Court Design & Site Preparation Questions

Yes, and that is exactly why the on-site evaluation happens before pricing is finalised. If the opened area reveals a high water table, clay layers, or unexpected grade changes, the drainage plan and base design are adjusted. Those findings are documented and explained before any additional work proceeds.

Clearing scope varies widely, a clean grass area needs minimal work, while a site with old concrete, heavy vegetation, or tree roots requires more. The itemised estimate produced after the on-site evaluation breaks out clearing and demolition as a separate line so you see exactly what that portion costs.

Yes, a yard that looks flat can still have hidden slope, soft spots, or poor drainage that will cause a court surface to crack or pond water. Visual flatness is not the same as engineered grade. A proper site evaluation checks subsurface conditions and drainage flow before any base work begins.

Yes, most sloped yards can accommodate a court after grading brings the area to a consistent, code-compliant pitch, typically no more than 1 percent slope for drainage. Steeper grades require more cut-and-fill earthwork, which affects scope. An on-site evaluation confirms what grading is needed before any commitment is made.

Every project starts with an on-site evaluation that measures the available footprint, checks setbacks from fences and structures, and maps drainage patterns. That data drives the court layout, so the design fits the actual space rather than a rough estimate from photos or satellite images.

Asphalt and concrete courts need a compacted aggregate base built to specific depth and compaction specs. Post-tension concrete adds reinforcement requirements. Modular tile surfaces need a very flat, rigid base with tight grade tolerances. Acrylic coatings go over existing concrete or asphalt, so prep focuses on crack repair and cleaning rather than full base construction.

Yes. Clay-heavy soils drain poorly and expand when wet, which undermines bases. The prep approach on those lots typically includes subgrade stabilisation, a deeper aggregate base, and perimeter drainage to redirect water away from the court footprint. The on-site evaluation identifies soil conditions before the base design is finalised.

Yes. The court layout is positioned during the design phase to respect features you want to preserve. Tree root zones, existing fences, and utility lines are mapped during the on-site evaluation, and the court footprint is adjusted to avoid them where possible. What cannot be avoided is flagged before any work starts.

Yes, provided there is a large enough flat or gradable area to accommodate the court footprint. Significant elevation changes across the lot do not disqualify a site, they just define where the court can go and how much grading is required. The on-site evaluation identifies the best placement given the terrain.

Court placement is decided during the on-site evaluation by mapping drainage flow, slope direction, setbacks, utility locations, and access needs. If the originally planned position creates drainage or grading problems, an alternative placement is proposed and explained before the design is finalised.

No. Building a court surface directly on unprepared ground leads to cracking, settling, and drainage failure, often within the first year. Proper base preparation is what gives the surface its structural life. Skipping it saves nothing; it just moves the cost into repairs and early resurfacing.

General dirt work crews grade to visual standards, not the tight tolerances a court surface requires, typically within a quarter-inch over ten feet. An incorrect base grade causes standing water and surface failure. Court-specific site prep follows surfacing manufacturer requirements that a general crew is not set up to meet.

The crew clears vegetation and debris, grades the area to the correct slope, compacts the subgrade, and installs drainage where needed. After that, the aggregate base goes down and is compacted in lifts before any surface material is applied. Each step is sequenced so the finished base is stable and drains correctly.

Yes, grading and drainage are core parts of site preparation, not add-ons. The on-site evaluation identifies the natural water flow across the area, and the prep work shapes the grade and installs any necessary drainage structures before the base is built.

Existing concrete or asphalt is assessed during the site evaluation. If it is structurally sound and at the right grade, it may be usable as a base layer. If it is cracked, heaved, or poorly positioned, it gets broken out and removed before new base work begins. The written estimate covers whichever path applies.

Some disruption is unavoidable, equipment needs access, and grading moves soil. The crew works within the footprint of the court and the access path needed for machinery. Surrounding lawn, landscaping, and hardscape outside that zone are protected as much as the site allows, and the access route is discussed before work starts.

Rolling terrain typically requires cut-and-fill grading to create a level pad, with the amount of earthwork tied directly to how much elevation changes across the court footprint. A site with two to three feet of variation needs significantly more work than one with six inches. The on-site evaluation produces a specific grading scope for your lot.

A straightforward residential site with minimal clearing typically takes two to four days for grading, base installation, and compaction. Sites with demolition, heavy grading, or drainage structures take longer. The project timeline is outlined in the written estimate after the on-site evaluation.

Site prep covers clearing and grubbing, subgrade grading to the correct slope, soil compaction, aggregate base installation and compaction, and drainage structures where needed. The on-site evaluation and itemised estimate spell out each element so you know what is included before work begins.

Courts in areas with heavy seasonal rain need a base graded to shed water quickly, perimeter drainage channels or French drains to intercept runoff, and in some cases a sump or outlet structure. Greensboro’s clay soils and periodic heavy rain make drainage design a standard part of the prep plan, not an afterthought.

Permit requirements depend on the scope of work and local zoning rules. Grading that moves significant soil volume, retaining walls, or impervious surface additions often trigger a permit in Guilford County and surrounding municipalities. The site evaluation identifies what approvals are likely needed so you can factor that into the timeline.

Grading and base equipment typically needs a clear path at least ten feet wide to reach the court area. Compact equipment can work through standard gate openings of six feet or more. Access requirements are confirmed during the on-site evaluation so any obstacles are identified before the crew and materials arrive.

That surface typically needs to be demolished and removed before court prep can start. The site plan accounts for demolition, debris removal, and any base work needed after the old material is cleared.

Skipping prep leads to drainage trouble, surface cracking, or uneven wear, often within the first two to three seasons. Fixing those problems after the court is built costs significantly more than doing the prep correctly the first time.

The area is measured, slope and drainage are assessed, and the ground is cleared or graded as needed. Subgrade is excavated and compacted in layers, drainage provisions are set, and base layer readiness is confirmed before any surface work begins.

A stable base depends on correct subgrade compaction, proper aggregate depth, and drainage that keeps water from undermining the base. Each of those steps is built into the preparation sequence. The final walkthrough before sign-off confirms the finished base meets the spec before any surface goes down.

If grading exposes unexpected drainage issues, a high water table, buried debris, or subsurface clay layers, the drainage plan is revised before the base goes in. Those findings are explained to you, and any scope change is documented in writing before additional work proceeds. Nothing is done without your awareness.