Get matched with top land surveyors in Cherry Creek, SD

You should always calculate real estate development costs on a case-by-case basis, so there’s no specific formula to estimate your total. You should speak with a local construction manager to see what you’ll need to do in terms of clearing and leveling the land, connecting utilities, and pulling permits for construction. A professional will be able to get you an accurate estimate for land development.

Land surveys are worth it in several scenarios including selling your home, building an addition, constructing a fence, or making major changes to your landscape. A professional land survey can help you avoid legal issues with your neighbors and confirm the value of your property. In many cases, you may be required to order a land survey to receive a construction permit or mortgage loan.

Permit requirements to clear land vary by municipality, so whether or not you need permits depends on where you live and what you’re removing from the land. Some building departments will require permits for any underground work or excavation, meaning grinding down tree stumps on your property would require permits. Others mandate individual permits for each tree you remove. You can contact your local building department or a land-clearing specialist near you to see if permits are necessary for your job.

Building a road on a slope requires careful planning and will normally require a drainage system underneath to prevent flooding and damage to the road over time. Your professional may lengthen your road to create switchbacks if the slope directly to your home is too steep, as there are regulations for maximum road slope. The drainage system will help prevent runoff from the higher side of the slope from damaging the asphalt or concrete. Keep in mind that building a road on a slope isn’t a good DIY project, as a lot can go wrong.