Preparing Your Lot for New Construction: Site Work Breakdown
Before the concrete gets poured or the frame goes up, there’s one phase of construction that determines the success of everything that follows—site work. Whether you're building a custom home, a subdivision, or a commercial structure in Massachusetts, proper lot preparation ensures your project starts on solid ground—literally.
At Amex Construction LLC, we handle every aspect of site work across Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and the South Shore. Here’s a breakdown of what goes into preparing a lot for new construction and why professional site prep is worth every penny.
What Is Site Work?
Site work is everything that happens before vertical construction begins. It includes tasks like:
Clearing trees and vegetation
Excavation and grading
Utility trenching (water, sewer, electric)
Erosion and stormwater control
Septic or sewer tie-ins
Foundation excavation
Think of it as the unseen foundation for a successful build. Without solid, well-executed site work, your project risks delays, water issues, and costly foundation problems.
Step-by-Step: Preparing a Lot for Construction
1. Site Evaluation & Surveying
Before anything begins, we assess:
Soil conditions and compaction needs
Elevation and grading requirements
Wetland or conservation setbacks
Drainage issues or stormwater compliance
2. Stormwater Controls & Erosion Protection
Compliance with NPDES and MassDEP is essential. We install:
Silt fencing, wattles, and erosion blankets
Stormwater BMPs like basins, swales, and infiltration systems
3. Land Clearing
We remove trees, brush, stumps, and debris. This opens up the lot and gives machines access to perform earthwork.
4. Excavation: Building from the Ground Down
Excavation is the most critical phase of a successful construction project. We don’t just dig — we build a solid foundation by carefully managing depth, grade, and soil conditions to prepare your site for what comes next.
We excavate to the precise depth required for:
Foundations and Footings
Basements and Crawl Spaces
Utility Trenches (for sewer, water, electrical, drainage, and more)
As part of the process, we perform cut and fill operations to balance elevations across the site. This involves removing excess material from high spots (cut) and using it to raise low areas (fill), helping to create a level, stable base for building. Proper cut and fill techniques also reduce the need for costly imported material and help manage stormwater flow.
To ensure long-term performance, we follow best practices for soil compaction and stabilization, preventing future settling, cracking, or shifting. Whether you're developing a single house lot or a multi-acre site, our experienced crew delivers clean, accurate excavation — every time.
5. Grading and Shaping
Grading involves leveling or sloping the land to create a stable base for construction. It controls drainage, prevents erosion, and supports the structural integrity of foundations, driveways, and landscaping.
Shaping refers to sculpting the terrain to meet design specifications, such as creating berms, swales, or smooth transitions between elevation changes. Proper shaping enhances drainage, appearance, and functionality of the site.
6. Utility Work
We install:
Water services (public or private)
Sewer connections or Title V septic systems
Underground electric, gas, or telecom lines
We're also certified E/One grinder pump installers, ideal for homes transitioning from septic to town sewer.
why Choose Amex Construction for Site Work?
We’re not just excavation pros—we’re licensed, certified, and fully trained in the engineering, environmental, and construction aspects of site development. Our services are trusted by:
Homeowners
Builders and developers
HOAs and commercial contractors
What sets us apart:
✅ Local knowledge of zoning and conservation regulations
✅ Stormwater-certified team
✅ GPS and laser-grade equipment
✅ Experience with complex utility coordination
💬 “Proper site work doesn’t cost—it pays. It prevents rework, protects your investment, and sets you up for a smooth build.” – Joe Gilmartin, Amex Construction LLC
📍 Serving Southeastern Massachusetts with Precision
We’ve prepared sites throughout Hanover, Plymouth, Cape Cod, Norwell, Marshfield, and beyond. No matter the terrain or scope, we make sure your project starts right.
