01 / LOCATION
Choose the spot.
Discuss boundaries, setbacks, easements, septic systems, overhead lines, and intended use with the appropriate local office. Resolve permit requirements before work begins.
Local guidance / Property preparation
A good building starts
with the right site.
From a backyard shed in Harrisburg to a workshop elsewhere in our four-state region, start with a conversation about the property.
Before the first load arrives
Six things to work through.
A site visit and clear photos can help identify questions early. Final preparation depends on the building, property, and approved project plans.
02 / ACCESS
Plan the way in.
Share gate widths, driveway conditions, turns, slopes, trees, and overhead obstructions. The delivery or installation team should confirm the clearance and access they need.
03 / WATER
Look at drainage.
Show where water collects and flows after rain. Have a qualified local contractor assess grading, soil, and drainage before choosing a pad or slab location.
04 / UTILITIES
Locate before digging.
Contact 811 before excavation and follow your state’s locate process. In Illinois, use JULIE’s official guidance. Confirm responses and marking requirements before digging; discuss private lines with your contractor.
05 / FOUNDATION
Match the building.
For United metal buildings, coordinate foundation and anchor requirements before pouring concrete. For Cardinal portable buildings, confirm pad, support, and placement requirements with the delivery team.
06 / WRITTEN SCOPE
Know who does what.
List clearing, excavation, gravel, compaction, concrete, drainage work, haul-off, permits, and access repairs in the quote where needed. Confirm exclusions and scheduling before authorizing work.
Recommended by Roberts
Local people we trust.
A starting point for your site work. Discuss your location, schedule, and written scope directly with the contractor or ask Whitney to help you connect.
LAND CLEARING, GRADING & GRAVEL PREP
B&M Land Management
Harrisburg-area help with land clearing, grading, and preparing your gravel site.
Call 618-841-7955 ↗GRAVEL HAULING & GRADING
MC Enterprise
Help getting gravel to the property and working through grading needs.
Call 618-499-1160 ↗CONCRETE
AR Martin Construction
Concrete services based in Stonefort, serving Southern Illinois and nearby areas.
Call 618-658-0377 ↗Availability, service area, pricing, and project suitability are confirmed by each contractor. A referral does not automatically include their work in your building quote.
Local people. Practical help.
Ask Whitney for
local contractor referrals.
Need help with grading, excavation, gravel, or concrete? Tell Whitney your project ZIP code and the work you need. Ask about locally sourced contractors and current availability for your area.
Call Whitney · 618-499-1161 ↗Serving Southern Illinois, Southeast Missouri, Southwest Indiana, and Western Kentucky. Referral availability depends on location and scope.
Bring these details.
- Your project address or ZIP code and building type.
- Approximate building dimensions and a design reference.
- Photos of the proposed spot and the full access route.
- Known drainage concerns, slopes, or existing concrete.
- Your timeline and the preparation work you need.
Ask any contractor about insurance, applicable licensing, local experience, references, and a written scope. Confirm who contracts and pays for each part of the work.
Coordinate before you pour or place.
Metal building foundations and portable building pads have different requirements. Whitney can help you start the conversation with the right team. Confirm site-specific plans and responsibilities before beginning preparation.