Ground-Up Prep
A stable, level court that drains cleanly and plays true for years, starting with the ground beneath it.
What Goes Wrong
A yard that looks flat can still carry a 2-3 percent grade, enough to pool water at one end of the court within the first season.
A measured slope correction targets 1 percent across the court footprint, giving water a clear path off without affecting ball roll or footing.
Clay-heavy soil common across Roanoke Valley lots retains water under the base, causing the subgrade to shift and the surface above it to crack.
A soil condition check before excavation determines whether drainage aggregate, a French drain, or additional base depth is needed for that specific site.
Compacting the sub-base in a single pass instead of checked layers leaves soft spots that settle unevenly once the court carries regular foot traffic and weather cycles.
Each compaction layer is verified before the next goes down, so the finished sub-base meets a consistent density standard across the full court area.
Older Roanoke neighborhood lots often have buried debris or mature tree roots that go undetected until excavation, stalling the build and adding unplanned cost.
The site review identifies obstacles before excavation starts, and clearing and haul-off are scoped into the written estimate so nothing surfaces as a surprise mid-build.
Scope of Work
Every task in the prep phase has a direct effect on how the finished court performs and how long it holds up.
Dimensions, buffer zones, and access routes are mapped before excavation, so the court footprint fits the lot correctly.
Existing grade and soil drainage are checked to determine what correction is needed to hit the 1 percent slope standard.
Vegetation, debris, and root systems are removed and hauled away, leaving a clean area ready for grading work.
The ground is cut and filled to the target grade, eliminating low spots where water would otherwise collect under the base.
Base material is placed and compacted in verified layers to a consistent density that resists settling under load and weather cycles.
Crushed stone is spread and graded to the final elevation, with border space confirmed before any surface material is ordered.
Identifies clay content and soft spots before excavation.
Routes surface runoff away from the court footprint.
Confirms clearance around the court meets play standards.
Every prep task itemised before work begins.
Why Choose Us
The prep phase sets every performance and durability outcome for the court, here is what makes the difference at the business level.
Every enquiry starts with an on-site visit. No scope is written until the ground, slope, and drainage have been assessed in person.
Base preparation, drainage, and slab prep are listed as separate line items so you know exactly what each stage costs before work starts.
Clay-heavy lots and sloped terrain come up regularly here, so regional soil and drainage conditions are already factored into the scope.
Clearing debris, roots, and excavated material is part of the written estimate, not an add-on discovered after the job is underway.
The builder confirms compaction depth and border clearance at a final walkthrough before any surface material is ordered or delivered.
How It Works
01
Tell us the site location, the sport, and the rough dimensions, and we arrange an on-site visit to assess slope, soil, and drainage.
02
You receive an itemised estimate covering clearing, grading, compaction, and base prep before any work is booked or scheduled.
03
The builder carries out excavation, compaction, and base stone installation, then walks you through the finished sub-base before surface work begins.
Pricing Estimates
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Site evaluation | $500-$1,500 |
| Excavation and grading | $3,000-$15,000 |
| Base preparation | $2,000-$8,000 |
Tell us the site and the sport. We schedule a ground, drainage, and layout assessment, then put the full scope in writing. No work is booked until you have an itemized estimate in hand.