Our FAQs Answered

Addressing the Most Common Questions We Hear

April 08, 2026

Whether you're planning your first field renovation or managing an entire athletic complex, certain questions come up time and again. In this newsletter, we're addressing the three most frequently asked questions we hear from schools, parks, and athletic programs.

Question 1: 

"How Much Will This Cost?"

This is arguably the #1 most asked question. The answer depends on how you approach it. There are two valid paths:

Approach 1:

Approach 2:

Set the Outcome, Then Price It

Set the Budget, Then Define the Outcome

Start by defining your goal. For example: "We want the best baseball field in our conference."

Start with your available funds. For example: "We have $100,000 to spend on field improvements."

Steps:

1. Survey comparable fields in your area to understand the standard

2. Assess your current conditions

3. Identify what needs to be improved to achieve that outcome

4. Calculate the cost to deliver those improvements

Steps:

1. Survey comparable facilities to understand what’s possible

2. Assess your current conditions

3. List all improvements needed, prioritize by importance

4. Determine what can be accomplished within budget

5. Be clear what won’t be included and consider phasing

This approach works when resources are fixed and you need to maximize impact within constraints.

This approach works when resources are fixed and you need to maximize impact within constraints.

The Critical Mistake to Avoid

Problems arise when you try to do both simultaneously: defining an outcome without clarity AND setting a budget without priorities. This leads to:

  • Unrealistic expectations

  • Poor outcomes that don't meet needs

  • Overspending or underfunding

  • Disappointment on all sides

Bottom line: Choose one approach and commit to it. Neither is wrong, but you must pick a path.

Question 2: 

"How Long Will This Take?"

The answer varies widely depending on project scope, but the better question is: "How soon should we start planning?"

Start from Your First-Use Date and Work Backwards

Don't ask how long something takes. Instead, ask when you need it finished, then plan accordingly.

Project Timeline Guidelines:

Small Projects

Medium Projects

Large Projects

e.g. mound building, laser grading

e.g. new field installation

e.g. multiple fields, stadiums, athletic complexes

- Plan in the fall for spring sports season

- Allows time for proper execution and field recovery

- Plan at least 1 year out

- Includes design, procurement, construction, and establishment

- Plan multiple years out

- Involves engineering, architecture, permitting, phasing, and coordination

Factors That Affect Timeline

  • Scope complexity: Simple material application vs. full reconstruction

  • Regulatory requirements: Permitting, approvals, inspections

  • Weather windows: Seasonal limitations for certain work

  • Material availability: Lead times for specialized products

  • Contractor scheduling: Peak season demand

Pro tip: The more complex the project, the earlier you need to start conversations. Rushing leads to compromises in quality, cost overruns, and missed deadlines.

Question 3: 

"What's Wrong with Our Field? What Do We Need to Fix?"

This question seems straightforward, but it requires a proper assessment process to answer accurately.

The Importance of Proper Scopes of Work

One of the biggest challenges we see is when field owners receive multiple proposals without a defined scope. Different contractors suggest different solutions, and suddenly you're comparing:

  • Apples to oranges

  • Different quality levels

  • Varying approaches that may or may not address root causes

This makes it nearly impossible to make informed decisions, compare pricing accurately, and ensure you're getting what you actually need.

Why Independent Consulting Matters

At Field Source, we provide independent assessments that put your goals first. We recommend what's right for your situation, budget, and long-term success.

Hardin Northern Local School District

We’re partners in your success.