Phase 2: Site Prep

Site Prep Checklist

Use this checklist to confirm your site is truly ready before your slab is poured. your local GC crew can't start until the site passes these checks. Skipping any item adds weeks to your timeline.

Grading & Clearing

Lot is cleared of brush, trees, and obstructions

All vegetation and debris removed from the building area and all access routes.

Site is graded and compacted to builder specs

Proper grading ensures drainage and provides a stable foundation base. Compaction to 95% standard Proctor density minimum.

Building pad is level within 2 to 3 inches across footprint

Close elevation tolerances ensure the slab can be poured to spec without excessive adjustment.

Fill material is clean (no organic material or debris)

Organic fill settles and shifts. Use only compacted structural fill approved by your concrete contractor.

Drainage is directed away from building pad

Positive drainage away from the foundation prevents water infiltration and frost heave issues.

Utilities & Rough-In

Underground plumbing stubbed through slab location

All slab-penetrating plumbing (floor drains, toilet rough-ins, water lines) must be in before pour.

Electrical conduit in place for any under-slab runs

Any conduit intended to pass through or under the slab must be placed before concrete.

Utility trenches backfilled and compacted

Open trenches under the building footprint must be compacted to prevent differential settlement.

Temporary construction power installed and tested

Your concrete crew and your local builder crew that assembles the shell both need on-site power during construction.

Survey & Marking

Survey pins or property corners are visible and marked

Property boundaries clearly marked to ensure proper building placement and setback compliance.

House corners or building layout is staked per approved plans

Building footprint clearly identified according to approved plans, critical for permit compliance.

Elevation benchmark established if required by permit

Required for flood zone compliance and slab elevation records.

Setbacks confirmed from all property lines before pour

Final check before pour. Once the slab is in, moving it is nearly impossible.

Access & Staging

Concrete trucks can reach and maneuver around pour site

Confirm truck access. Full concrete mixers weigh 66,000 lbs and need turning room.

Panel delivery truck access route is clear and load-rated

SIP panel delivery requires a flatbed semi truck. Verify bridge and road weight limits if applicable.

Staging area for panel storage identified and prepared

Panels need a flat, dry staging area near the build site. Plan for 1 to 2 semi-truck loads of materials.

No additional excavation or debris removal needed

Site completely prepared with no remaining prep work required before concrete crew arrives.

Typical Site Prep Cost Ranges (Missouri)

Basic clearing (light brush)$1,000 to $3,000

Tree removal (wooded lot)$5,000 to $20,000

Grading and compaction$3,000 to $10,000

Fill material + delivery$1,500 to $8,000

Utility trenching (electric/water)$2,000 to $15,000

Rock removal or blasting$5,000 to $25,000+

Ranges vary by location, access, and site conditions. Get 2 to 3 local bids.

The Most Common Delay We See

Concrete crews show up and can't pour because utility trenches weren't staked, or equipment can't access the pad. This pushes the slab 2 to 3 weeks and delays the shell behind it. Run through this list the week before your concrete pour, not the day of.

Site Prep Questions

See What Your Shell Costs

Once your site, panels and builder are in place, your shell can go up in 3 to 5 days. Get your instant price.

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