Although clearing a piece of land for new construction or development seems like a straightforward process, several aspects of the job can create complications. You need a land clearing company that can tackle any challenges and stay on track to deliver the desired results. To achieve these goals, you’ll want to avoid common mistakes people make when hiring property clearing companies.
Learn more about red flags to watch for below.
1. Not Receiving a Written Cost Estimate and Contract
Before hiring a land clearing services company, insist on getting a contract in writing. Even a well-meaning company that prefers a verbal agreement over a contract for the work may overlook crucial details. It might not adhere to the agreed-upon cost of the work, either, leaving you with a larger bill than you expected.
Written contracts also protect the contractor by specifying payment due dates. A contractor who avoids a written contract may not understand the importance of scheduling and acquiring payments.
2. Failing To Discuss the Details of the Job
If a land clearing company gives you a detailed cost estimate for the work without studying the property, you should be wary. Some companies will conduct an in-person inspection, while others will use drone video or satellite photographs to assess the lot from above. If the company doesn’t use any of these methods, it cannot be certain about the thickness and extent of the vegetation needing removal.
A reputable property clearing company should ask about your plans for the site. It can then recommend the exact services required to achieve your goals at a competitive price. Failure to ask about your plans may indicate a lack of experience on the company’s part.
3. Not Checking the Qualifications of the Contractor
When you want land clearing work started immediately, you might skip checking the qualifications of the company you want to hire. However, failing to verify that it has the proper licenses and permits to work in northeast Texas could prove to be a costly oversight. If the company violates local regulations, you may end up facing some pretty significant fines and penalties.
Always read online reviews for any company you’re considering. Confirm that it has a strong local reputation and experience working on properties similar to yours. If a company lacks an online presence or doesn’t have easily accessible customer reviews, treat this as a red flag.
Contractors performing property clearing services need to carry the proper insurance coverage. If the company makes an error and damages existing buildings, utility lines, or neighboring properties, insurance will pay for repairs. Rather than accepting the company’s promise that it has insurance, you should verify these claims because of the importance of this coverage.
4. Choosing the Lowest Bid Without Considering Other Factors
When hiring a land clearing company, one of the most important things to consider is the cost vs. the quality of the work you’ll receive. While going with the lowest offer may be tempting, always err on the side of caution.
The lowest bidder might not have the experience needed to do the job well. It’s possible that this company does not understand the difficulty of the work or cannot anticipate the challenges that other companies might see. The risk simply isn’t worth it.
5. Not Asking for Help With Erosion Control
After removing trees and underbrush from a piece of property, the flow of water across the land may change. Landowners may need the land clearing company to provide advice on erosion control services, ensuring the flow of water continues as expected. Without managing the new erosion patterns on the cleared property, you might be in violation of regulations from your local northeast Texas Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD).
If the cleared property has creeks or rivers, you will want your contractor to remove downed trees. They should also take care of any low spots across the property that could become mosquito breeding grounds if left alone.
If a company refuses to do earth moving work after clearing trees or doesn’t want to discuss a plan for dealing with erosion problems, you might be better off looking elsewhere.
Call Back 40 Land Services for a Free Land Clearing Quote Today
If you’re getting ready to prepare a piece of land for any reason, you may be seeking advice about how to hire a land clearing company in Smith, Texas. Never assume you can do this work yourself. The most common mistakes in land clearing are the result of DIY attempts.
Instead, rely on the professionals at Back 40 Land Services for a stress-free experience. We deliver results that fit your plans for the parcel at a competitive price. For a free cost estimate, call us today at (903) 730-6992.
