Happy New Year!

Before kicking off your 2026 projects, it’s a great idea to take stock of what went well in 2025. Completing a brief “project post-mortem” now can help you improve efficiency and ensure that any mistakes won’t be repeated in the next job.

Here’s a few ideas to ask to help get you started:

• Which tools performed best?
• Where did delays occur?
• Which installations needed rework?

Once you’ve reviewed last year’s wins and misses, use this review checklist from Drainage Solutions Inc. to help save you time, cost, and stress in Q1 and Q2.

Forecast Upcoming Projects and Secure Supplies Before Q2

Developing a comprehensive project plan for the upcoming year helps you avoid delays, structural instability and costly rework that can disrupt timelines and inflate budgets. A few thoughtful, proactive strategies can help streamline your workflows — including confirming all awarded bids and expected Q1-Q2 start dates, reviewing new and current RFPs, confirming your 2026 budgets, identifying needed tools and supplies —give you the head start you need for a successful 2026.

Browse our online catalogs of top brands like Iron Age, Stegmeier, Keson and REED Tools today for fair prices, guaranteed inventory and fast shipping (some ship as quickly as 24 hours). 

Or visit one of our stores in Indiana — located in Franklin, Lebanon, Greenfield and Leesburg — and speak to our team of experts for ideas and solutions that will give you the edge you need! 

Prepare Your Crew and Schedule for 2026 Drainage Projects 

Winter offers a valuable opportunity for drainage contractors to engage in activities that can enhance productivity, ensure equipment longevity, and set the stage for a successful upcoming season. One of those key activities is developing a comprehensive plan for your crew, including: organizing project files, developing shared calendars, and establishing clear communication protocols.

Here’s a few more ideas to ensure crew and equipment readiness in Q1-Q2:

• Inspect and service all tools;
• Schedule crew training or certification updates;
• Assign team roles and project responsibilities for upcoming projects; and
• Replace worn or missing tools and accessories from Drainage Solutions Inc.’s wide range of first-rate products – in stock and ready to ship! 

Thoughtful, proactive strategies like these can help streamline workflows while supporting long-term project efficiency and resilience.    

Rely on Proven Products and Trusted Supplier Partnerships

While careful planning, budgeting and coordination are undeniably important when it comes to your drainage projects, there is something that is even more essential: procuring trusted, durable tools and parts.

Between our online product store, downloadable resources, product catalogs and our four Indiana locations, Drainage Solutions Inc. has the reliable and readily accessible inventory of the top-tier tools and products you need to keep your jobs on schedule with:

• Expert guidance from a team that understands your water management and erosion control needs to help you solve challenges before they even start.
• Strong supplier relationships and access to top-performing products that deliver long-lasting results from NDS, Stegmeier, Iron Age, Keson and REED Tools; and
• Personalized service to help you stay ready for every project phase. 

Create Flexible Project Plans That Keep Your 2026 Schedule on Track

Unpredictable weather, uncertain lead times and design changes happen.

Adding a buffer time of 10-15% into your timelines, identifying backup product options and keeping Drainage Solution Inc.’s contact information on hand for urgent reorders can take the stress out of the factors that are beyond your control and start 2026 strong.

An Ounce of Prevention …

… is worth a pound of cure.

While Benjamin Franklin may have been talking about fire safety back in 1736, the sentiment still applies to water management in 2026! It is far easier and more effective to take small steps to prevent a problem than to fix it once it has already happened! Through early forecasting, budgeting and crew alignment, building flexibility into your plan, and securing trusted products, you can keep your projects on schedule for spring.

Drainage Solutions Inc. is here to help make 2026 your most efficient project year yet with dependable in-stock inventory, expert support, and industry-leading brands:

• Download our 2026 Project Planning Worksheet today to help keep you on track through Q1 and Q2.
• Call 317.346.4110 or visit one of our four Indiana locations — Franklin, Lebanon, Greenfield or Leesburg — and let our drainage experts assist you in choosing the right products.
• Explore our full inventory of drainage supplies and tools.