Myth: Tree roots can grow as deeply as the crown is tall
Reality: Most tree roots grow within 3 feet of the soil surface.
Myth: A tree’s root zone extends only as far as the edge of the canopy.
Reality: Tree roots can extend far beyond the tree’s crown and occupy anywhere from two to ten times the [...]

Any trees to be removed must have all roots taken out and the resulting hole back-filled and compacted with suitable fill dirt. Compaction must achieve a minimum 95% of standard proctor density.
If trees are to remain on the property, care should be taken not to disturb the root system or understory within a radius of [...]

When building a house, tree preservation is going to be a key aspect in the overall outcome of your homes appearance, value, and landscape beauty. It is ideal to keep as many trees on your lot as possible. If I were to estimate the value of a full grown tree, it would be from $2000 [...]

When building a house, it is important to go through a thorough process of checks and balances to ensure that you are following the proper procedures. That is part of this websites job, to help you along the way. Which is why we have put together an inventory of checklists to help you do just [...]

As you embark on your journey to build your own home, it is important to understand exactly what you will be getting yourself into, which is exactly what this website aims to help with. In this section we will be talking about communities and subdivisions that have culvert drainage, and how this can affect your [...]

Typical Color-Coded Utility Markings
PINK – Survey markers
RED – Electric powder lines or conduits
ORANGE – Communication lines
YELLOW – Gas, oil, & petroleum lines
GREEN – Storm & sanitary sewer lines
BLUE - Potable water lines

Clearing the Lot and Prepping for the Foundation
Depending on the condition of the lot which you have selected for your new dream home, many avenues can occur. For the purpose of this section we will assume a relatively simple lot, a few trees requiring removal, and the building of a house pad required. When removing [...]

Temporary Electric
At this point of construction you should contact the electrical subcontractor that you have selected and have them install the temporary electrical pole to provide power for your subcontractors. Typically this is a 4″x4″ post with a location for the electrical company to install a meter and then a set of recepticals for power [...]

Start Preparation
Prior to the official commencement of construction, you should take a second chance to review all of your documentation to ensure a smooth process. Do a thorough review of the blue prints, verify all proper engineering documentation has been obtained, ensure that the site plan is accurate and up to date, and confirm that [...]