FAQs
Commercial HOA & School Courts Questions
Every question we get asked about commercial hoa & school courts, answered straight.
Questions
Problems & Symptoms
How do I know if my court has a drainage problem?
Standing water that remains 30 minutes or more after rain stops is the clearest sign. Other indicators include algae or moss growth in low spots, surface bubbling, and cracking that follows a consistent pattern across the court. An on-site drainage evaluation confirms the cause and scope.
Questions
Cost & Pricing
What hidden costs can come up with demolition or site prep?
Unexpected costs most often come from poor sub-base conditions found after demolition, utility conflicts, or drainage corrections that were not visible before work started. The on-site evaluation is designed to surface these issues early so the itemised estimate reflects actual site conditions rather than best-case assumptions.
What affects the cost of a commercial HOA or school court project?
Court size, number of sports, base condition, fencing height, lighting, and drainage complexity all move the final number. Demolition of an existing surface adds cost. Most commercial projects in Palm Beach County come in at $25,000-$120,000, with the itemised estimate breaking out each line item.
Questions
Is It Right for You?
What matters most when choosing a court for an HOA or school?
Surface durability, drainage performance, and multi-sport flexibility are the three factors that matter most for shared facilities. HOA and school courts see heavy rotating use, so a properly graded base and a UV-stable acrylic surface reduce long-term maintenance costs significantly.
Can a new court be built on a tight site?
Yes, constrained sites are workable when the available footprint meets minimum playable dimensions for the chosen sport. The on-site evaluation maps existing utilities, grade changes, and setback requirements before any design is finalised, so layout decisions are based on actual site conditions.
How much space do I need for the court layout I want?
A standard pickleball court needs roughly 30 by 60 feet of playable surface; a full tennis court needs about 60 by 120 feet. Basketball and multi-sport layouts vary by configuration. The on-site evaluation confirms what fits your specific footprint, including buffer zones and fencing clearance.
Can this court be set up for more than one sport?
Yes, multi-sport striping lets a single surface serve basketball, pickleball, tennis, and other games simultaneously. Color-coded line sets keep each sport readable without visual clutter. See Multi-Sport Court Installation for layout options.
Will the surface hold up to heavy daily use and weather?
A properly prepared base with adequate drainage is the main factor in long-term durability. Acrylic sport coatings used on commercial courts resist UV degradation and heavy foot traffic better than residential-grade materials. Correct sub-base compaction prevents the cracking and heaving that shortens surface life.
Can school and park courts be built to handle heavy use and summer rain?
Yes, provided the base is graded and compacted to commercial standards and drainage is addressed before surfacing. South Florida’s summer rain volume makes drainage design non-negotiable on school and park sites. An on-site evaluation confirms whether the existing grade supports the drainage load.
Questions
Comparing Your Options
Can a damaged old court be resurfaced instead of replaced?
Yes, resurfacing is an option when the existing base is structurally sound with no major heaving, deep cracking, or drainage failure. If the sub-base has shifted or water pools after rain, a full replacement gives a longer-lasting result. An on-site evaluation determines which path makes sense.
Should I repair the court or replace it?
Repair makes sense when cracking is surface-level and the base drains correctly. Replacement is the better call when the sub-base has shifted, drainage has failed, or repair costs approach 50 percent or more of a new-build price. An on-site evaluation gives you a clear comparison before you commit to either path.
Can a general contractor handle this, or do I need a court builder?
A general contractor can pour concrete, but sport court construction requires specific slope tolerances, acrylic surfacing systems, and sport-specific line layouts that fall outside standard GC scope. A court builder handles base prep, surfacing, striping, fencing, and lighting as an integrated system rather than separate subcontracts.
Questions
How It Works
What does a commercial HOA or school court project usually include?
Every project starts with an on-site evaluation of the space and drainage, followed by an itemised written estimate. That estimate covers base preparation, surfacing, fencing, lighting, and line marking. The job closes with a final walkthrough before sign-off.
What kind of prep work is needed before the court is built or replaced?
Site prep typically involves grading for positive drainage, compacting the sub-base, and pouring or repairing the asphalt or concrete base layer. Demolition of an existing court adds debris removal to that scope. The itemised estimate details every prep step so there are no surprises once work begins.
Will the project include striping and final cleanup?
Yes, line marking is included in the project scope, and a final walkthrough is completed before the job is signed off. The site is left clear of construction debris and ready for immediate use.
How long will the court project take?
Timeline depends on court size, whether demolition is needed, and how much base work the site requires. A straightforward resurfacing can finish in a few days; a full new-build with site prep typically runs one to three weeks. The written estimate includes a projected schedule for your specific project.
Will the work block access to the property while it is being done?
The court area itself is closed during construction for safety, but surrounding property access is maintained wherever possible. Scheduling and phasing details are discussed during the on-site evaluation so HOA managers and school administrators can plan around the work.
How much ongoing care will the court need?
Most commercial courts need a pressure wash and visual inspection annually, with crack sealing and recoating every four to seven years depending on use intensity and weather exposure. Catching small cracks early costs far less than waiting until the base is compromised. See Court Resurfacing Repairs & Maintenance for specifics.
How do you handle drainage for courts in areas with poor runoff?
The on-site evaluation identifies where water collects and why. Solutions range from regrading the base to installing perimeter drains or French drains beneath the sub-base. The drainage plan is documented in the itemised estimate before any construction begins.
How do you know if the court has a drainage problem?
Puddles that sit in the same spot after every rain, soft areas underfoot, or a surface that stays wet for hours are the clearest signs. The on-site evaluation includes a slope and drainage check that confirms whether regrading, repair, or a full new build is needed.
Can a new court be built on a tight or irregular site?
Often yes. The site measurement confirms what court count and configuration will fit within the available footprint, setbacks, and access paths. Layout options are presented after measurement, not assumed in advance.
What happens if we delay replacing a court that keeps needing patch repairs?
Repeated patching on a failing base accelerates surface deterioration and increases liability risk from uneven or slippery playing areas. Delaying replacement typically raises the eventual project cost because base damage spreads and drainage problems worsen with each season.
Questions
Guarantees & Peace of Mind
Will the new surface crack again?
Cracking is almost always a base problem, not a surface problem. A correctly graded and compacted sub-base with proper drainage eliminates the movement that causes cracking. Applying a new surface coat over a failing base will crack again; addressing the base first is what prevents it.
Will the new surface fade over time?
All outdoor acrylic surfaces fade gradually under UV exposure. Commercial-grade coatings hold color longer than entry-level products, and Palm Beach County’s sun intensity means color maintenance is a realistic part of long-term court care. Periodic recoating restores appearance and extends surface life.
Will the new surface drain properly?
Proper drainage starts with the base grade, not the surface coating. Every project begins with an on-site drainage evaluation to confirm the site sheds water correctly before surfacing begins. A minimum 1 percent cross-slope is standard for commercial courts to prevent pooling.
What if something goes wrong after the court is finished?
Every project closes with a final walkthrough before sign-off, giving you the opportunity to flag anything before the job is complete. For issues that arise after completion, contact the partner directly, the on-site evaluation and itemised estimate create a clear record of what was agreed and delivered.
Do HOA communities need approvals before a court installation starts?
Most HOA court projects in Palm Beach County require a local building permit, and some communities also need board or architectural review approval before work begins. Confirming permit requirements is part of the pre-construction process; starting without the correct permits can result in stop-work orders and fines.
What happens if the site is in a flood-prone area near inland water?
Flood-prone sites need a drainage strategy designed around the site’s lowest flood elevation and local stormwater rules. The on-site evaluation flags these conditions early. In some cases, raised base construction or enhanced perimeter drainage is required to keep the court functional after heavy rain events.
Tell Us Your Site & Sport
Every enquiry starts with a free on-site evaluation, no written scope is issued until the ground and drainage have been assessed in person.