Well Drilling

I thought it would be valuable to offer insight and resources in the new home construction process.  Step one was to find a lot that checked the boxes for purchase.  Location was a key element, and locating a lot that suitable for construction.  Some of the elements that were investigated were access to a paved road, access to the highway, distance from schools, and the consideration of hooking utilities up to city water and sewer.  Additionally, the lot itself was of critical importance.  Was there high ground to build, was there an acceptable access to the property.  Were there any easements that would need to be in place to access the lot. 

This week two topics were investigated.  The first one was organizing the well portion of this project.  I spoke to a local well drilling service ( Graves Well Drilling- Pike Lake) and got tremendous service and information.  I was told the first step is not the well!  The first step is to call a designer and construct a plan for the mound system.   Good to know!  I asked for a quote on the cost, and was provided a dollar amount per foot that the well would be drilled.  Then the cost of the pump, the cost of the backhoe work, and then the cost of the electrical work that would need to be completed.  To get a better estimate, I found this helpful tool for you to check out! 

https://mnwellindex.web.health.state.mn.us/

This gave me a general idea of what the total cost would look like given an average of well depths in my location. 

Today, I called a contact for tree removal (not landscaping).  The advice here for my lot was do-it-yourself to save cash.  There isn't enough material to make it worth while for a logger to come in and remove the trees, not to mention they are Ash trees which basically get used to power.  I like Ash trees, and feel they get a bad wrap.  The plan is to cut them down to make the space larger and easier to maneuver for construction and save the wood for fires. 

What was more important than that initial conversation was the secondary topic of a 40 acre parcel of hunting land that I own.  Ever wonder why all the Balsam trees are dying?  It's related to the Budworm.  The Budworms are killing our trees!

I was also told of a special program that you can apply for that will contribute to the cost of removing balsams on your property.  The program is run out of the USDA office and applications are due by August for the following year.  The grant that you apply for allocates dollars to off-set the total cost of hiring a logger to come out and cut down your balsam trees.  You get total control and say over where and how you want your trees removed.