Land Development with Mike Kissel and Morgan Rushnell

Before you’ve put on piece of lumber in the ground or poured any part of a foundation, the job of transforming the land into something ready for building must begin. That process is also likely to yield situations that could lead to higher building costs, such as moving land, removing obstacles, and creating drainage, just to name a few. To discuss these potential pitfalls and other costs of doing business are Mike Kissel of Mattamy Homes and Morgan Rushnell of LINE + PLACE. Mike and Morgan talk with hosts Aaron Kersey and Morgan Smith about what developers need to do to turn a piece of untouched land into land ready to support a thriving community.Listen to this episode now for discussion about grading, utilities, stormwater management, and the impact of technology on efficiency.00:00 Introduction to Land Development Experts02:48 First Steps After Land Acquisition03:50 Understanding the Grading Plan06:07 Cost of Moving Dirt and Cut-Fill Challenges09:29 Stormwater Management and Phasing11:29 Planning for Multiple Development Phases12:17 Wet vs Dry Utilities and Installation Priorities14:12 Dealing with Distant Utility Lines and Private Systems16:02 Coordination with Municipalities and Utility Providers17:20 What Is a Lift Station and Its Impact21:09 Overhead vs Underground Utilities and Costs24:31 Community Infrastructure: Roads, Amenities, and Bonds27:25 Road Dedications and Public Maintenance29:45 Navigating Municipal and NCDOT Requirements31:26 Multiple Contractors and Managing Disruptions36:25 Challenges of Rock and Unknown Site Conditions38:29 Technology and Innovation in Land Development42:43 Cost of Land Development Before Building Homes44:12 Land Cost as a Percentage of Home Price45:53 Mathematical Approach to Land and Home Costs