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title: "Site Preparation Checklist for Construction | AVANORTH"
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AVANORTH Home
**Construction Tips**·January 31, 2026· 4 min read
# **Site Preparation Checklist: Getting Ready for Construction**
A comprehensive site preparation checklist ensures nothing is missed before construction begins. From permits to utilities, these steps set the foundation for a smooth build.
**AVANORTH Team**
AVANORTH Construction
## Why Preparation Determines Project Success
In construction, the work that happens before building begins often determines whether the project runs smoothly or gets bogged down in delays, cost overruns, and rework. Thorough site preparation creates the conditions for efficient, safe, and high-quality construction.
This checklist covers the essential steps that should be completed before mobilizing crews and equipment to the job site.
## Permits and Approvals
- **Building permit:** All construction in Ontario requires a building permit from the local municipality. The permit application includes architectural drawings, structural drawings, energy compliance documentation, and site plans. Permit review timelines vary by municipality; plan for 4 to 12 weeks.
- **Demolition permit:** If an existing structure is being removed, a separate demolition permit is required. Demolition may require hazardous material assessments (asbestos, lead paint) before the permit is issued.
- **Grading permit:** Some municipalities require a separate permit for significant changes to site grade. This ensures proper drainage and prevents impacts on neighbouring properties.
- **Tree removal permit:** Most GTA municipalities have tree preservation bylaws that require permits for removing trees above a certain diameter. Unauthorized tree removal can result in fines of thousands of dollars.
- **Road occupancy permit:** If the project requires crane placement on a public road, material delivery blocking lanes, or construction fencing encroaching on public sidewalks, a road occupancy permit from the municipality is required.
## Site Surveys and Investigations
- **Boundary survey:** Confirms property limits and building setback compliance
- **Topographic survey:** Establishes existing grades, features, and drainage patterns
- **Geotechnical investigation:** Determines soil conditions and foundation design parameters
- **Environmental site assessment:** For brownfield (previously industrial or commercial) sites, a Phase I and potentially Phase II environmental assessment identifies contamination risks
- **Utility locates:** Ontario One Call locates for all underground utilities
## Insurance and Legal
- **Contractor's liability insurance:** Minimum 2 million dollars general liability is standard. Many project owners require 5 million or higher.
- **WSIB clearance:** The Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board clearance certificate confirms the contractor is in good standing for workers' compensation.
- **Construction contract:** A signed contract defining scope, price, schedule, payment terms, change order procedures, and dispute resolution. CCDC 2 (Stipulated Price Contract) is the standard form in Canadian construction.
- **Performance and payment bonds:** For larger projects, bonds provide financial security that the contractor will complete the work and pay subcontractors and suppliers.
## Site Setup
- **Access roads:** Temporary roads for construction vehicles. Gravel or crushed stone base to prevent mud tracking and support heavy equipment.
- **Construction fencing:** Secure the perimeter with appropriate fencing. Chain-link with privacy screening is standard for urban sites.
- **Temporary utilities:** Temporary electrical service, water supply, and sanitary facilities (portable washrooms) must be in place before workers arrive.
- **Site office:** A construction trailer or container for project management, drawing review, meetings, and secure document storage.
- **Material staging area:** Designated areas for receiving and storing construction materials. Must be level, accessible to delivery trucks, and organized to prevent damage and theft.
## Safety Setup
- **Project safety plan:** A written safety plan specific to the project, identifying hazards and the measures to control them
- **First aid station:** A stocked first aid kit accessible to all workers. Projects with more than 5 workers require a designated first aid provider.
- **Emergency contacts:** Posted emergency contact numbers including the nearest hospital, fire department, and project management contacts
- **Safety signage:** Hard hat area, hearing protection, eye protection, and site-specific hazard signs posted at the entrance and throughout the site
- **Fire prevention:** Fire extinguishers placed at accessible locations, particularly near hot work areas, fuel storage, and temporary heating equipment
## Communication and Coordination
- Pre-construction meeting with the project team (owner, architect, engineer, contractor, key subcontractors)
- Established communication protocols (weekly site meetings, daily logs, RFI process)
- Updated construction schedule shared with all parties
- Contact list for all trades, suppliers, and inspectors
- Notification to neighbouring properties about the upcoming construction
At AVANORTH, we use a standardized pre-construction checklist on every project. Before a single trade arrives on site, we verify that permits are issued, surveys are complete, insurance is current, safety measures are in place, and the site is ready. This discipline prevents delays, manages risk, and starts every project on the right foundation.
#site-prep #checklist #planning
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