Choosing a Service Format That Actually Fits

When you need a borehole drilled or a tunnel vault consolidated, the service format matters more than most people assume. A fixed-price package might look convenient, but it often ignores the variability of underground conditions. On the other hand, a fully custom scope can become expensive before the first meter of drilling.

We work with three formats: fixed-scope, measured-unit, and time-and-materials with a cap. Each one fits a different situation. The fixed-scope works when the geology is well known and the risk of surprises is low. The measured-unit format charges per linear meter of drilling or per injection point, which suits projects where the exact volume of work depends on what the ground reveals. The capped time-and-materials gives you a ceiling price while allowing the crew to adapt the procedure on site.

The key is matching the format to the level of uncertainty. If the geotechnical report shows consistent rock with few fractures, a fixed scope is safe. If the report mentions fault zones or variable permeability, a measured-unit or capped format protects both sides. We have seen projects where a fixed scope led to renegotiations halfway through, and others where a flexible format kept the budget predictable despite unexpected conditions.

Before you sign, ask yourself: how much do we really know about the ground? If the answer is "enough," go fixed. If it is "mostly," go measured. If it is "some," go capped. That decision alone prevents most of the friction that appears later.