Frequently Asked Questions
Our engineering background provides a unique advantage in the construction industry. As a licensed Professional Engineer (PE), Mason Pitts understands both design principles and practical implementation, allowing us to:
- Identify and solve potential issues before they impact your project
- Interpret plans and specifications with technical precision
- Apply engineering principles to enhance structural stability and site functionality
- Communicate effectively with architects, engineers, and inspectors
- Potentially offer streamlined project delivery by handling both design and construction aspects
This engineering foundation means we approach each project with a comprehensive understanding of not just how to build it, but why it's designed that way—resulting in higher quality outcomes and more efficient project execution.
A.M. Pitts Construction primarily serves Central Texas within a two-hour radius of Austin, including Travis County and surrounding areas such as Williamson, Burnet, Llano, Blanco, Hays, Bastrop, and Lee counties. Our service area includes communities like Georgetown, Taylor, Jarrell, Llano, Marble Falls, Fredericksburg, New Braunfels, Bastrop, and more.
While we focus on this Central Texas region, we're equipped to travel further for larger projects when the scope justifies it. For example, we've completed significant projects in South Texas near Laredo. If you're outside our standard service area but have a substantial project, please contact us to discuss possibilities.
Our typical project process includes these key phases:
- Initial Consultation: We discuss your goals, timeline, and budget to understand your vision for the project.
- On-Site Meeting: We visit your property to evaluate site conditions, identify potential challenges, and gather information for planning.
- Planning & Proposal: Based on the site assessment, we develop a comprehensive plan and provide a detailed proposal with cost estimates.
- Construction: Upon approval, we mobilize equipment and begin work according to the agreed schedule, with regular progress updates.
- Quality Assurance: Throughout the project, we implement quality control measures to ensure work meets our high standards.
- Final Walkthrough: We conduct a thorough review with you to ensure all aspects of the project meet your expectations before considering it complete.
This structured approach ensures clear communication and quality results throughout the project lifecycle.
Yes, we provide free estimates for all potential projects. Our estimation process typically includes:
- An initial conversation to understand your project goals and scope
- An on-site visit to assess conditions and gather specific information
- Development of a detailed proposal including cost estimates and project timeline
We believe in transparent pricing and take the time to explain the components that factor into our estimates, including equipment costs, labor, materials, mobilization expenses, and other project-specific considerations.
To request a free estimate for your project, contact us via phone or email by clicking the links below.
Our payment terms are project-specific and tailored to the scope, timeline, and budget of each job. For most projects, we follow a structure that includes:
- An initial deposit to secure the project start date and cover initial material costs
- Progress payments at predetermined project milestones
- Final payment upon satisfactory completion and walkthrough
The specific deposit amount varies based on project size—typically larger projects require a lower percentage deposit (around 25%), while smaller projects may require a higher percentage upfront.
We're flexible in working with clients to establish payment schedules that align with project progress and provide detailed invoices that clearly explain all charges. We accept payment via cash, check, and bank transfer.
All payment terms are thoroughly discussed and agreed upon before project commencement and included in our contract documentation.
We maintain access to a comprehensive fleet of specialized construction equipment through both company ownership and strategic partnerships. Our equipment capabilities include:
- Excavators in various sizes for different application needs
- Dozers for land clearing and grading operations
- Backhoes for utility work and precise excavation
- Skid steers with multiple attachments for versatile applications
- Compaction equipment for proper soil preparation
- Water trucks for dust control and soil moisture management
- Dump trucks for material transport
- Specialized attachments for brush clearing, mulching, and land improvement
For each project, we select the optimal combination of equipment to ensure efficiency while minimizing site disruption. Our operators have extensive experience with each machine, ensuring safe and productive equipment utilization throughout your project.
Our pond construction process focuses on creating water features that maintain consistent water levels through proper design and construction techniques. To prevent water leakage, we utilize a multi-faceted approach:
- Site Selection & Assessment: We identify locations with favorable soil composition and natural water collection potential.
- Engineered Design: We develop pond designs that account for proper depth profiles, bank slopes, and spillway configurations.
- Professional Excavation: Our operators carefully shape the pond basin according to specifications, removing potential leak points like tree roots and rocks.
- Soil Compaction: We properly compact clay soils in layers to create a natural seal when available on-site.
- Sealing Technology: For projects requiring additional sealing, we implement specialized products like SoilFloc polymer, which we've successfully used on projects such as the Dimicelli Ranch. This polymer is tilled into the soil and lines the pond interior to prevent water migration.
- Water Source Integration: We design and install reliable water delivery systems, including well connections and pipeline networks, to maintain water levels.
By combining engineering knowledge with proven construction techniques, we create ponds that not only retain water effectively but also enhance your property's functionality and beauty.
Building effective ranch roads involves careful planning and execution to ensure they withstand weather conditions, vehicle traffic, and time. Our approach to ranch road construction includes:
- Route Planning: We analyze topography and drainage patterns to determine optimal road placement that minimizes erosion risk while providing practical access.
- Material Selection: When possible, we utilize on-site materials to reduce costs, supplemented with imported materials where necessary for structural integrity.
- Proper Foundation: We prepare a stable road base by removing organic material and establishing appropriate crown and cross-slope for drainage.
- Drainage Infrastructure: We install culverts, water bars, and other drainage features at strategic locations to prevent water damage.
- Surface Treatment: Depending on usage requirements, we select appropriate surface materials from native soil stabilization to crushed stone or caliche.
- Erosion Protection: We implement measures to prevent scouring and washouts at critical points along the roadway.
- Maintenance Planning: We design roads with future maintenance in mind, creating accessible routes that can be efficiently serviced.
Our engineering background ensures ranch roads are built not just for immediate use, but for long-term performance with minimal maintenance requirements.
Our Texas A&M University foundation profoundly influences A.M. Pitts Construction in several meaningful ways:
- Engineering Excellence: Mason's civil engineering education from Texas A&M provides the technical foundation for our approach to construction challenges.
- Aggie Values: The core Texas A&M values of integrity, loyalty, excellence, selfless service, respect, and leadership are embedded in our business practices and client relationships.
- Network Connections: Being part of the extensive Aggie Network creates valuable connections throughout Texas, particularly with landowners and businesses who share the Aggie tradition.
- Continuous Improvement: The Texas A&M emphasis on innovation and advancement inspires our commitment to staying current with industry best practices and technologies.
- Community Focus: The Aggie spirit of community service influences our dedication to improving the Texas landscapes we work on.
We proudly incorporate our maroon and tan Aggie heritage into our brand identity and bring that same commitment to excellence to every project we undertake.
Our land clearing and brush removal approach utilizes various methods based on your specific property conditions and project goals:
- Mechanical Clearing: We employ specialized equipment including mulchers, dozers with brush rakes, and excavators with clearing attachments to efficiently remove vegetation while minimizing soil disturbance.
- Selective Clearing: For projects requiring preservation of certain trees or vegetation, we implement precision clearing techniques that protect designated features while removing unwanted growth.
- Mulching: When appropriate, we convert cleared brush into beneficial mulch that can be left on-site to enrich soil and prevent erosion, reducing disposal needs.
- Root Removal: For areas designated for construction or agriculture, we extract root systems to prevent regrowth and ensure proper soil preparation.
- Controlled Burns: In suitable situations and with proper permits, we can implement prescribed burning as part of an integrated land management approach.
- Material Processing: We sort cleared materials for appropriate disposal, recycling, or repurposing, including timber recovery when viable.
All our clearing operations include careful attention to erosion control, preservation of topsoil resources, and protection of waterways and sensitive environmental features. We tailor our approach to balance efficiency with responsible land stewardship.
Having a Professional Engineer (PE) license provides several significant advantages for your construction project:
- Technical Oversight: Our PE credential means we understand the engineering principles behind construction specifications, ensuring work is performed not just to code minimums but to appropriate engineering standards.
- Problem-Solving Capability: When unexpected site conditions arise, our engineering background enables quick analysis and development of sound technical solutions without project delays.
- Plan Interpretation: We can accurately interpret engineering drawings and specifications, reducing miscommunication and ensuring the design intent is properly executed.
- Regulatory Familiarity: Our professional engineering experience provides familiarity with permitting requirements and regulatory compliance, streamlining these often complex processes.
- Quality Assurance: Our engineering knowledge allows us to implement appropriate quality control measures throughout construction, verifying that critical elements meet necessary performance standards.
- Future Design-Build Potential: While currently focused on construction, our PE license positions us to potentially offer design services for future projects, creating a more integrated approach.
This combination of practical construction knowledge and formal engineering education gives us a unique perspective that benefits every project we undertake.