Make the work area understandable
The crew does not need a perfect site, but the key boundaries and access route should be visible.
- Unlock gates and identify pets or access restrictions
- Mark the approximate work area or desired edges
- Clear small movable items that hide the condition
- Point out private utilities, irrigation, invisible fence, or known hazards
Gather useful history
What happened before the visit can explain what a single dry-day snapshot cannot.
- Photos or video during rain or snowmelt
- Known repair history and recurring washout areas
- Property surveys, drawings, or prior proposals if available
- Any permit, easement, or neighbor-boundary concerns
Decide what matters most
A clear desired outcome helps compare practical options when scope, schedule, and budget pull in different directions.
- The problem that must be solved first
- Preferred timing and any hard deadline
- Surfaces or landscaping that must be protected
- Where a phased approach would or would not work