Fahrner Excavating Inc.

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Fahrner Excavating Inc. We have been leading the way at construction sites for over 30 years, and we remain the leading sour

At Fahrner Excavating, we pride ourselves in the quality of work and the relationships we build. Being a family owned and operated business, the highest amount of pride and quality go into every project we work on. After stepping out of the retail business in 1981, John Fahrner had the skills to make the customer happy in every situation. Starting with just two dump trucks, and some used equipment, John spent many long hours building a business and a reputation. After adding more equipment, and hiring on more employees, the company slowly expanded and grew. Also, raising two sons, Justin and Jerrod helped bring new practices to the growing business. Fahrner Excavating takes every step in assuring that the customer is totally satisfied with every project we work on. That has been the reputation we started, and intend to keep. We got the logo "Tomorrows Service Today" many years ago, and that phrase keeps true today. Getting the job done correctly, the first time, and on-time, helps keep the project stay on track. Talk to almost any of the contractors, engineers, and owners that we do work for, and they'll all say the same thing; excellent work, done by excellent people!

Why Topsoil Is Removed Before Construction Begins: Wondering why is topsoil removed before construction? Learn how strip...
10/15/2026

Why Topsoil Is Removed Before Construction Begins: Wondering why is topsoil removed before construction? Learn how stripping topsoil protects your building's foundation, drainage, and stability. Call Fahrner today.

Wondering why is topsoil removed before construction? Learn how stripping topsoil protects your building's foundation, drainage, and stability. Call Fahrner today.

Reading the Map: What Land Surveys Look Like and How to Understand Them: Learn how to read a land survey, what the symbo...
10/03/2026

Reading the Map: What Land Surveys Look Like and How to Understand Them: Learn how to read a land survey, what the symbols mean, and do land surveys get recorded. A clear guide from Fahrner Excavating serving Stevens Point.

Learn how to read a land survey, what the symbols mean, and do land surveys get recorded. A clear guide from Fahrner Excavating serving Stevens Point.

Before You Build or Buy, Why Do You Need a Land Survey?: Wondering why you need a land survey before building or buying?...
10/01/2026

Before You Build or Buy, Why Do You Need a Land Survey?: Wondering why you need a land survey before building or buying? Learn how a survey protects your investment and prevents costly disputes and construction delays.

Wondering why you need a land survey before building or buying? Learn how a survey protects your investment and prevents costly disputes and construction delays.

Structural Demolition Plans: What They Include and Why They Matter: Before a single wall comes down or an excavator ever...
09/30/2026

Structural Demolition Plans: What They Include and Why They Matter: Before a single wall comes down or an excavator ever touches a building, there is a document that quietly determines whether the entire project runs smoothly or spirals into chaos. That document is the demolition plan, and it carries far more weight than most property owners realize. As an experienced excavating company in Stevens Point, we have seen how thoughtful preparation separates a clean, controlled teardown from a costly, dangerous mess.

Structural demolition plans are the blueprint for taking a structure apart safely and efficiently. They account for everything from utility disconnections to debris removal, and they protect workers, neighbors, and the surrounding property throughout the process. Whether you are clearing an old commercial building or removing a residential structure to make way for something new, understanding what goes into these plans helps you appreciate why they matter so much.

What Structural Demolition Plans Actually Include

A demolition plan is not simply a note that says a building will be knocked down. It is a detailed, step-by-step outline covering the sequence of work, the equipment involved, and the safety measures in place at every stage. A complete plan begins with a thorough site assessment that evaluates the building's construction, its condition, and any features that require special handling.

From there, the plan documents how utilities will be located and disconnected, how hazardous materials will be identified and addressed, and how the structure will be brought down in a controlled manner. It also specifies where debris will be staged, how it will be sorted for recycling or disposal, and how the site will be graded and cleaned once the structure is gone. Good structural demolition plans leave nothing to guesswork, because on a demolition site, surprises are rarely welcome.

Key elements you can expect to find in a well-prepared plan include:

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A site survey noting building materials, adjacent structures, and access points

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Utility disconnection and capping procedures for gas, water, electric, and sewer

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Hazardous material identification and abatement requirements

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The demolition method and sequence, along with the equipment to be used

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Debris handling, recycling, and disposal logistics

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Safety controls for dust, noise, and site protection

Why Careful Planning Protects Everyone

The most obvious reason structural demolition plans matter is safety. Demolition involves heavy machinery, falling debris, and structures that may behave unpredictably as they come apart. A detailed plan anticipates how a building will react during removal so the crew can work in the right order and avoid compromising stability at the wrong moment. Without that foresight, a wall could collapse in an unintended direction or a floor could give way before it should.

Beyond worker safety, planning protects the people and property nearby. In tighter neighborhoods around Stevens Point and the surrounding areas, adjacent buildings, sidewalks, and utility lines sit close to the work zone. A thorough plan defines how those elements are shielded, how dust and vibration are controlled, and how traffic and pedestrians are kept at a safe distance. This attention to detail is what allows demolition to happen responsibly, even in busy or confined spaces.

Meeting Codes, Permits, and Regulations

Demolition is heavily regulated, and for good reason. Local municipalities require permits before work begins, and those permits often depend on the quality and completeness of your demolition plan. Inspectors want to see that utilities will be properly disconnected, that environmental concerns such as asbestos or lead paint have been addressed, and that debris will be disposed of in compliance with regulations.

Structural demolition plans serve as the documentation that ties all of these requirements together. They demonstrate to authorities that the project has been thought through and that the contractor understands the responsibilities involved. Skipping this step, or submitting an incomplete plan, can stall a project for weeks and lead to fines or forced rework. A properly prepared plan keeps the paperwork moving and the timeline on track, which matters as much for a homeowner as it does for a developer managing a large site.

How Demolition Fits Into the Bigger Picture

Rarely does demolition happen in isolation. In most cases, tearing down an existing structure is the first phase of something larger, whether that is new construction, a remodel, or broader site work and land development. That is why demolition plans need to consider what comes next. The way a site is cleared and graded can either set up the following phases for success or create headaches down the road.

For example, if a project involves rebuilding on the same footprint, the plan may call for preserving certain foundations or grading the lot to specific elevations. If the goal is broader land development in Stevens Point, the demolition phase must dovetail with utility installation, drainage, and future excavation work. Coordinating these steps from the start prevents duplicated effort and helps the entire timeline flow more efficiently. Strong structural demolition plans always look beyond the teardown to the finished result.

Choosing the Right Team for the Job

The quality of a demolition plan depends heavily on the experience of the contractor behind it. A seasoned crew knows how to read a building, anticipate complications, and select the right methods and equipment for each unique situation. They also understand the local requirements and relationships that keep permitting and inspections on schedule. That combination of technical skill and regional familiarity is difficult to replace.

At Fahrner Excavating, our approach to demolition services in the Stevens Point area begins with careful planning long before any equipment arrives. We handle projects across Stevens Point, Plover, and neighboring towns, and we bring the same diligence to a small residential teardown as we do to a large commercial site. Property owners who need an excavating company in Plainfield, WI and the broader region can count on plans that are thorough, compliant, and built around their goals for the property.

The Bottom Line on Demolition Planning

Demolition may look like destruction, but done well it is an exercise in precision and preparation. Structural demolition plans are the foundation of a safe, efficient, and legally sound project, covering everything from utility disconnection and hazardous material handling to debris removal and final grading. They protect workers and neighbors, satisfy permitting requirements, and set the stage for whatever comes next on the property.

If you are weighing a demolition project, resist the temptation to view planning as a formality you can rush through. The time invested up front pays off in fewer surprises, faster approvals, and a cleaner path toward your next phase of construction. When the plan is right, the work that follows tends to go exactly as intended.

When you are ready to move forward, the right partner makes all the difference. Reach out to our team to request an estimate and learn how carefully prepared structural demolition plans can keep your project safe, on schedule, and ready for what comes next.

Learn what structural demolition plans include, why they matter, and how proper planning keeps demolition safe, efficient, and code-compliant.

How to Value Land for Development Before You Buy: A parcel of land can look like a bargain on paper and turn into a mone...
09/30/2026

How to Value Land for Development Before You Buy: A parcel of land can look like a bargain on paper and turn into a money pit once the real work begins. The purchase price is only one piece of a much larger equation, and the pieces that do not show up in the listing are often the ones that make or break a project. Learning how to value land for development means looking past the acreage and asking harder questions about what it will actually take to build there. Our team has spent years providing excavating services in the Stevens Point area, and we have watched buyers save themselves from expensive surprises simply by evaluating a site correctly before signing.

Whether you are planning a single home, a commercial building, or a subdivision, the goal is the same: understand the true cost of turning raw ground into a buildable site. Below we walk through the factors that experienced developers weigh so you can make a confident, informed decision.

Start With the Land Itself

Before you think about buildings, think about dirt. Soil composition determines how much site preparation a parcel will need, and it can vary dramatically from one lot to the next even within the same neighborhood. Sandy soil drains well but may need reinforcement, while heavy clay holds water and can complicate foundations. Rocky ground might require blasting or specialized equipment, and organic or peaty soils often have to be dug out and replaced entirely.

Topography matters just as much. A gently sloping lot may only need minor grading, while a steep or uneven site could require extensive earthmoving, retaining walls, and drainage planning. Every truckload of fill you bring in or haul out adds to the budget. When you learn how to value land for development, you learn to read the terrain as a series of tasks rather than a pretty view. A geotechnical survey is one of the smartest early investments you can make, because it tells you what is beneath the surface before you commit.

Investigate Access, Utilities, and Drainage

A buildable site needs to connect to the outside world. Confirm that legal, physical road access exists, and if it does not, find out what it would cost to create. Then look at utilities. Water, sewer, electricity, and natural gas connections that are already at the property line save enormous sums. If the nearest municipal sewer is half a mile away, the cost of extending it can dwarf the price of the land itself. Rural parcels may require a well and a septic system, which means percolation testing to confirm the ground can support one.

Drainage deserves special attention. Water always finds the lowest point, and a lot that collects runoff from neighboring properties can require costly stormwater management. Reviewing how a site handles water early helps you avoid flooded basements and failed inspections later. Proper utility installation and grading are foundational to a successful build, and factoring those expenses into your offer keeps your numbers honest.

Understand Zoning, Permits, and Restrictions

Land is only as valuable as what you are legally allowed to do with it. Zoning dictates whether you can build residential, commercial, or mixed-use structures, and it may cap density, height, or lot coverage. A parcel zoned for a single home cannot become an apartment complex without a rezoning process that is neither quick nor guaranteed. Check for setback requirements, easements, and any deed restrictions that limit your plans.

Environmental regulations can also shape your options. Wetlands, floodplains, and protected habitats carry building limitations and permitting hurdles. Contacting the local planning department before you buy gives you a clear picture of what approvals your project will need and how long they might take. Time is money in construction, and a lengthy entitlement process can tie up your capital for months. Knowing how to value land for development includes budgeting for the paperwork, not just the shovels.

Calculate the Hidden Site Preparation Costs

This is where many buyers underestimate. Two lots with identical asking prices can have wildly different development costs once you account for what has to happen before construction. A short list of expenses to price out includes:

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Clearing trees, brush, and existing structures, including any needed demolition of old buildings

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Excavation, grading, and hauling fill to level the site

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Installing driveways, culverts, and erosion control measures

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Extending water, sewer, and other utilities to the building envelope

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Soil remediation or foundation reinforcement if testing reveals problems

Getting a professional estimate on this work before you close is one of the best ways to protect your investment. An experienced excavation contractor can walk the property, review the survey, and give you a realistic sense of the earthwork involved. That number, added to the purchase price and permitting costs, is the figure that actually tells you whether the deal makes sense.

Match the Land to Your Goals and the Market

Even a technically perfect parcel is a poor buy if it does not fit your objective. A developer building a subdivision needs enough acreage, favorable zoning, and demand for new homes in that area. Someone building a single custom home has more flexibility but should still consider resale value and neighborhood character. Research comparable properties nearby to understand what finished lots and buildings sell for, then work backward to see whether your total investment leaves room for a reasonable return.

Location within the region also influences value. Demand, growth patterns, and infrastructure differ across Stevens Point and the surrounding areas, so a lot that pencils out in one community may not in another. For larger residential projects, our experience with subdivision development shows how much the early groundwork shapes the profitability of the whole venture. The right parcel aligns physical feasibility with market reality.

Bring in Experts Before You Commit

The most reliable way to avoid costly mistakes is to assemble a small team of professionals during your due diligence window. A surveyor confirms boundaries and easements, a soil engineer tells you what is underground, and an excavation contractor prices the earthwork. Their combined input transforms guesswork into a defensible budget. Spending a modest amount on evaluation is far cheaper than discovering a fatal flaw after closing.

We regularly help buyers weigh parcels throughout central Wisconsin, including projects that call for excavating in Rib Mountain, WI or excavating services in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Every property tells a different story once you dig into the details, and a walkthrough with someone who moves earth for a living often reveals opportunities and obstacles that are easy to miss on a map.

Ultimately, learning how to value land for development comes down to disciplined homework: study the soil and slope, confirm access and utilities, verify what you can legally build, and add up every dollar of site preparation before you make an offer. Do that, and the number you pay will reflect the true cost of the finished project rather than an optimistic guess. When you are ready to evaluate a parcel and want a grounded estimate on the earthwork involved, reach out to our team for a straightforward assessment before you buy.

Learn how to value land for development before you buy. Fahrner Excavating shares site factors, hidden costs, and tips for smart land purchases near Stevens Point.

Are Utilities Necessary During Demolition Projects?: Before a single wall comes down or a machine takes its first bite o...
09/30/2026

Are Utilities Necessary During Demolition Projects?: Before a single wall comes down or a machine takes its first bite out of an old structure, there is an important question that determines whether a project runs smoothly or turns dangerous: what happens to the gas, water, electric, and sewer lines connected to the building? Many property owners assume the utilities simply stay on until the last moment, but the reality is far more nuanced. As an experienced excavating contractor in the Stevens Point area, we field questions about whether utilities are necessary during demolition on nearly every job we take on.

The short answer is that some utilities must be disconnected long before demolition begins, while a few may be kept active temporarily under carefully controlled conditions. Knowing the difference is not just about following the rules. It protects your crew, your neighbors, and your property from serious harm. Let us walk through how utilities factor into a safe, code-compliant demolition project.

Why Utilities Matter So Much in Demolition

Every building is tied to a network of underground and overhead services. Natural gas lines carry a flammable fuel. Electrical service delivers current that can injure or kill. Water and sewer lines, if left unmanaged, can flood a site or release contaminated material. When heavy equipment starts tearing into a structure, any live line becomes a potential hazard. That is why the question of whether utilities are necessary during demolition almost always comes down to safety first, convenience second.

Improper handling of utilities is one of the leading causes of demolition accidents. A struck gas line can trigger an explosion. A live electrical wire can electrocute an operator or ignite a fire. Even a forgotten water line can undermine the ground and create unstable conditions for equipment. Because of these risks, utility management is not an afterthought. It is one of the first phases of planning, handled well before demolition day arrives.

Which Utilities Must Be Disconnected First

In the vast majority of projects, gas and electric service must be fully disconnected and often physically capped or removed by the utility provider before demolition can proceed. These are the two most dangerous services to leave active, and utility companies typically require verification that they have been shut off at the source. This is not something a contractor can simply switch off at the meter. It usually involves coordination with the local utility to disconnect the line at the main and confirm it is dead.

Water and sewer lines follow a similar pattern, though the timing can vary. Water is generally shut off and capped to prevent flooding once fixtures are torn out. Sewer lines must be properly plugged to stop sewer gases from escaping and to keep debris from entering the municipal system. Getting these disconnections scheduled correctly is a big part of why professional demolition planning takes time. Rushing this step is never worth the risk.

When Utilities Might Stay Active

There are situations where certain services remain connected during a project, which is exactly why the answer to whether utilities are necessary during demolition is not a flat yes or no. On larger sites or phased projects, temporary power might be maintained to run tools, lighting, or dust suppression systems. In those cases, the active service is carefully isolated from the structure being demolished and routed through safe, temporary connections.

Water is another service that occasionally stays on for a specific reason: dust control. Demolition generates enormous amounts of dust, and spraying water over the work area keeps particles from spreading into the air and neighboring properties. When water is kept active for this purpose, it is managed through a controlled supply rather than the building's original plumbing. The key point is that any utility left active is done so deliberately, with safeguards in place, never by accident or oversight.

The Coordination Behind a Safe Demolition

Managing utilities properly requires communication among several parties: the property owner, the demolition crew, the utility companies, and sometimes local inspectors. Locating buried lines is a critical early step, which is why calling for utility locates before any digging is standard practice. Underground services are not always where old records suggest, and striking an unmarked line can be catastrophic.

This is where working with a company that handles both excavation and demolition pays off. Because our team manages utility installation in the Steven Point region as well as tear-downs, we understand exactly how these systems run into and under a structure. That knowledge helps us anticipate where lines are hidden and coordinate disconnections without delays. You can see the full range of what we offer through our demolition services, which are built around safety at every stage.

A typical utility coordination sequence looks something like this:

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Confirm the scope of demolition and identify every service connected to the structure.

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Request utility locates to mark underground gas, electric, water, sewer, and communication lines.

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Schedule disconnections and capping with each utility provider before work begins.

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Determine whether any temporary service is needed for power, lighting, or dust control.

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Verify all disconnections in writing before equipment arrives on site.

What This Means for Property Owners

If you are planning a demolition, the most helpful thing to understand is that utility disconnection is your responsibility to initiate, but a good contractor will guide you through it. You will need to contact your service providers, and there is often a lead time of several days or even weeks to schedule a shutoff, especially for gas. Building this time into your project schedule prevents last-minute delays that can throw off the entire timeline.

The question of whether utilities are necessary during demolition also affects your budget and permitting. Some municipalities require proof of utility disconnection before they will issue a demolition permit. Skipping or rushing these steps can result in stop-work orders, fines, or worse. A knowledgeable team helps you navigate these requirements so nothing gets overlooked. We serve homeowners and businesses throughout Stevens Point and the surrounding areas, and we handle this coordination as a routine part of every project.

Trust Experienced Local Professionals

Demolition is one of those jobs where experience makes all the difference between a smooth project and a costly mistake. Understanding how utilities interact with a structure, when they must be cut, and when they can be safely maintained is knowledge that comes from years of hands-on work. Our crews approach every tear-down with the same priority: get the utilities right first, then let the demolition proceed safely and efficiently.

Whether you are clearing a lot for new construction, removing an old barn, or making room for an addition, we bring that same careful approach across the region, including our demolition services in Rib Mountain, WI and our demolition services in Waupaca. Serving those areas and neighboring communities, our team treats utility safety as the foundation of responsible demolition work.

If you have a project on the horizon and want clear answers about whether utilities are necessary during demolition on your specific site, reach out to us. We are glad to walk you through the process, help you coordinate disconnections, and provide a straightforward estimate. Get in touch with our team to talk through your project and get started the right way.

Wondering if utilities are necessary during demolition? Learn how gas, water, and electric lines are handled safely by Fahrner Excavating in Stevens Point.

What Does Land Development Mean for Property Owners?: Buying a raw parcel of land can feel like holding a blank canvas, ...
09/30/2026

What Does Land Development Mean for Property Owners?: Buying a raw parcel of land can feel like holding a blank canvas, but turning that empty acreage into something useful takes planning, permits, and plenty of earthwork. If you have ever wondered what does land development mean when it comes to your own property, you are not alone. Property owners across central Wisconsin ask this question every day as they consider building a home, adding a business, or preparing lots for sale. As a team specializing in excavating in Stevens Point, we help owners understand exactly what happens between a bare piece of ground and a finished, buildable site.

Land development is more than clearing trees and pushing dirt around. It is a coordinated process that transforms undeveloped or underused land into a site ready for construction, whether that means a single home, a subdivision, or a commercial building. Understanding the steps involved helps you budget wisely, avoid costly surprises, and make confident decisions about your investment.

Understanding the Basics of Land Development

At its core, the answer to what does land development mean is fairly simple: it is the work required to prepare a piece of property so that it can support a building, road, utility system, or other intended use. This work often involves grading the land, installing drainage, running utilities, and creating stable access. The goal is to take a parcel in its natural state and shape it into a site that meets local codes and supports whatever you plan to build.

Development can range in scale. A homeowner might need a modest amount of clearing and grading to prepare a single building pad. A developer, on the other hand, may need to divide a large tract into multiple lots, complete with streets and stormwater systems. Regardless of size, the underlying principles stay the same. You are working with the land, its slopes, its soil, and its water flow, to create something functional and lasting.

The Key Stages Property Owners Should Expect

Every project is unique, but most land development follows a recognizable path. Knowing these stages ahead of time helps you plan your timeline and your budget with realistic expectations.

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Site assessment and planning: Surveys, soil testing, and reviewing local regulations to understand what your land can and cannot support.

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Clearing and demolition: Removing trees, brush, old structures, or debris to open the site for work.

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Grading and earthwork: Shaping the land to create proper elevations, level pads, and slopes that direct water away from structures.

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Utility installation: Running water, sewer, electrical, and stormwater systems to service the site.

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Final site preparation: Establishing driveways, access roads, and stable surfaces ready for construction to begin.

Each of these stages builds on the one before it. Skipping steps or cutting corners early tends to create bigger problems later, which is why working with an experienced contractor makes such a difference. Our site work and land development team in the Steven Point area coordinates these phases so the project moves smoothly from raw ground to finished site.

Why Grading and Drainage Matter So Much

If there is one part of land development that owners tend to underestimate, it is the importance of grading and drainage. Water is one of the most destructive forces a property faces. When land is not shaped to move water away from foundations, driveways, and low spots, you invite erosion, flooding, and long-term structural damage. Proper grading protects your investment for decades.

In central Wisconsin, seasonal changes and heavy rains make drainage planning especially critical. A site that looks fine on a dry summer day can become a problem when spring thaw arrives. That is why professional developers spend so much time calculating slopes and installing stormwater controls. Good drainage is invisible when it works, but its absence becomes obvious fast.

How Land Development Adds Value to Your Property

When people ask what does land development mean for the value of their property, the answer usually comes down to potential. Raw land has limited immediate use, but developed land is ready to build on, which makes it far more attractive to buyers, lenders, and builders. Preparing a site properly can significantly increase both its usability and its market appeal.

For those planning to divide a larger parcel, the value increase can be substantial. Creating multiple buildable lots with roads and utilities in place turns one property into several marketable pieces. Our team regularly assists with subdivision development projects that help owners unlock this kind of long-term value. Even for a single-family build, a well-prepared site reduces construction headaches and keeps your future home on solid, well-drained ground.

Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

Land development is rewarding, but it comes with challenges that catch inexperienced owners off guard. Permitting can be complex, and different municipalities have different requirements for setbacks, drainage, and environmental protection. Soil conditions vary widely too, and what works on one parcel may not work on the one next door. Rock, high water tables, or unstable soils can all affect your plan and budget.

The best way to avoid these pitfalls is to bring in professionals early. A contractor familiar with local conditions can spot issues before they become expensive and can help you navigate permits and inspections. Reliable utility work is another area where experience pays off, since improper installation can lead to failures and repairs down the road. Our utility installation services are designed to get these systems right the first time, which saves owners money and stress over the life of the property.

Getting Started With Confidence

Understanding what does land development mean gives you a real advantage as a property owner. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by permits, grading plans, and utility questions, you can approach your project with a clear picture of the steps involved and the value they create. From the first survey to the final graded pad, each phase moves your land closer to its full potential.

We proudly serve owners throughout Stevens Point and the surrounding areas, helping them turn bare parcels into buildable, valuable sites. Whether you are exploring options for land development in Adams, WI or considering a project like land development in Plainfield, WI, the fundamentals remain the same. Careful planning, quality earthwork, and dependable drainage set the foundation for everything that follows.

If you are ready to take the next step, reach out for a conversation about your property and your goals. A knowledgeable partner can help you weigh your options, understand the process, and build a plan that fits your timeline and budget. Contact our team to discuss your project and get the guidance you need to move forward with confidence.

What does land development mean for your property? Learn the stages, benefits, and what to expect from Fahrner Excavating serving Stevens Point and nearby areas.

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5030 Pine Tree Avenue
Plover, WI
54467

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Wednesday 7:30am - 4pm
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