The Importance of Planning Before the First Dig by Steve Mezynieski
In excavation and site development, it is easy to assume that progress begins when machines arrive and the ground is broken. In reality, the most important work happens well before that moment. Steve Mezynieski has spent decades working in excavation and construction, and one lesson has proven itself time and again: projects succeed or fail based on the quality of planning that happens before the first dig. Why Preparation Dictates Site Performance Planning is not just an administrative step or a box to check. It is the process that shapes safety, efficiency, cost control, and long-term performance of a site. When planning is rushed or incomplete, problems tend to surface later when they are more expensive and more disruptive to fix. When planning is thorough, projects move forward with clarity and confidence. Understanding Land Behavior and Site Evaluation Every excavation site presents its own set of conditions. Soil composition varies from property to property. Drainage patter...