Developing raw land is an involved process that begins with a carefully thought-out plan, one that considers the positives and negatives of the land and allows them to work within the project plans.
Correct, error-free site preparation is critical for the success of the development project.
With this in mind, project planners and land development contractors should work together to create land development designs that incorporate these important and practical tips.
- Start With A Thorough Understanding - Coming up with the best and most efficient land development plan requires having a thorough understanding of what the land will be used for, who will eventually use it, and how it will be used, especially when developing land for housing. Different populations want and need different features and amenities, so knowing who the development is being targeted to can answer many site development questions.
- Let Topography And Land Attributes Dictate - Reduce the need to make major changes that can create more issues to resolve by working with what nature has provided as much as possible. Anticipate existing potential issues and correct those ahead of time.
- Use Space Creatively and Efficiently - The easiest layout may not always be the most efficient use of the land. Incorporate creative ideas in any land development plan to leave more usable land and fewer roads for better outcomes.
- Design To Reduce Excavation Work - Rather than leveling everything and then designing that way, create an outside-first land development plan that can incorporate more of the natural characteristics of the land while requiring less earth moving and land modification. Following this idea, design last where streets and paths will go after placing buildings and other fixtures, as their positioning should take greater priority than where to put the road.
- Create A Favorable and Attractive Environment - The closer to nature any developed land can still look and the less invasive the groundwork can be, the more favorable the end result will be. Consider adding features to beautify the land that also work to solve problems like reducing stormwater flow pipelines, storm drains, and roadways by leaving mature vegetation, adding parks and trail systems, and other amenities that add to the appearance rather than take away from it.
- Finalize Everything With A Master Plan - Considering all the changes and modifications that land development plans go through before the work actually starts, it is highly-recommended that contractors review the final design with master engineers who can find any potential issues with the design and help with the necessary modifications.
There is only one chance to get land development right no matter what the construction project may be.
With creativity, experience, and an effort to efficiently use the land with the least amount of disruption, land development contractors can produce an outstanding development plan that works!