Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern all project proposals, written estimates, equipment operations, and site preparation work provided by Ground Works Corp ("Company," "Contractor," "we," or "us"). By requesting an estimate, executing a contract, issuing a purchase order, or authorizing our machinery to enter your property, you ("Client," "Owner," or "General Contractor") agree to be bound by these Terms in full.

2. Quotations, Scopes of Work & Mobilization

All quotations provided by Ground Works Corp are based on clear site access, observable ground conditions, and client-supplied plans or surveys.

• Validity Period: Written proposals remain valid for thirty (30) calendar days from issuance unless otherwise specified in writing.
• Mobilization Fee: Heavy machinery transport fees (lowboy tractor trailers, escort vehicles, and logistics) are incorporated into approved agreements or billed at standardized mobilization rates.
• Plan Reliance: Excavation depths, laser grading elevations, and spoil haul volumes strictly follow civil engineering drawings and approved municipal blueprints provided by the Client.

3. Site Access & Staging Areas

The Client is responsible for securing unobstructed access to the work area from public roadways. The access path must accommodate heavy commercial machinery (excavators, wheel loaders, Bobcat track loaders, tri-axle dump trucks) with a minimum clear width and height free of low-hanging tree branches, gates, or overhead wires.

4. Underground Utilities & Sunshine 811 Protocol

Safety and regulatory compliance regarding underground lines are of the highest priority. In compliance with Florida Statute Chapter 556 (Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act):

• Ground Works Corp or the designated primary excavator will notify Sunshine 811 at least two (2) full business days prior to commencing mechanized excavation.
• Public Utilities: Sunshine 811 marks only public utility lines (power, gas, municipal water, public telecom).
• Private Lines: The Client or property owner is exclusively responsible for locating, marking, or disclosing all private subsurface improvements (sprinkler irrigation systems, pool plumbing, private low-voltage lighting, septic tanks, drainfields, and private propane lines).

5. Unforeseen Subsurface Conditions & Change Orders

Ground Works Corp conducts excavation based on standard Florida geological conditions. If our operators encounter undisclosed subsurface impediments, including but not limited to:

• Solid coral rock, limestone caprock, or boulders requiring hydraulic hammer breakers.
• Buried concrete foundations, previous demolition debris, or buried trash layers.
• Unstable organic muck or high seasonal groundwater requiring well-point dewatering.

Work will temporarily pause, and a written Change Order detailing the required specialized equipment, added machine hours, or extra dump fees will be submitted to the Client for written approval prior to proceeding.

6. Environmental Controls & Stormwater (SWPPP)

The Client and general contractor are responsible for ensuring that all required municipal building permits, tree removal permits, and stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPP) are active. Ground Works Corp installs silt fencing, turbidity barriers, and erosion controls strictly according to the civil engineer's project specifications.

7. Payment Terms & Florida Construction Lien Law

Payment terms are specified on each invoice and project contract. Unless otherwise stated in a credit agreement:

• A mobilization deposit is required prior to equipment dispatch.
• Progress billing is issued upon phase milestones (e.g., rough excavation complete, material haul-away complete, final laser grade achieved).
• Final balance is due upon project completion prior to equipment demobilization.

Notice Under Florida Law: Accordance with Chapter 713, Florida Statutes, failure to pay agreed amounts for labor, services, or materials provided by Ground Works Corp may result in the filing of a Construction Lien against the improved real property.

8. Weather Delays & Force Majeure

Excavation and compaction cannot be safely or properly executed in saturated soil conditions or during severe meteorological events. Ground Works Corp shall not be held liable for schedule delays caused by tropical storms, hurricanes, heavy seasonal rainfall, municipal stop-work orders, or acts of God.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted under Florida law, Ground Works Corp's aggregate liability arising out of any project, whether in contract, tort, or warranty, shall not exceed the total contract amount paid to the Company for the specific work order giving rise to the claim. We maintain full Commercial General Liability ($2,000,000 aggregate) and Workers' Compensation coverage on all active jobs.

10. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

These Terms and all related contracts shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida. Any legal dispute, mediation, or proceeding shall be brought exclusively in the state courts situated in Palm Beach County or Broward County, Florida.