Why Clearing the Block Is Often Overlooked
In my nearly 45 years in earthmoving, I see one thing again and again: homeowners often forget that they must clear the block themselves. As a result, builders frequently assume someone has already done it. However, only weeks before the build starts, builders sometimes tell homeowners it still needs doing.
That’s where I come in—helping homeowners get their site properly prepared so everything is ready for construction.
Key Factors That Drive Costs
Vegetation removal drives the biggest cost. Over time, blocks collect dense shrubs, trees, and even illegal dumping—often from nearby construction sites. This debris, especially unexpected rubbish, pushes the price up significantly because it takes more time and equipment to remove.
How I Price Jobs: A Case Study
One memorable job involved a small residential block that hid years of dumped rubble—old bricks, concrete, and scrap metal. I assessed the block size and reviewed current photos, then worked out exactly how many skip bins we would need. That planning kept the price fair and transparent for the homeowner.
Tips for Budgeting and Planning
From my experience, the best way to avoid surprises comes down to using skip bins. We calculate the number of bins based on block size and expected material, so homeowners know the total before we start. Timing also matters: don’t clear the block too early, or weeds will grow back in winter. Once we finish the job, put up temporary fencing straight away to stop more dumping.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
A common mistake I see is that people either wait too long or clear the block too early. If you install temporary fencing from the start, you protect your investment. If you also choose the right timing for the work, you avoid unnecessary headaches later on.