Patio and Pool Project Planning Resources

Before getting started, it’s important to prepare for the journey you are about to embark on. We hope these resources will help as you begin to plan your project.

What You Should Expect to Spend

What You Should Expect to Spend

Understand the potential investment required to bring your outdoor dream to life.

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How to Compare Competing Estimates

How to Compare Competing Estimates

Learn how to examine an estimate and the services included.

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10 Tips for Keeping Your Pool Project on Budget

10 Tips for Keeping Your Pool Project on Budget

Gunite and Fiberglass swimming pools are the most expensive feature you can include in your outdoor living space. Because of this, outdoor renovation projects that include a pool have escalating costs and a tendency to go over budget. If you're like most homeowners, staying on budget is essential. In this guide, we provide 10 tips for keeping your pool project on budget.

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15 Tips for Keeping Your Patio Project on Budget

15 Tips for Keeping Your Patio Project on Budget

With countless material and design options available, it's not uncommon for patio project costs to escalate quickly. In this guide, we provide 15 tips for keeping your patio project on budget. Whether you are in the planning phase or design process, these tips are sure to help keep your project costs under control!

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The Value of Design

The Value of Design

Understand what to expect from a designer and how the design process should create value for your project.

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business planning session with hands, pens and compass

due Diligence Items

Gather These Before You Start

  1. Inspiration photos. Spend some time gathering photos of outdoor projects you like (or dislike). These will help you visually communicate ideas to your designer. Pinterest, Instagram, and Houzz are great places to browse, along with our project gallery.

  2. Property plat. Your plat is the legal drawing of your property that shows your property lines, easements, setbacks, and other property constraints. This information may affect the design of your project and will likely be required for most HOA and building permit applications.

  3. Home Owner Association (HOA) documents. If you have an HOA, review its design guidelines to see how they will impact your project. Make sure you understand how to apply for approval and how long it may take to complete the process.

  4. Architectural drawings. Gather any architectural drawings for your house. This information will help your designer match or complement your home's existing materials and architectural details.

Outdoor Dreams Richmond Va staff

Get Started

No matter where you are in the process, we’d love to talk

Have more questions?

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page and ask us any questions of your own!

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