Site Prep
A properly graded, drained, and compacted site is what keeps your court level and crack-free for years.
What Goes Wrong
Cutting corners at the prep stage creates problems that no surface treatment can fix later.
Compacting clay-heavy soil in one pass leaves soft pockets that shift under load and cause the base to settle unevenly.
The subgrade is compacted in multiple lifts so each layer is confirmed stable before the next is added.
A court area without a perimeter drain or catch basin collects standing water after rain, accelerating base erosion from below.
A perimeter drain or catch basin is positioned and graded before any base material is placed, not added as an afterthought.
Organic topsoil and root material compress over time, creating voids beneath the base layer that lead to cracking and uneven spots.
Topsoil, roots, and organic debris are stripped to the required depth before excavation begins, leaving only stable mineral soil.
A dead-flat court traps water at the center; too steep a grade causes fast runoff that erodes the base edge over time.
The site is graded to a controlled slope that moves water toward the drain without creating runoff that undercuts the perimeter.
Scope of Work
Each phase of the pre-construction process is completed and confirmed before the next one begins.
The footprint, existing grade, and soil conditions are assessed so the court is positioned for drainage and stability.
Vegetation, roots, rocks, and organic topsoil are stripped to the depth required for a stable subgrade.
The subgrade is cut to a consistent depth and compacted in lifts to eliminate soft spots before base material is placed.
The site is shaped to a controlled slope that directs runoff toward the drain without eroding the court perimeter.
A perimeter drain or catch basin with outlet pipe is installed before the crushed stone base layer goes in.
A crushed stone base layer is placed and compacted on the prepared subgrade to create a load-bearing platform.
Site prep scaled for standard residential lot sizes.
Multi-court layouts with shared drainage planning.
Larger footprints with engineered drainage requirements.
Why Choose Us
The pre-construction phase sets every condition the finished court will live with, accountability at this stage matters.
An itemised written estimate covers each prep phase so you know exactly what is included before anyone breaks ground.
Every enquiry begins with a ground and drainage assessment at your property, not a phone estimate based on guesswork.
Each preparation stage is confirmed complete before the next begins, so no step is buried under the one that follows it.
Every scope accounts for Central Florida clay soils and summer rainfall patterns that demand specific drainage approaches.
Backyard courts, HOA facilities, and commercial sites across Orlando, Winter Park, Lake Nona, and surrounding areas are all served.
The Process
01
Tell us the site location and intended court use. We schedule a visit to assess the ground and drainage.
02
You receive an itemised estimate covering clearing, excavation, grading, drainage placement, and base compaction as separate line items.
03
The builder works through each phase in sequence, with a final walkthrough confirming the site is ready before construction continues.
Pricing Estimates
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Basic site planning | $2,000-$5,000 |
| Permits and inspections support | $200-$6,000 |
| Site prep for a new court | $5,000-$20,000 |
| Full basework with drainage | $15,000-$40,000 |
Tell us the site and the sport. We schedule a ground and drainage assessment and put the full scope in writing, no commitment required.