A Closer Look at the Commercial Site Development Process
Real estate development is a complex and challenging process that involves a lot of moving parts. Developing a site for commercial development can take years. As part of the construction crew, Constructor’s Inc is involved in one part of this longer trajectory, but we thought we’d take a look at what it takes to prepare a plot of land for commercial development.
A commercial construction site is one part of erecting new commercial properties, and it involves clearing the land, leveling the land, grading, and other site preparation processes to get the site ready for building.
Let’s take a closer look at the process.
If you are looking for commercial site development in the New Mexico or Southwest area, contact Constructors, Inc and learn how we can help.
Preparing a Piece of Land for Commercial Construction
Taking a raw piece of land and transforming it to land ready for construction is a massive undertaking. Depending on where the land is, how big the plot is, surrounding areas, whether it’s raw land or developed land, and the land’s intended purpose, there are a vast variety of factors to be considered.
Before the builders lay down the first brick, commercial site development involves serious preparation to ensure that the plot is ready for proper construction. This process happens anytime there is a new supermarket, school, gas station, office building, apartment complex, warehouse, or other structure intended for commercial purposes.
Every time of development involves its own set of challenges and considerations.
Developing a Site Plan
The first part of the process involves documenting and drawing up a site plan that indicates what the land will look like after the process is finished. In this stage, a lot of questions begin to emerge, such as:
- What is the size of the plot and the size of the building?
- What is the need for access roads?
- What is the general blueprint? Will there be parking lots, trees, and landscaping?
- Depending on the type of facility, where is the frame of the building going to go?
- Consider water and gas supplies, sewage, and other important utility information.
As the project owners finalize the project plans, the focus narrows in on some of the following information:
- General engineering design: This plans for additional site work such as street lighting, sidewalks, sewer covers, etc.
- Traffic management: Most commercial sites will require some form of traffic management or parking lots, driveways, etc. Designers plan carefully to avoid dangerous conditions in your parking lot, create ample space, and ensure you cover necessary delivery trucks (if applicable).
- Subdivision compliance: If you’re building within city limits, then you are likely subject to regulations and city codes. Ensuring that your building specifications follow these codes will keep you from facing penalties later.
- Flood management: Flooding can be of great concern if you are near a floodplain area. Ensuring proper planning and engineering to divert water and avoid flooding on your property.
Important Steps to Land Development
Once the plan is in order and approved, land preparation begins. This involves several steps as well and can vary depending on the current state of the land, geography, etc.
- Land clearing: If the land is raw land or had previous structures on it, then it must be cleared before any new construction begins. Land clearing involves removing any debris, bushes, trees, or other unnecessary obstructions that can interfere with the construction process. If there are trees on the property, they are removed as well as stumps, so that roots do not cause any future issues.
- Leveling & Grading: Once the land has been clear, land surveyors typically come out for the leveling process. This entails the assessment of the land levels. This information is important for engineers and architects as they move forward with construction. Any construction requires level ground before erecting a structure.
- Site preparation: Once the contractors level and grade the land, the property might need additional site prep. This might include testing the soil, clearing out other obstructions, or utility installation or digging.
Trust the Professionals With Your Commercial Site Preparation
When it comes to preparing land for commercial construction, you need experienced professionals with digging, land clearing, and leveling. Everything begins with a solid foundation. And that’s why we’re here!
Have questions about our commercial site development services? Contact Constructors, Inc today and learn more.