New Build Site Prep: Planning a Functional Turnaround Space in Dublin
Double B Excavations & Grade LLC
When Plans Meet Reality
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN EVERYONE SHOWS UP AT ONCE
You can plan everything perfectly on paper, but construction sites have a way of throwing curveballs.
That's exactly what we found this morning in Dublin.
We showed up ready to continue our turnaround dig, only to find we had company - lots of it.
Gas line crew working on one side, landscapers on the other, and our team somewhere in the middle.
This is the kind of situation that separates professional contractors from the rest.
Anyone can work when everything goes according to plan.
But what happens when it doesn't?
That's what we're dealing with today, and it's worth talking about.
Welcome to Double B!
The Situation
Let me paint the picture for you: We're in Dublin, working on a turnaround dig that we started last night. The ground is wet and sloppy - typical Ohio weather for you. We made some adjustments to the plan last night, so we knew we had more digging to do today. What we didn't know was that we'd be sharing the site with multiple other crews.
Here's what we walked into: The gas line company is filling holes, the landscaping crew is trying to get their work done, and we've got our equipment ready for the turnaround dig. Add in some rain and mud, and you've got yourself a typical day in construction - except this wasn't exactly what we planned for.
The kicker? We just found out the homeowners are moving in next Monday. That explains why everyone showed up at once - we're all pushing to get our parts done before that deadline. We actually planned to be the last ones on site to avoid this kind of traffic, but sometimes even the best plans need adjusting.
Managing Multiple Trade Coordination
Let's talk about how we handle situations like this, because they happen more often than you might think. When you've got multiple crews on site - each with their own job to do - it takes a certain approach to keep things moving smoothly.
First thing we did was assess who needed to be where. The gas line crew had to fill those holes - that's a safety priority. The landscapers are working against the same move-in deadline we are. And we've got our turnaround to dig and lay base stone. Instead of getting frustrated about the surprise, we looked at how to work around each other efficiently.
One thing I've learned over the years: rushing around on a crowded site usually leads to mistakes. Better to take a minute to plan than to spend hours fixing problems later. Even with the move-in date pressure, we need to do this right.
Problem-Solving in Real Time
This is where experience really comes into play. We had to adjust our approach pretty quickly this morning. The original plan was to dig out the whole turnaround and lay down our base twos (that's the foundation stone we use). But with the wet conditions and other crews on site, we needed to be smart about it.
Here's how we're handling it: We're working in sections where we can, staying out of the other crews' way while still making progress on our part. The rain makes everything more challenging - you've got to be extra careful about grading in wet conditions. But this is exactly why we use those base twos. They'll create a solid foundation even in less-than-ideal weather.
The key here isn't just getting our job done - it's getting it done right while letting everyone else get their work done too. Sometimes that means taking a few extra steps or working in a different order than we planned. But at the end of the day, what matters is that the homeowners get a properly built turnaround that's going to last.
Lessons from the Field
You learn something from every job site, and today in Dublin is no different. The biggest lesson here is that flexibility isn't just nice to have - it's essential. We came in expecting one thing and found another, but that's just part of the job.
Communication is another big one. Even though we didn't know everyone would be here today, once we were all on site, we made it work through clear communication. When you've got gas line crews, landscapers, and excavators all working in the same space, you've got to keep the lines of communication open. It keeps everyone safe and helps get all our jobs done faster.
The weather? Well, that's just Ohio being Ohio. But working in less-than-perfect conditions is part of what we do. You can't always wait for perfect weather, especially when you're working against a move-in deadline.
Moving Forward
At the end of the day, what matters is getting that turnaround built right for the new homeowners. Sure, we had to adjust our approach and work around some unexpected challenges, but that's what separates professional contractors from the rest.
Looking Forward
If you're planning any kind of construction project in Dublin or central Ohio, remember that flexibility is key. Things don't always go according to plan - and that's okay. What matters is working with a team that knows how to handle those changes professionally while still delivering quality work.
Need help planning your next project? We've got years of experience handling everything from simple driveways to complex excavation work - even when things don't go exactly as planned.
Because at Double B, we're not just focused on getting the job done - we're focused on getting it done right.
