Site clearance cost depends on what is on the site and what has to leave it. Vegetation removal is inexpensive; removing structures, contaminated soil, rock or large volumes of unsuitable material to an authorised facility is not. A site investigation and a measured survey before pricing will avoid the most common budget surprises.
Clearance normally covers vegetation and topsoil strip, removal of existing structures and hardstanding, and disposal of unsuitable material. Where rock is present, breaking and removal can be a major cost, which is one reason a site investigation is worth carrying out before finalising a budget.
Excavated soil and stone leaving a site is subject to waste legislation unless it qualifies as by-product or is reused on site, so disposal routes should be agreed early. Invasive species such as Japanese knotweed require a specific management plan and licensed disposal, and can be expensive if discovered late.