🛑 The 6 Groundwork Mistakes That Cost Landowners Thousands

If you’re about to hire someone for groundwork — STOP.
These are the six mistakes that can turn a simple job into a total disaster.

We see this every week.
Botched sites.
Failed drainage.
Sloppy levels.
And landowners left with massive bills, flooding issues, or worse — irreversible damage.

So, here’s your insider list.
The 6 worst mistakes a contractor can make on your land — and how we make damn sure it never happens under our watch.

❌ 1. Skipping a Soil Assessment

“Ah it’ll be fine, we’ll just dig it out.”
That’s what the last guy said — and now the land’s subsiding.

Why it matters:
Different soils behave differently. Clay holds water. Sand collapses. Peat? Total nightmare unless you know how to manage it.

What we do instead:
We assess every layer — compaction needs, drainage potential, and load bearing — before the first bucket hits the ground.

❌ 2. Not Compacting Properly (or At All)

You can’t just run a machine over it and call it compacted.

Improper compaction causes:

• Cracks in concrete

• Uneven surfaces

• Water pooling and erosion

What we do instead:
We calculate compaction pressure based on soil type and use the right equipment to match. It’s civil engineering science — not guesswork.

❌ 3. Messing Up Levels and Drainage

This is the silent killer. Water always finds the weakness.

Bad drainage = flooded yards, washed-out soil, and damaged buildings.

What we do instead:
We shoot levels before we dig. Every fall, every slope, every drain is calculated for water flow — even in heavy rain.

❌ 4. Using the Wrong Base Material

Cheapest material doesn’t mean “good enough”.

Crushed brick? Building rubble? That stuff sinks, shifts, and creates a nightmare.

What we do instead:
We spec the right base for the job — whether it’s crushed concrete, MOT Type 1, or engineered fill. Long-lasting, load-bearing, and compliant.

❌ 5. Leaving No Margin for Movement

Ground moves. Weather hits. Loads change.

If the job is done to the bare minimum — cracks, dips, or total failure are only a matter of time.

What we do instead:
We allow for expansion, movement, and settling. Because nature never plays fair — and neither should your build.

❌ 6. No Accountability or Evidence

“Trust me, it’s done right.” — Famous last words.

You need evidence. Tracking. Measurements. Photos.

What we do instead:
We document everything. Site photos, drone mapping, before & afters, and full handover packages.

So Here’s the Truth:

Good groundwork isn’t visible.
Bad groundwork always is.

When we’re on-site — we’re building a foundation that lasts.
👉 Book a free site visit so we can walk the land together and spot problems before they cost you.

🔥 Bonus: Ask Your Contractor These 3 Questions Before You Hire

1. How do you determine compaction requirements for this soil type?

2. What drainage fall are you setting across the site?

3. Can I see examples of similar jobs you've delivered — with outcomes?

If they stutter — walk away.
If they answer with clarity — you're in good hands.

If they say:

"We'll sort that when we get there..."
...run.

PW Construction
Groundwork. Drainage. Civil Engineering — Done Right.
We don’t do cheap. We do the job right the first time.