Planning
Estimating Third-Party Designs
Story Highlights
At Outdoor Dreams, we occasionally receive inquiries from homeowners or designers asking if we can provide an estimate based on plans that have already been developed by another architect, landscape architect, or designer. While the answer is yes, it’s important to understand that our approach is different from a traditional contractor's—and it comes with a $1,500 fee. Here's why...
Outdoor Dreams is not a Standard Contractor for Hire
Outdoor Dreams is not a traditional contractor that simply provides bids on drawings. We are a full-service architectural design/build firm. Our process is designed to take clients all the way from initial vision through completed construction, with every step guided by a unified team that includes designers, architects, and builders. This integration is a key part of what makes our work consistent, efficient, and high quality.
We do not offer free estimates because we do not approach estimating as a sales tool. We treat it as a critical phase of the pre-construction process—one that requires time, attention, and expertise.
What the $1,500 Estimate Fee Includes
When you ask Outdoor Dreams to estimate a project based on an outside design, you’re not simply getting a number. You’re engaging our Construction Manager and Architect in a thorough site analysis. This includes:
Independent verification of all site measurements and existing conditions
Recording grades and evaluating site access
Reviewing drainage, grade transitions, and other potential buildability issues
Identifying any shortcomings or oversights in the design
Offering suggestions to make the project buildable, if it is not as drawn
The reality is that many third-party designs—especially those from freelance designers or professionals without deep construction experience—often overlook important site-specific details. Designs may look beautiful on paper but prove unbuildable or impractically expensive once the real-world conditions are taken into account. Our process ensures those risks are addressed up front.
Should you choose to move forward with Outdoor Dreams for construction, this $1,500 fee will be applied to your project deposit.
We Are Typically More Expensive Than Standard Contractors
Because we carry in-house architectural design staff and adhere to the highest standards of construction, our pricing structure reflects that level of expertise and service. We are not competing with traditional contractors on price—we’re offering something entirely different: a curated, start-to-finish experience designed for clients who value thoughtful design, seamless project delivery, and exceptional results.
For this reason, homeowners who have already hired freelance designers and are simply looking to put their project out to bid may find that Outdoor Dreams is not the right fit—and that’s perfectly okay. Our services are best suited for those looking for a true design/build partner, not just a builder.
The Bottom Line
We charge for estimates on third-party designs because we invest real time and expertise into ensuring a project is priced accurately and responsibly. It’s not just about a number—it’s about protecting our clients, upholding our standards, and ensuring that every project we take on is set up for success.
If that sounds like the kind of partner you’re looking for, we’d love to talk!
Budgeting for Your Swimming Pool Project: A Detailed Breakdown
Budgeting for Your Swimming Pool Project: A Detailed Breakdown
In this guide, we’ll break down the various elements that contribute to the total cost of a pool project—from structural engineering to landscaping—so you can see how each part contributes to creating a stunning, long-lasting pool environment.