New Build Site Prep: Planning a Functional Turnaround Space in Dublin
Double B Excavations & Grade LLC
More Than Just a Driveway
WHY PROPER PLANNING MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN NEW BUILD PROJECTS
When you're working on a new build, every detail matters.
That's why we found ourselves in Dublin early Monday morning, walking the property with the homeowner.
Some might see just another driveway project, but we see something more important - we're creating a space that this family will use every single day.
Planning a turnaround space isn't as simple as laying down some stone and calling it done.
It needs to work perfectly with the garage access, handle daily vehicle traffic, and tie everything together visually.
Get it wrong, and you're looking at frustrated homeowners and expensive fixes down the road.
Get it right, and it becomes an seamless part of their daily life.
Welcome to Double B!
Project Overview
This Dublin project is a perfect example of why proper planning matters. We're working alongside several other contractors to bring this new build across the finish line. Our part? Creating a functional turnaround space that includes custom stone selection, precise grading, and finishing touches that'll make this property stand out.
The scope of work covers everything from the road to the concrete, with special attention to the garage door access. We're talking about 60 tons of Darby stone - a specific type of stone with a unique orange color that the homeowner specifically wanted. But before we could start bringing in materials, we needed to get the layout exactly right.
That's why we took the time to walk through everything with the homeowner. Together, we marked out the island area, planned the turnaround dimensions, and made sure everyone was on the same page. When you're dealing with new construction, these early planning steps save headaches later.
Planning Process
Let me walk you through how we approach planning a project like this. First thing Monday morning, we're out there with the homeowner, measuring tape in hand. Some contractors might rush through this part, but we know better. Every measurement matters when you're creating a space that needs to work perfectly for daily use.
Those white lines you might see on the property? That's us mapping out exactly where everything goes. We're thinking about things like: Can you easily back into that garage door? Is there enough room to turn around without having to make three-point turns? Will delivery trucks have the space they need? It's not just about making it look good - it's about making it work right.
Material Selection and Implementation
Here's where things get interesting. The homeowner specifically wanted Darby stone, and there's a good reason for that. Unlike regular gravel that has that typical gray look, Darby stone has this beautiful orange color to it. We're talking about a three-quarter 57 wash that's going to make this driveway stand out from every other one in the neighborhood. Big thanks to Lang Stone for helping us track down exactly what the customer wanted.
We're bringing in 60 tons of this stone - and yes, that's a lot. But here's why: we need enough material to create a solid base from the road all the way to the concrete, plus that additional pad we're putting in. We're also modifying the apron to make sure everything flows together perfectly. Some might see this as overkill, but when you're dealing with a new build, doing it right the first time saves money in the long run.
Think about it this way: every time someone pulls in or out of this driveway, every time a delivery truck needs to turn around, every time they're getting in and out of that garage - they're going to be using this space. Getting these details right now means they won't have to think about it later. That's what we mean when we talk about planning for function, not just appearance.
Full Property Integration
A turnaround space is just one piece of the bigger picture. Once we've got the stone work handled, we move on to making everything work together. That's where the Harley rake comes in - it's our go-to tool for getting that perfect final grade across the entire property.
We're dealing with some specific challenges here, like working around that egress window. You can't just grade everything flat and call it done. The ground needs to slope the right way for drainage, but it also needs to look natural and work with the home's design. It's a balance of function and appearance.
The final touch? Hydroseed. We chose this method because it gives us the best chance of establishing a healthy lawn quickly. When you're finishing up a new build, the homeowners are usually eager to see their property looking like home instead of a construction site.
Project Management
Managing this kind of project takes careful timing. We've got crews all over the property working to finish their parts of the build. Our goal is to wrap everything up by Thursday, taking Friday off for the holiday. But we're also realistic - we've got Monday as backup if we need it. That's something we've learned over the years: always plan for the unexpected.
Working alongside other contractors takes coordination. Everyone needs access to do their work, but we also need to make sure we're not getting in each other's way. It's like a carefully choreographed dance - timing matters.
Closing
When you're looking at a finished new build, it's easy to overlook things like the turnaround space or the grading. But these details make a huge difference in how people actually use and enjoy their property every day. This Dublin project is a perfect example of why taking the time to plan things right, choose the right materials, and coordinate with the homeowner pays off.
Looking Forward
If you're planning a new build in the Dublin area, don't wait until the last minute to think about your driveway and turnaround space.
The right planning early on saves both time and money down the road. We're always happy to walk properties with homeowners and builders to figure out the best approach for their specific needs.
Because at the end of the day, it's not just about laying stone - it's about creating spaces that work for real people.
