In the world of construction and development, so much focus is placed on what gets built above ground — but it’s often what lies beneath that carries the greatest potential for disruption.
A study published in the Journal of Construction Engineering and Management found that unforeseen site conditions contribute to schedule delays in approximately 20-25% of projects. In reality, it could be a lot more. It’s widely accepted that understanding all of the elements involved in a project allows us to plan and mitigate risks.
With that in mind, why is it that we so often overlook the very foundations (pun intended) of projects, the subsurface, instead preferring to assume that the one element we cannot see, will be exactly as we hope.
The consequences?
• Delays that push timelines and increase costs
• Scope changes mid-project
• Safety risks for workers and the public
• Design revisions that weren’t part of the original plan
Many of these issues can be avoided by taking a proactive approach to site characterization. By understanding what’s below the surface before breaking ground, and including them as part of the design phase, project teams are better positioned to make informed decisions and reduce the likelihood of surprises down the line.
At GeoScan, we work closely with developers, engineers, geotechnical consultants, and designers to help build this understanding early in the project lifecycle. Using a range of advanced non-intrusive technologies, we’re able to map bedrock, discarded debris, piles, utilities (both known and unknown), abandoned structures, contamination and more.
This comprehensive subsurface insight helps identify potential conflicts and complexities that might otherwise go undetected. The goal isn’t just to collect data — it’s to help teams plan with confidence, reduce uncertainty, and create safer, more efficient projects. Because reacting to problems after excavation starts is always more costly than addressing them before the first shovel hits the ground.