Thank you for getting in touch!
We will review your message and be in contact within 2 business days
Land Development for New House Build
When a customer in Southern Syracuse sought to develop a steeply sloped and rocky field into the perfect site for their new home, they turned to us for help. See how we overcame significant challenges to transform this challenging raw land into a beautiful site in just one summer.
Introduction
In the rolling hills of Southern Syracuse, overlooking Onandonga Lake, a couple had purchased a picturesque piece of land with dreams of building a new home.
However, the site's dramatic 125-foot elevation gain and history as a heavily worked farmer's field presented some serious challenges. The owners needed a skilled excavation team that could turn this blank canvas into a safe and suitable building site.
So, our team was brought in to deliver a sound strategy and outstanding excavation services to help develop their land.
The Challenge
There were several different aspects to our scope-of-work on this project - including installing a gravel driveway, digging utility trenches, creating water mitigation systems, digging a septic field, and excavating for a monolithic concrete slab foundation.
However, the site conditions posed numerous obstacles:
These factors all combined to create a unique and challenging environment that would demand a careful approach, precise planning, and expert execution.
Our Solution
To overcome these challenges, we developed a comprehensive strategy to tackle the project step-by-step:
Use lighter equipment
We opted for smaller equipment when possible to minimize site disturbance and ensure safety on the steep slope.
Mitigate water
We dug strategic ditches to control water flow, including installing gabion stone dams along the driveway to prevent erosion.
Be flexible with scheduling
We took advantage of sunny days, even on weekends, to perform tasks that couldn't be done during rainy periods.
Coordinate with other contractors
We aligned our work schedule with other teams, such as the concrete contractor, to ensure smooth project progression.
Thorough site preparation
We removed problematic rocks and filled areas to facilitate easier future construction.
The Development Process
Our team began by excavating and grading the driveway path from the road to the hilltop, finishing it with a gravel surface. We also dug trenches for utilities, ensuring an easy installation.
A ditch was dug along the driveway, and we installed gabion stone dams to avoid erosion and eliminate pooling.
Next, we prepared the area for the septic system. Rocks and varied elevations made this tricky, but our careful approach got the task done.
An area was then excavated and prepared for the monolithic concrete slab foundation. Once it was poured and the home's shell constructed, we backfilled, graded, and leveled the site. This step ensures water runs away from the home, protecting the foundation.
Throughout the entire project we also kept a flexible work schedule to accommodate the often-wet weather conditions, plus coordinated with other contractors to prevent holdups or delays.
Results
Despite the challenging conditions, our team successfully completed the entire scope of work within the customer's timeline. By the end of summer, interior work had already begun on the home.
Our careful approach resulted in:● A stable, well-graded driveway providing safe access to the home● Properly installed utility trenches● An effective water management system to prevent erosion● A prepared septic system site● A properly excavated foundation and beautifully leveled site
The clients were thrilled with our work, and hired us for more projects on their property. We're very proud of the result, and the opportunity to work alongside other great contractors to deliver an excellent result.
Need to develop a challenging site? Feeling like your dreams are too big to turn into reality? Let our team at CDP Excavating put 19+ years of experience to work for you. Contact us to discuss how we can turn your difficult terrain into the perfect place for your dream home.
Want results like this on your project?
Don't just read about successful land development projects - experience it for yourself! Get in touch with our team and describe your project to get a quote started. Or, ask us your questions about developing a piece of bare land. We're ready to help.
Contact Info
(315) 430-0048moc.gnitavacxepdc%40olleh
Hours
Monday - Friday 9 AM - 5 PM