I'm thinking about buying some land in Southern Maine, but it's slightly forested and has a fair amount of large boulders that are about the size of dishwashers. The land has a small slope, and I need help with clearing the trees, leveling the ground, laying down a liner, and filling it with gravel. I know this project won't be cheap, but I'm not sure how to estimate the costs. Since I don't own the land yet, I doubt any local builders would give me a quote. Does anyone have experience with this type of work?
6 Answers
You could try reaching out to local builders for ballpark estimates! Even if they can't get on the land, they might be able to give you a rough idea just from viewing it from the road. You never know what they might say!
Honestly, if you can get this done for under $75k, you've done well. It might sound steep, but with all the clearing and leveling, it adds up fast!
Wow, that's way more than I thought!
Costs can really vary depending on where you are. In Maine, labor isn't too bad, but if the stone yard is far away, transportation will increase your costs. The size of the equipment needed to clear the boulders and trees will also play a huge role. It's tough to give you a reliable estimate with so many variables, but expect something starting in the $20k range, though it's likely higher!
I was hoping for something under $30k.
I'm working on a similar project (12x550 ft) with drainage, and it's costing me about $25k in California. Just a heads up that prices can be pretty different based on location!
Don't forget that some contractors offer free estimates! If you can get one of them to come to the site, they can give you a better idea of costs based on what they see.
You really should consult with someone local for a precise estimate. The bulk of your costs will likely come from transporting gravel. Just remember, it's going to be a five-digit number starting with at least $20k or $30k at minimum!
Great advice, I’ll definitely look into it!