More and more, those in the construction industry are realizing the benefits of underground scanning for their projects, but there are certainly still some doubters out there. The doubters are more than likely made up of people who have yet to experience a costly delay on a project due to encountering an unexpected buried hazard, or worse, actually striking a hazard and then having to make expensive repairs afterward.
While we would never wish project delays or extra repair or utility relocation costs on any contractor, for some contractors, this is what it takes for them to realize the benefits of taking proactive measures to avoid them. Once they compare the costs of the delays and repairs related to striking underground hazards to the cost of underground scanning, they realize that spending money on underground scanning is pretty much a no-brainer!
The cost of the routine underground scans our technicians complete is typically a fraction of the overall project cost, and it can end up saving contractors thousands of dollars by helping them avoid costly damages, delays, and utility relocations. There have been multiple studies done to calculate the cost savings of underground scanning (mostly by state and federal transportation departments) that show having an underground scan completed can save $3.41 to $22.21 for every $1 spent. We realize that is a pretty big range, but even if you use the lowest number, having an underground scan done can result in substantial cost savings!
If you’re not entirely sure what an underground scan entails, we would be happy to talk with you. Every project we complete is a little bit different, but many of them involve using non-destructive scanning tools, such as ground penetrating radar (GPR), to find buried hazards such as utility lines, underground tanks, wells, and more. Unless you are building on previously undeveloped land, there is likely something below the surface that you need to be aware of before you start excavating or digging.
The cost for underground scanning is based on a variety of factors, including the size of the area that needs to be scanned, the accessibility of the area, the soil conditions, and the type of deliverable that is needed. On the majority of the jobs we complete, we are able to give our clients an all-in quote prior to the start of work. For straightforward projects, we can typically give an estimate over the phone.
Contact our office to learn more about underground scanning or to request service. We service all of Southern California, as well as the areas surrounding Colorado Springs for underground scanning projects. For larger projects, we can mobilize our team anywhere in the country.