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?
Onsite consultation – Evaluate slope, drainage, soil conditions, elevations, utilities, and access.
Detailed proposal – Includes materials, labor, equipment, timelines, and exclusions.
40% deposit – Secures your project on the schedule and covers material purchasing.
Construction – Excavation, base work, compaction, drainage planning, installation, and finishing.
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.