How to Prepare Raw Land for a Custom Home in Tennessee
Have land—but not sure what comes next? If your property is raw or unimproved, you’ll need to take several key steps before construction begins. Here’s how to prepare raw land for a custom home in Tennessee, from site clearing to septic approvals—and how to avoid expensive surprises along the way.
What Is “Raw” Land?
Raw land is undeveloped property with no utilities, road access, or grading work completed. While it may look like a blank slate, raw land typically requires extensive preparation to become build-ready.
If you’re not sure where your land stands, start with How to Know If Your Land Is Build-Ready (And What to Do If It’s Not).
1. Land Surveying and Boundaries
Before you clear a single tree, hire a licensed surveyor to establish the legal boundaries and confirm zoning, easements, and setbacks. This ensures your future home won’t conflict with neighbors, utilities, or code enforcement.
2. Soil and Septic Testing
In most rural parts of Middle Tennessee, you’ll need to install a septic system. That requires:
- A successful percolation (perk) test
- Soil mapping by a licensed engineer
- Approval from the county’s environmental health office
This process can take several weeks, so it’s wise to start early. Your builder can coordinate this as part of the site prep phase.
3. Site Clearing and Grading
Most raw land needs brush, trees, or debris removed before a foundation can be poured. Depending on slope and soil conditions, you may also need:
- Excavation and fill
- Erosion control measures
- Driveway creation or gravel installation
For heavily wooded lots, tree removal and hauling can add significantly to the timeline and budget. A walk with your builder will help assess the scope.
4. Utility Access and Installation
If electric, water, or gas aren’t already run to the site, your builder will need to coordinate with utility companies to bring them in. This often includes:
- Running overhead or underground electric lines
- Drilling a well or tapping into municipal water
- Setting up temporary construction power
In some cases, you may also need to install a propane tank or request service expansions from the utility provider.
5. Access Roads or Driveways
Raw land may not have a usable entrance from a county road. If that’s the case, you’ll need to build a driveway that allows construction vehicles to reach the site safely. If your land is accessed by a private easement, legal clearance and grading may be required first.
6. Permitting and County Approvals
Once the land is cleared and utilities are planned, your builder will submit for permits to begin construction. This may include:
- Building permit
- Septic or sewer approval
- Driveway or road access permit
- Erosion control or stormwater permit
Permit processing times vary by county, so working with a builder familiar with local offices is a major advantage. For a full look at timelines, see How Long Does It Take to Build a Custom Home?.
Why Work With a Builder Who Handles Land Prep?
At Hewn, we don’t just build homes—we help our clients unlock the full potential of their land. We coordinate everything from soil tests and utility planning to permitting and grading. That means fewer handoffs, fewer surprises, and a seamless path to construction.
Need help making your land build-ready? Explore What to Expect When Building on Your Own Land to see how our full-service approach simplifies the process.
