The Right Order Matters: Staging a Large Residential Project in Dublin Ohio
Double B Excavations & Grade LLC
When Timing Is Everything
WHY THE RIGHT SEQUENCE MAKES OR BREAKS A MULTI-CONTRACTOR PROJECT
You might think excavation work is all about moving dirt and laying stone, but here's the truth: some days, knowing when not to work is just as important as knowing what to do.
That's exactly what we're dealing with on our current project in Dublin, where timing and coordination are making all the difference.
When you've got fresh concrete that's only 12 hours old, multiple contractors needing workspace, and a complex drainage system to install, rushing in with heavy equipment isn't just risky - it's plain wrong.
This project is teaching a master class in patience and proper staging.
Welcome to Double B!
Project Overview
This Dublin property is one of those jobs that reminds you why planning matters so much. We're working with several different elements here: a newly installed patio and sidewalk, drainage swales that need to be cut in, and space for landscapers to do their work. Add in 60 tons of Darby stone coming Monday, and you've got yourself a project that needs careful coordination.
Here's what we're working with:
- Fresh concrete work that needs time to cure properly
- Drainage swales to direct water away from the new patio
- Multiple areas that need final grading
- A 10-foot section we're leaving clear for the landscaping team
- Harley rake work to prepare for hydroseeding
- Final hydroseeding to establish the lawn
It's like putting together a puzzle - each piece needs to go in at just the right time, or the whole picture doesn't come together right. And when you're dealing with other contractors' work, especially something as permanent as concrete, there's no room for "close enough."
The Staging Process
First up, we've got to work around that fresh concrete. When someone's just poured a new patio and sidewalk, you don't just charge in there with heavy equipment. Those first 12 hours are critical - concrete needs time to cure properly. Think of it like baking a cake - open the oven too early, and the whole thing falls flat. Same principle here, just a lot more expensive if something goes wrong.
While we're giving that concrete its time, we're focusing on the drainage work. We're cutting in swales - think of these like small valleys that guide water where you want it to go. This isn't just about digging a ditch. We're carefully matching the grade from the patio, making sure water flows exactly where it should. The outlet we're creating downslope will handle all the runoff from the patio and surrounding areas. Getting these slopes right the first time means no water problems later.
Coordination with Other Trades
Here's where things get interesting - and why experience matters so much. We've got landscapers who need space to work, so we're leaving them a 10-foot section. This isn't just being nice - it's smart business. When landscapers have the room they need, they can do their best work. And their work affects how well our drainage solutions perform in the long run.
Then there's the timing of our 60-ton Darby stone delivery. We had to push it to Monday because of all the other contractors on site. Some might see this as a delay, but we see it as proper planning. Having too many crews working on top of each other is a recipe for mistakes. Plus, stone delivery and spreading creates dust and debris - not something you want around fresh concrete or landscape work.
Every decision we make about timing affects someone else's work. That's why we're breaking this project into clear phases: drainage work now, stone delivery Monday, then we'll head to a project in Delaware, coming back next Friday for final grading, Harley rake work, and hydroseeding. It's like conducting an orchestra - every part needs to come in at exactly the right time.
Why This Approach Works
You might wonder why we don't just power through and get everything done at once. After all, time is money, right? But here's what years of experience has taught us: rushing costs more in the long run. Every time we've seen someone try to force all these different elements to happen at once, something goes wrong.
Think about it this way - when you let concrete cure properly, you get a solid foundation that'll last for decades. When you give landscapers the space they need, they can install proper root systems and soil preparation. When you take the time to get drainage right, you prevent thousands in water damage down the road. Sometimes the fastest way to get something done is to slow down and do it right.
Closing
Looking ahead, we've got our schedule mapped out clearly for this Dublin project. Monday brings our Darby stone delivery, which we'll get placed just right. After a quick trip to handle our Delaware project, we'll be back next Friday for the final touches - Harley rake work to prepare the soil and hydroseeding to establish a healthy lawn.
Looking Forward
This kind of project showcases why proper planning and coordination matter so much in residential work. Sure, it might take a few extra days to let everything happen in the right order, but the results speak for themselves. When you respect the process - and other contractors' work - you end up with a property that not only looks great but functions perfectly.
If you're planning a big residential project in Dublin or anywhere in central Ohio, remember that the right sequence matters just as much as the work itself. Having a team that understands this can make the difference between a smooth project and one that faces constant setbacks. We've learned these lessons the hard way, so you don't have to.
Want to learn more about how we handle complex residential projects? We're always happy to walk properties and discuss the right approach for your specific needs.
