If you are thinking of transforming an overgrown piece of property for a new purpose, you might be unsure where to start. Learning how to vet land-clearing companies is a key first step. Finding the right professional will deliver services that match your plans for the parcel.
Use this collection of tips and questions to ask before hiring land-clearing experts to help you find the right services at the best price.
1. Confirm the Proper Licensing and Insurance
When hiring a land clearing services company, you want to be certain it has the licenses, insurance coverage, and permits to do the work. Many local cities and counties require companies to carry certain licenses to operate legally in the region, so don’t assume that everyone has them without asking.
Even if your property is in an area where licenses are not necessary, any reputable company should be insured. If a mistake occurs during the clearing process, damage to existing utility lines, buildings, or a neighboring property is possible. The company’s insurance should give you financial protection.
If the company refuses to carry the necessary licenses or insurance, this may indicate that it is unwilling to take responsibility in the event of accidents and is your cue to cross them off your list of candidates.
2. Ask About Experience With Land-Clearing Equipment
Any type of land-clearing work will involve heavy machinery. Such equipment can be dangerous to use without the proper training and experience. If the company you hire is using the equipment for the first time, mistakes might occur.
Occasionally, a trustworthy company might rent some machinery to handle certain tasks. However, you’ll want a company that owns most of the equipment it needs, giving you confidence that its workers have the necessary experience to deploy it safely on your property.
While discussing experience with the equipment, clarify that the company understands the scope of the work being done. It can then bring all the equipment needed in one trip to expedite the process.
3. Look for Special Services
Some companies offer specialty services tailored to match your site plans. For example, after cutting down large trees, you might need stump clearing to eliminate any trip hazards from the area.
If you’re going to erect a building on the site, you may need dirt work services. This type of work levels the area, controls drainage, and allows for the construction of a secure concrete pad.
Earth moving and site grading help with erosion. Clearing land can alter the way water moves across the property, and a reputable company can fix any issues that arise.
4. Read Through Reviews and Customer Recommendations
You should spend some time researching the history and performance of the professionals you’re considering hiring. Use online resources to research reviews and ratings from other customers. While customer reviews aren’t always completely accurate, you can still gain a general idea of the company’s performance and trustworthiness.
If the company is willing to share the contact information of some of its past clients with you, you might consider reaching out to them directly. Speaking with other clients could give you a clearer idea about whether the company can handle the work you need to have done.
5. Request a Detailed Price Quote
Once you’ve determined which land-clearing company you want to use, request a detailed price quote for the work. Reputable companies will give you a cost estimate for free.
Be wary if the company only provides a generic cost estimate per acre. The cost for property-clearing services varies significantly based on the type of vegetation, the size of the lot, and how accessible it is. A generic price quote could be off by a few thousand dollars or more once the work begins.
A trustworthy company will discuss your site plans to determine the type of work required. The company should discuss how to handle debris from the land-clearing process, as this significantly affects the final cost.
To generate an accurate cost estimate, the company will inspect the parcel and base the quote on the thickness and type of vegetation present. This might involve sending out an expert to physically assess your property or using drone footage or a satellite photo to determine the level of vegetation.
When You Have Questions About Choosing the Best Land-Clearing Company, Count on Taliaferro Construction
Instead of searching for tips on choosing a land-clearing contractor in Grimes County, TX, just reach out to Taliaferro Construction. Our professionals will answer any questions you have about the process and provide advice designed to give you excellent results at a competitive price.
For a free price quote for any of our licensed and insured land-clearing services, contact us today at (936) 356-6001. We serve all of Grimes County and eastern Texas from our base of operations in Richards, TX.
