Planning
Creating a Complete Patio or Deck Project Scope
Start with Perspective
As you begin planning, it’s important to remember that today's outdoor living spaces involve so much more than just a patio or deck. These spaces are often the outdoor equivalent of multiple rooms of your home and include many (if not all) of the same features and utilities.
Get Started by Building
A Complete Scope
Your first step in planning an outdoor remodeling project should be to create a complete scope. Along with deciding on what features to include, you must also identify all of the additional construction items required to have those features built and functioning properly.
Getting Organized
To organize the many components and trades required for your project, we find it helpful to divide the project scope into the following categories:
Hardscapes
Includes structures like the patio, walls, pillars, walkways, outdoor kitchen, fire features, and steps down from the house.
Carpentry
Includes features such as a deck, porch, pavilion, pergola, arbor, and decorative screens.
Softscapes
Includes landscaping, lighting, water features, and lawn repair after construction.
Appliances & Technology
Do not forget to plan and budget for appliances and technology. These items often cost as much as (or more than) the structures that hold them.
Utilities
Electrical, gas, and plumbing are required for appliances and technology. Irrigation usually must be adjusted and expanded.
Site Work
Includes demolition, tree removal, excavation, soil hauling, rough & final grading, and drainage.
Consider This Example
At first glance, this elegant space may not seem too involved, but its detailed scope reveals a complex project with 16 components.
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Natural Stone Patio
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Sitting Walls
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Fireplace
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Firewood Boxes
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Fire Pit Structure
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Fire Pit Gas Burner, Vents and Logs
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Outdoor Kitchen
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Grill and Cabinetry
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Gas Line (Grill & Fire Pit)
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Electrical (Kitchen & Additional)
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Landscaping & Boulders
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Irrigation
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Stepping Stone Walkway
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Low Voltage Lighting
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Grading & Drainage
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Sod Finish
Preparing your Outdoor Space for Spring
Preparing your Outdoor Space for Spring
Trees are budding, flowers are sprouting, and the birds are singing. These signs mean it is time to start getting your outdoor living space ready to enjoy the season without missing a beat. The days are getting longer and it’s exciting to get out, shake off the winter dust, and enjoy this beautiful time of year. Spring has sprung!