Land Development Services 
in Higgins Lake & Roscommon, MI

At DSW Building & Masonry & Consulting, we see the potential in every plot of land around Higgins Lake and Roscommon. A raw, undeveloped property isn't just dirt and trees; it's the future site of a family home, a summer cottage, or a new business. Our role is to help you transform that vision into a reality. We bring years of local construction and masonry experience to the foundational first step of any building project: land development.

What is Land Development?

Land development is the essential process of preparing a piece of property for construction. It’s more than just clearing away some trees. It involves a series of calculated steps to alter the landscape, making it a safe, stable, and suitable foundation for your future building. This process ensures that your new home or structure is built on solid ground, with proper drainage and access, ready to stand the test of time in our Northern Michigan environment.

Our Land Development Services

We handle the crucial site preparation tasks that pave the way for a smooth construction process. With our own equipment and a deep understanding of the local terrain, soil conditions, and building codes, we offer a comprehensive approach to getting your land ready.


  • Site Clearing and Excavation: Before any building can begin, the site needs to be cleared. We carefully remove trees, stumps, rocks, and other obstructions from your build site. Our excavation services then sculpt the land, digging for basements, crawl spaces, and utility trenches according to your project's architectural plans. We work precisely to ensure the groundwork perfectly matches the specifications for your home or building.
  • Grading and Drainage Solutions: Proper water management is critical in Michigan. We specialize in grading your property to control the flow of surface water, directing it away from your future foundation. This prevents issues like basement flooding, soil erosion, and landscape damage. We establish the right slopes and contours to create a stable building pad and ensure your property remains dry and secure through every season.
  • Driveway and Culvert Installation: Reliable access to your property is a must. We construct durable driveways and install correctly sized culverts to manage water flow under your access road. Whether you need a simple gravel driveway for a rustic cabin or a prepared base for a future paved entrance, we ensure it's built to withstand vehicle traffic and the local climate.
  • Foundations and Footings: As a company with deep roots in masonry, we bring specialized skill to the most critical part of your structure: the foundation. After the land is prepared, we construct the concrete footings and foundation walls that will support your entire building. We build solid, level, and square foundations, including poured walls and block basements, that provide the integrity your project depends on.

The Land Development Process: What to Expect

We believe in clear communication and setting realistic expectations from the start. While every project is unique, here is a general overview of our process.


  • Initial Consultation and Site Visit: We begin by meeting you on your property. We listen to your plans, walk the land with you, and assess the site's unique characteristics. This allows us to understand the scope of the project and identify any potential challenges.
  • Planning and Proposal: Based on our assessment and your vision, we develop a detailed plan and provide you with a clear proposal. This document outlines the specific services required, the projected timeline, and the associated costs. We take the time to answer all your questions.
  • Permitting and Preparation: We can assist you in navigating the local permitting process in Roscommon County. Once all approvals are in place, we schedule the work and prepare our equipment and team.
  • Execution: This is where the transformation begins. Our team works efficiently and safely to clear, excavate, and grade your land according to the plan. We maintain an organized and respectful job site throughout the process.
  • Final Walk-Through: Upon completion of our work, we'll walk the property with you one last time. We want to ensure you are completely satisfied with the preparation and that the site is ready for the next phase of your construction project.


The timeline for land development can vary significantly based on the size of the property, the complexity of the work, and weather conditions. A simple lot clearing and grading job might take a couple of weeks, while a larger project with extensive excavation and foundation work will take longer. We will always provide you with a realistic timeline in our proposal..

Your Partner for Building in Northern Michigan

For years, we have helped our neighbors in Higgins Lake, Roscommon, and the surrounding communities build their dreams from the ground up. We live here, we work here, and we understand what it takes to build lasting quality in this beautiful area. Our commitment is to provide the solid, reliable groundwork your investment deserves. Ready to take the first step? Let’s talk about your property and your plans.

Get Your Project Started

If you have a piece of land and a vision for its future, we're here to help make it happen. Contact us today to schedule a consultation for your land development project. We look forward to discussing your needs and preparing your site for success. You can reach us by calling (989) 821-1555 or by sending us an email. Let's build something great together.