Investing in a new property development is exciting, but there’s more to it than just buying a piece of land and getting started. To avoid unnecessary delays and surprise costs, you need to ensure your site is truly ready for development.
As an investor, it’s vital that you’ve checked off all the necessary paperwork, permissions and clearances before starting a project. At Cue Group, we understand the hurdles one needs to overcome in property development.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the key things every first-time investor should check before starting any project. From getting the right permissions to clearing the site, it’s all about doing the groundwork.
Planning Permissions & Local Planning Authority Checks
Before you start any project, procuring the right planning permissions is the first step towards success. Without it, the project might grind to a halt.
Check with your local council that the land is approved for the type of development you’re planning. It’s also important to check if there are any special conditions that apply to the site. Sometimes, sites need a change of use or additional permissions, so it’s always good to get clarity early.
Why it matters: In the UK, planning permissions are hitting a record low due to issues like these. Getting it right early can save you from delays and extra costs later on.
Site Access & Logistics
A number of projects hit a roadblock first due to lack of access. Whether it’s construction vehicles, delivery trucks, or workers, making sure your site is accessible from day one is key.
Check the roads leading to the site, the width of gates, and how easy it will be for big vehicles to get in. Limited access might mean you need to make changes to your site’s entrance, which can cost both time and money. Ensure the site manager is capable of handling deliveries and logistics of materials to the site.
Why it matters: Poor access can cause delays and additional costs, especially when you need to bring in heavy equipment or deliver materials.
Utility Mapping & Service Disconnections
Underground utilities are another important thing to keep an eye on when you start construction. Utility mapping helps you find out where water, gas and electricity lines run on the site. You can obtain information about buried pipes and cables from the National Underground Asset Registry before you break ground.
Get a professional utility mapper to do this job. The last thing you want is to accidentally hit a pipe or electrical cable while doing construction work. It can be dangerous and costly to fix later on.
Why it matters: Utility strikes cost the UK construction industry around £500 million every year. Knowing exactly where these utilities are before you start digging can save you from expensive problems. Source: Construction News
Site Waste & Debris Clearance
A site full of rubble, debris, or old structures can be hazardous to workers. Clearing the site before construction begins makes for a safer, cleaner and efficient site.
It’s important to organise waste removal early and rid the site of any leftover materials, rubble, or unwanted structures. Partnering with a reliable skip hire provider such as ProSkips ensures efficient site clearance, allowing the development to proceed without unnecessary delays.
Why it matters: Clearing the site early ensures that your development runs on time. Plus, waste left on-site can cause delays for your contractors.
Boundary Surveys & Structural Assessments
Having an accurate boundary survey is non-negotiable. You don’t want to accidentally build on someone else’s land or have a dispute over property lines down the line.
It’s also a good idea to get a structural assessment to make sure the site is suitable for development. These assessments can identify issues like unstable soil or weak foundations, which could affect your build.
Why it matters: Boundary disputes are a real headache and can halt your project entirely. A structural problem could cost you a lot to fix down the line. Make sure you’ve got these assessments done early.
Contractor & Supplier Readiness
A development site might be ready, but at the same time ensure your contractors are ready as well. Check with your contractors and suppliers to ensure they’re available to start when you need them.
The last thing you want is to have everything lined up, only to realise your contractor is too busy to begin work. Create a timeline for everything and keep the team up-dated to avoid any delays. Having everything set up in advance helps avoid delays when it’s time to start.
Why it matters: Contractors are often booked months in advance and securing their services early helps keep your project on schedule.
Conclusion: Preparing for a Smooth Start
Getting your site development-ready is more than just crossing items off a checklist. It’s about taking the right steps upfront to ensure the project runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
By checking off each of these points, you’ll be setting yourself up for a smoother, faster, and more cost-effective project. If you’re feeling uncertain or need guidance, Cue Group can help guide you through every step of the process.
Ready to start? Let’s make sure your next development project goes off without a hitch.
