A Detailed Breakdown of Excavation Costs for a Northern Michigan Vacation Rental

Hey everyone! Today we wanted to write an open and honest blog posts about the costs associated with breaking ground and excavating the land for our northern Michigan Airbnb build. As many of you maybe know, this has been a two-year process of planning and overcoming uncertainties for us, but it's official - we've broke ground!

When an excavator starts breaking ground for a new home build, it involves the initial site preparation and excavation work to lay the foundation for the construction. The process includes clearing the land of trees, stumps, and debris, as well as digging the basement and leveling the ground to ensure a stable surface for the foundation. Additionally, the excavator may be responsible for creating proper drainage systems and installing the septic system, depending on the property's needs. The costs associated with excavation can vary depending on several factors, such as the size and complexity of the project, the terrain and soil conditions, and the location of the property.

Let's Talk Numbers.

It's essential to remember that building on a hill and in a secluded area brings about unique challenges that add to the expenses. But despite the costs, we believe creating this exceptional experience will be worth every penny.

1. Mobilization and Transport - $2,500: Bringing all the heavy equipment, like the excavator, skid steers, and front loaders, to the site from an hour away added to the initial expense. This step was crucial to ensure we had the right machinery to tackle the terrain effectively.
2. Stumping - $2,000: To accommodate delivery trucks and the septic system, we had to cut more trees than initially planned. Stumping refers to the process of pulling out tree stumps to create space for the driveway and cabin.
3. Basement Digging - $2,500: Preparing the basement for the masons to lay the footers and concrete required professional expertise. The excavation process involved digging out the foundation and preparing it for further construction.
4. Septic System - $9,500: Due to the land's grade and natural slope, we opted for a slightly more complex septic system, including a plastic tank for ease of transportation. The septic system is a vital component for waste management, and proper installation was essential for the cabin's functionality.
5. Backfill - $2,000: Adding dirt to level the basement and restore the natural slope of the land after excavation. This step ensured that the ground was even and properly graded for the foundation.
6. Stump Haul Out - $1,500: Alongside stumping, hauling out the tree remnants was another expense we incurred. This involved removing the cut tree materials from the site to create a clean and safe environment.
7. Grade Finishing - $1,200: To complete the grade and restore the land's natural contours after all the work was done. Proper grade finishing was crucial for drainage and ensuring a stable surface for the driveway and cabin.

We hope this was helpful and we will continue to provide cost breaks downs like this in the future and through every step of the process. Though the financial investment may seem daunting, we firmly believe that the end result will be worth every penny spent. Thank you all for being a part of this journey, and we can't wait to continue sharing more updates with you as we move closer to making our dream cabin a reality.

Watch our full youtube video on this topic here: https://youtu.be/ugIQ75BqC68