When you have property that you’re ready to develop, it may require preliminary work from a land clearing company. If so, you want to be sure you’re selecting the best one for the job. The most important step you can take is to ensure that your contractor has experience with the type of work you need done.
You should also try to avoid common mistakes people make when selecting land clearing services. Learn more about the three most common errors people make.
1. Not Requesting a Written Estimate and Work Contract
One of the biggest mistakes made by land clearing contractors is failing to provide written contracts and estimates. When everything is in writing, both parties have a clear understanding of the scope of the work. Companies that fail to deliver written contracts are not being completely professional, which means the final results may not meet your needs.
Written Contracts Protect the Company and the Customer
As the property owner, a written contract provides you with peace of mind, as it offers guarantees about what will happen. The company details what work it will do, when the work will start, and where the debris will be taken.
The signed contract also protects the land clearers. They can be confident in the work that they’re doing without constantly having to check with the property owner. It specifies the payment terms, benefiting both parties.
A Written Estimate Leaves Nothing Unclear in the Land Clearing Project
When the company produces a written cost estimate for the work, it shows an understanding of exactly what the property owner wants to do. With a written estimate, it’s clear that the company has studied the property and is aware of the challenges.
If a certain aspect of the job is incorrect in the cost estimate, the property owner can have it adjusted before a surprise comes when they are handed the final bill.
2. Failing To Verify the Company’s Insurance and Licenses
If a company claims to have business insurance and licenses to operate in your area, you should verify this information, as it is too important to ignore for a large land clearing services job like this.
Insurance Coverage Is Crucial To Protect You
Among the biggest red flags when hiring land clearing companies is a lack of business insurance. If the company damages existing structures on the property or causes trees to fall on utility lines or a neighbor’s property, its insurance will pay for the resulting damage. Otherwise, the property owner could be liable for these expenses.
You Might Need Local Permits for Land Clearing
Depending on the location of your Missouri property, you might need permits from local authorities to clear the property. If the land clearing company is not licensed, you may struggle to obtain these permits.
3. Not Making Certain the Company Understands the Project
For large projects, the company must know exactly what you want done. Once the workers take down a tree, it can’t be put back in place, for example. There’s only one chance to do this job correctly, so everyone needs to be on the same page.
Make Sure the Property Lines Are Clear
If the work is occurring near the property line boundaries, it’s essential that the company’s workers clearly see the line. For additional peace of mind, have a surveyor mark the boundary lines to avoid damaging a neighbor’s property.
On an overgrown parcel, it can be difficult to pinpoint which tree is on which side of the line. The company needs to know, though.
Discuss How To Handle the Debris
One of the most important land clearing company selection tips is discussing whether it can handle the debris in the manner you prefer.
If you want old trees and branches mulched, the company will need to bring certain equipment. Hauling old trees and rocks off the property can be pricey. The company must understand your plans before providing a written cost estimate.
Be Clear About Your Plans for the Land
The company might be able to save you some money when you’re clear about what you want to do with the property after clearing it. The company might not need to perform certain tasks to fit your plans, reducing the time required.
Trust Ridgeline Land Management To Help You Avoid Common Land Clearing Mistakes
At Ridgeline Land Management, we understand the challenges associated with preparing a lot for development. Rather than worrying about hiring the right excavation company, just contact us first. From our base of operations in Imperial, MO, we avoid mistakes by being as thorough as possible.
We may use multiple methods of studying the project, including in-person inspections, satellite imagery, and drone video. We listen to your plans for the space and develop a competitively priced written estimate. To learn more about our process, call us today at (314) 860-8130 or request a free price quote from our website.
