Frequently Asked Questions About Lone Star Layouts Services

How do I place an order with Lone Star Layouts?

The fastest way is to call or text us directly at 713-581-9345. You can also use the quote funnel on the Get a Quote page or send a message through the Contact page. Tell us what service you need, your project location and your deadline. We will get back to you with a quote within one business day.

Do I need to have my design files ready before I contact you?

No. You can reach out before your files are finalized. If you already have plans, CAD files or survey data, send them and we can quote faster. If you are still gathering them, tell us the scope and deadline and we will walk you through exactly what we need.

What information do I need to provide to get a quote?

Tell us the service you need, your project location, your deadline and the machine control platform your equipment runs. Sending your design files up front (.dwg, PDF plan sheets, LandXML or point files) lets us quote the actual scope rather than an estimated range.

How long does it take to get a quote?

We get back to you with a quote within one business day of receiving your project details. When you send complete files and a clear scope, we can often turn it around the same day.

Can I call to ask a question before placing an order?

Yes. Call or text us any time before you order. You reach the Lone Star Layouts team directly, not a voicemail or call center, and we are happy to talk through scope, file formats and turnaround before you commit.

What services does Lone Star Layouts provide?

We provide eight civil tech services split into two categories. Remote services, available nationwide, include 3D Modeling and BIM, GPS Grade Control Modeling, Earthwork Takeoffs and QA/QC Services. Field services, deployed across Texas, include Site Staking and Layout, As-Built Surveys, Topographic Surveys and Anchor Bolt Layout.

What is the difference between 3D Modeling and GPS Grade Control Modeling?

3D Modeling and BIM builds the digital surface and design model of your site from plans or survey data. GPS Grade Control Modeling takes that design and packages it into the machine-ready surfaces and files your dozers, graders and excavators load to run automated grade control on Trimble, Topcon or Leica systems.

What is an earthwork takeoff and when do I need one?

An earthwork takeoff calculates cut and fill volumes across your site so you can bid and plan dirt work accurately. You need one when estimating a job, verifying a balanced site, or checking quantities before moving material.

What does a QA/QC package include?

A QA/QC package is as-built data collection paired with a deviation report that compares your built grades against the design surface. It shows you where the field work is in tolerance and where it is out, so you can verify grade before you demobilize or hand the job off.

How fast can you deliver a 3D model or GPS grade control file?

Standard turnaround on most remote deliverables is one to two business days from receiving your complete design files. Rush delivery is available on most projects. Contact us with your deadline before you order and we will confirm whether we can meet it.

How long does an as-built survey take?

As-built survey timing depends on site size and access, and our field services run across Texas. Contact us with your location and deadline and we will confirm scheduling; once the fieldwork is complete, processed deliverables typically follow within two to three business days.

How quickly can you get a field crew on my site?

Our field services cover projects across Texas. Call or text us with your location and timeline and we will confirm the soonest we can get a crew on site.

What happens if I need something faster than your standard turnaround?

Rush, same-day and next-day delivery are available on most projects, though it depends on our current workload. Contact us with your files and your deadline before you order and we will confirm whether we can meet it.

What file formats do you accept as input?

We accept AutoCAD (.dwg), PDF plan sheets, LandXML (.xml) and survey point files (.csv and .txt). If your files are in a format not listed here, send them and we will confirm before you commit to a quote. Do not assume a format will not work without asking first.

Can you work from PDF plans if I do not have CAD files?

Yes. We regularly build models from PDF plan sheets when CAD files are not available. Send us what you have and we will confirm we can work from it before you commit to a quote.

What machine control platforms do you deliver for?

We deliver machine control files for Trimble, Topcon and Leica systems, and we work in Civil 3D. Tell us the platform your equipment runs and we will format the file to load correctly.

What if my GPS equipment uses a platform you did not list?

Send us your equipment and platform details anyway. We work across Trimble, Topcon and Leica and can usually accommodate other systems. Do not assume it will not work without asking first.

How much does a 3D model or GPS grade control file cost?

Pricing depends on project scope, site complexity, number of surfaces and the platform your equipment runs. We do not publish fixed rates because a simple single-surface commercial pad and a multi-corridor infrastructure project are not the same job. Send us your files and your project details and we will quote the actual scope, not an estimated range.

Do you charge more for rush delivery?

Rush timelines may carry an added fee depending on scope and how tight the deadline is. Send us your files and your deadline before you order and we will confirm the price and whether we can meet it, with no surprises.

Is there a minimum order size?

No. There is no minimum order size, so a single pad site and a multi-phase job are both fine. Send us your files and details and we will quote the actual scope, whatever the size.

Do you charge for revisions?

Revisions are included on every model we deliver. We do not nickel-and-dime you on changes to a model we built, and we flag design conflicts or gaps before we start rather than after. If a project brings genuinely new scope, we will quote that work up front so you always know the cost.

Do you subcontract any of your deliverables to third parties?

No. Every deliverable is built by the Lone Star Layouts team. We do not outsource modeling, survey processing or file production to third parties. The person building your machine control file is the same person you can call if something needs to be resolved.

What happens if there is an error in the delivered file?

If there is an error in what we delivered, we correct it. The person who built your file is the same person you can call, so issues get resolved directly and quickly, at no extra charge for our own mistakes.

What if the design changes after I receive my deliverable?

Send us the updated plans and we will revise the model or grade control file to match. Revisions to the model we delivered are included; if the change adds genuinely new scope, we will confirm turnaround and any cost before we start.

Can I use Lone Star Layouts on multiple projects at the same time?

Yes. We regularly support contractors running several jobs at once. Send each project's files and deadline and we will manage them in parallel, keeping every deliverable on schedule.