Whether you’re planning to build a home, start a homestead, or simply reclaim overgrown acreage, hiring a land clearing company is often the first major step in transforming your property. But before the bulldozers show up, there are a few things you need to get right.
At Starr Mountain Land Services LLC, we’ve seen good jobs, bad jobs, and jobs that could’ve gone a lot smoother had the property owner done a little more homework before hiring a contractor. We don’t want you to deal with delays, costly surprises, or other headaches, so here are the top five mistakes people make when hiring land clearing services and how you can avoid them.
1. Not Researching the Contractor’s Experience
One of the most common (and costly) mistakes property owners make is hiring someone without thoroughly checking their background. Not all land clearing contractors are right for all jobs; some may have the right equipment but lack the experience needed for your specific type of project, while others lack the equipment to deal with the specific challenges of your property. If your land features steep slopes, dense brush, or sensitive environmental areas, you need a company that understands how to work in these conditions to ensure optimal results.
Avoiding land clearing errors requires asking questions. Have they worked on similar properties, and can they provide references or photos of past jobs? If they’re reluctant to prove their experience or seem unsure, keep looking.
2. Overlooking Permits and Local Regulations
Even when you own a piece of land, there may be local rules and regulations governing what you can do with it and how. You may need a permit for tree removal, erosion control, or work near water sources, for example. Failing to follow these rules can result in fines, stop-work orders, and even environmental damage.
Site preparation pitfalls like this can quickly derail your timeline and your budget. To prevent problems, work with a company that’s familiar with Eastern Tennessee land clearing laws and can help you navigate any red tape.
3. Focusing on Price, Not Value
Everyone loves a bargain, but choosing the cheapest quote for land clearing can backfire quickly if the company cuts corners, uses outdated equipment, or fails to carry insurance. If the cheap job doesn’t go as planned, you’ll likely end up paying even more to fix it.
Hiring land clearing services based solely on cost is like buying the cheapest parachute. It might work, but do you really want to find out the hard way?
Instead, look at the whole picture when comparing companies, and gauge their experience, equipment, reviews, insurance, and communication. Spending more up front can save you thousands in the long run.
4. Not Clarifying the Scope of the Work in Writing
Another entry on the list of land clearing contractor mistakes is agreeing to a vague verbal agreement. If you don’t have a written contract outlining exactly what’s being done, when, and for how much, you’re leaving yourself wide open to confusion, delays, and unexpected costs.
Once you select a company, insist on a detailed written quote. It should include the type of equipment that the workers will use, the estimated project timeline, what happens to the debris, and payment terms. A professional contractor won’t hesitate to provide this.
5. Ignoring Cleanup
Clearing the land is only part of the job. What happens to all the leftover trees, brush, and stumps? Will the soil be graded for drainage, or will you be left with an uneven mess?
Not planning for cleanup or follow-up work is one of the easiest land clearing errors to avoid; yet, property owners often overlook it when discussing projects with contractors. Before signing a contract, ask your contractor what post-clearing services are included in the quote, so you can ensure the property is ready for whatever comes next.
Choosing the Right Land Clearing Partner
Clearing land seems like all you need to do is knock down the trees and haul them out. It’s not always that simple, though. Between permits, drainage, grading, and environmental concerns, the project is more involved than it seems at first glance.
That’s why choosing the right land clearing company to work with is so important. When you take the time to research, plan, and partner with an experienced, reliable contractor, you’ll set your project up for success from day one.
Starr Mountain Land Services LLC takes pride in helping homeowners throughout East Tennessee make the most of their land. Whether you need a small plot cleared for a cabin or acres prepared for development, we’re here to do the job right the first time. Contact us at 423-370-5851 or request a free estimate today and see why we’re East Tennessee’s trusted name in land clearing.
