Frequently Asked Questions

ABOUT MOXIE CONSTRUCTION

Who is Moxie Construction?

Moxie Construction LLC is a licensed, bonded, and insured outdoor construction company serving homeowners across Oregon. We specialize in hardscapes, concrete, retaining walls, synthetic turf, drainage systems, excavation, and landscape construction. Our work is engineered to withstand Oregon’s clay-heavy soil, heavy rainfall, steep grades, and freeze–thaw cycles.
We focus on delivering durable outdoor spaces with professional-grade craftsmanship and exceptional communication.

Why do homeowners choose Moxie Construction over other contractors?

Homeowners consistently select Moxie Construction because we provide:

  • High-quality workmanship built using professional and industry-standard methods

  • A Limited Lifetime Workmanship Warranty on qualifying hardscape installations

  • Detailed written estimates with transparent pricing

  • Reliable scheduling and daily communication

  • Proper base preparation, drainage planning, compaction, and material selection

  • Clean, organized, and respectful job sites

  • Strong knowledge of Oregon soils, slopes, and drainage issues

We build outdoor projects that last — not quick, low-quality installs that fail in a few years.

SERVICES FAQ

What services does Moxie Construction specialize in?

We offer full-service outdoor construction, including:

Hardscape Construction

  • Paver patios, walkways, and driveways

  • Concrete patios, sidewalks, and driveways

  • Retaining walls of all sizes (engineered or non-engineered)

  • Steps, borders, seat walls, and accent structures

Landscape Construction

  • Complete landscape remodels

  • Grading, leveling, and slope correction

  • Rock, mulch, planting, and softscape features

Synthetic Turf Installation

  • Low-maintenance turf lawns

  • Pet-safe turf systems

  • Backyard putting greens

Drainage Solutions

  • French drains

  • Channel drains

  • Catch basins

  • Downspout tie-ins

  • Yard regrading for proper runoff

Excavation & Site Work

  • Dirt removal

  • Site preparation

  • Material import and export

Property Additions

  • Fences

  • Deck framing

  • Gravel driveways

Do you offer design help or material recommendations?

Yes. We help homeowners choose layouts, materials, patterns, and grades that maximize longevity, drainage, and appearance. We consider usage, soil type, access, slope, and the long-term function of each space.

PROCESS, SCHEDULING & PAYMENT

What does your project process look like from start to finish?

  1. Onsite consultation – Evaluate slope, drainage, soil conditions, elevations, utilities, and access.

  2. Detailed proposal – Includes materials, labor, equipment, timelines, and exclusions.

  3. 40% deposit – Secures your project on the schedule and covers material purchasing.

  4. Construction – Excavation, base work, compaction, drainage planning, installation, and finishing.

  5. Cleanup & walkthrough – Site cleanup and homeowner walkthrough for approval.

This system ensures accuracy, structural integrity, and long-term performance for every build.

Do you require a deposit?

Yes. All projects require a 40% deposit. This deposit allows us to:

  • Purchase and reserve materials

  • Secure supplier deliveries

  • Lock in crew scheduling

  • Schedule machinery and equipment

  • Reserve your place on the calendar

Once materials are purchased, the deposit becomes non-refundable.

How soon can you start my project after I approve the estimate?

Most projects are scheduled 2–4 weeks from contract signing.
During high-demand seasons, schedules may fill faster, so earlier booking is recommended.

How long do your projects typically take?

  • Paver patios: 3–7 days

  • Retaining walls: 3–14 days depending on height, length, and engineering

  • Concrete work: 1–2 days (plus curing)

  • Synthetic turf: 1–3 days

  • Full landscape transformations: 1–3 weeks

Project duration varies based on access, weather, material supply, and complexity.

WARRANTY FAQ — LIMITED LIFETIME WORKMANSHIP WARRANTY (HARDSCAPES ONLY)

What does your Limited Lifetime Workmanship Warranty cover?

Moxie Construction provides a Limited Lifetime Workmanship Warranty on all qualifying hardscape installations, including:

  • Paver patios and walkways

  • Retaining walls

  • Concrete flatwork

  • Steps, borders, and outdoor hardscape structures

This warranty covers workmanship defects, including:

  • Improper base preparation

  • Compaction failures

  • Hardscape shifting or instability due to workmanship error

  • Retaining wall movement caused by improper installation

  • Incorrect structural assembly, leveling, or grade setup

The warranty remains active for the lifetime of the original homeowner.

What is NOT covered under the warranty?

Environmental / Soil Conditions

  • Erosion

  • Soil expansion or settling

  • Hydrostatic pressure or drainage failures

  • Freeze–thaw cycles

  • Rain, storms, floods, or natural disasters

Material Limitations / Natural Characteristics

  • Efflorescence

  • Natural color variation

  • Fading or weathering

  • Hairline cracks in concrete

  • Manufacturer defects

Damage After Construction

  • Heavy vehicle or equipment damage

  • Landscaping crews or other contractors damaging the install

  • Pressure washing damage

  • Chemical, salt, or de-icer damage

  • Any homeowner modifications

Items Not Covered by Workmanship Warranty

  • Synthetic turf installations

  • Plants, shrubs, sod, irrigation

  • Drainage system performance

  • Grading or soil behavior

Is your warranty transferable to the next homeowner?

No. The warranty applies only to the original property owner who contracted the work.

CONCRETE FAQ

How do you ensure your concrete installations last long-term?

We use industry-standard best practices, including:

  • Proper excavation and subgrade compaction

  • Reinforcement with rebar or mesh when required

  • High-quality concrete mixes designed for Oregon’s climate

  • Professional finishing for durability and slip resistance

  • Correct slope for water drainage

  • Proper curing recommendations to minimize cracking

Will my concrete crack?

All concrete develops small surface cracks over time due to natural curing and temperature changes. These are cosmetic and expected.

PAVER FAQ

How do you prevent pavers from settling or shifting?

We follow ICPI standards including:

  • Deep excavation to appropriate depth

  • Lifts of crushed rock compacted mechanically

  • A laser-graded paver bedding layer

  • Proper paver laying patterns for stability

  • Polymeric sand installation

  • Edge restraints to lock everything in place

This method produces a long-lasting, low-maintenance paver system.

RETAINING WALL FAQ

Do retaining walls require engineering in Oregon?

Yes. Oregon requires engineering and permitting for walls over 4 feet or walls supporting a slope, driveway, building, structure, or surcharge load.
Even walls under 4 feet may require engineering depending on soil type and elevation changes.

What makes a retaining wall fail?

Common causes include:

  • Poor base preparation

  • Lack of drainage

  • Incorrect block selection

  • Poor compaction

  • Hydrostatic pressure buildup

  • Insufficient geo-grid

We eliminate these risks by building to professional standards and, when required, following engineered plans.

Do you install drainage behind retaining walls?

Yes. All walls include:

  • Perforated pipe

  • Drainage rock

  • Filter fabric

  • Proper backfill and compaction

This reduces water pressure and increases wall lifespan.

Do you install geo-grid reinforcement?

Yes. We install geo-grid whenever required by engineering or structural conditions to ensure stability and prevent wall failure.

DRAINAGE FAQ

Do you install drainage systems for yards and landscapes?

Yes. Proper drainage is essential to protect homes and hardscapes from water damage.
We install:

  • French drains

  • Channel drains

  • Catch basins

  • Downspout tie-ins

  • Gravel trenches

  • Yard regrading for proper water flow

Is drainage guaranteed under warranty?

No. Drainage performance depends on soil, weather, storm intensity, and surrounding property conditions.

SYNTHETIC TURF FAQ

What base do you use for turf installations?

We install 4–6 inches of compacted crushed rock for drainage performance and turf stability.

Is your synthetic turf pet-friendly?

Yes. We offer pet-safe turf systems designed for odor control, durability, and fast drainage.

Does turf include a warranty?

  • Material warranty: Provided by manufacturer

  • Workmanship warranty: Not included unless specifically stated in writing

HOMEOWNER EXPECTATIONS

Do I need to be home during the project?

No. As long as the work area is accessible, we can complete the project and keep you updated.

Will my yard be messy during construction?

Yes—outdoor construction involves excavation, equipment, and material staging.
We maintain a safe site, clean daily, and fully clean before final walkthrough.

Can I request changes after the project begins?

Yes. All changes must be documented through a written change order and may adjust cost and schedule.

What happens if weather delays work?

We reschedule when required to protect installation quality and maintain structural standards.