project runs into bad weather, supply issues, or other delays.

Financing

It's prudent to have all the financing in order before signing a contract. Speak with your bank's loan officer to learn what's available for projects like yours. Try to build at least 20% overhead into the budget and financing in case there are cost overruns.

You should also speak with the bank and the contractor about how to distribute funds. Releasing money in tranches is a good way to protect your financial interests and provide incentives. You'll need to front a certain amount of money for materials, equipment costs, and labour to get things started.

Reach out to a professional who provides residential construction services to learn more.