The Outdoor Dreams Journey

A consistent process to produce unique swimming pool projects, create lasting property value, and delight clients.

Our process is broken into 4 major steps and can take 3 - 12 months to complete. We break the process down below to explain how an outdoor dream becomes a reality.

Process
Breakdown

1.

Getting to Know Us
2.

Designing Your Dream
3.

Preparing to Build
4.

Building Your Dream

Projects can vary in time depending on each projects scope of work.

Getting to Know Us

Schedule a Call

30 min

Our initial call will help us get introduced to each other.

Schedule a Call

Project Consultation

60 min

We'll continue the conversation to make sure we understand your project properly and answer any of your remaining questions about us. Our goal at the end of this meeting is to know if we want to work together.

Sign Design Contract and Make First Design Payment

Our design services start at $5,000 for swimming pool environments and multi-element outdoor living spaces.

Projects that include custom structures—such as cabanas, pool houses, porches, or garages—may incur additional design fees based on complexity.

Design fees are split into two payments: the first is due upon signing the design agreement, and the second is collected after Round 1, with an optional opt-out clause available (details below).

We apply all design payments towards the cost of construction.

Project Prep

If you haven't already, make sure to take a look at what to prepare for before getting started

Planning Resources

Designing Your Dream

Due Diligence

Property Documentation: We'll obtain and review your property plat, existing architectural documents, and HOA guidelines to ensure any necessary design constraints are accounted for.

Site Analysis: Our team will take comprehensive measurements of your property, create a grade map, and chart your existing utilities.

Additional Professional Services

Design Kick Off Meeting

After our Site Survey, we'll schedule a Design Kick-Off Meeting to review everything found in due diligence, further discuss your design preferences, and review inspiration photos.

Outdoor Dreams process step illustration

Round 1 Designs

Establishing a Budget & Scope

GOAL

Align your project's budget and scope.

DELIVERABLES

Using a “Good, Better, Best” model, we provide three fully-developed design options that reflect increasing levels of scope, features, and investment.
Each plan is presented in both traditional 2D plan view and detailed architectural 3D renderings to help you visualize the space from every angle.
You’ll also receive a comprehensive packet that includes design details and transparent, line-item pricing for each option.

Optional Exit Clause

Make Second Design Payment

Material & Appliance Selections

While developing the Second Round of concepts, we will work with you to make the various selections required for your project.

VENDOR VISITS: When applicable, Outdoor Dreams provides guided tours of our vendors to look at material options and gather samples.

Selections Include...

Round 2 Designs

Exploring Layout Options

GOAL

Further explore layout options and design flourishes to better understand your personal preferences.

DELIVERABLES

1-2 fully-realized designs that depict the desired scope, budget, and material selections
Each plan is presented in both traditional 2D plan view and detailed architectural 3D renderings to help you visualize the space from every angle.
Packet with design details and line item pricing for each design

For phased projects, we provide two drawings: one illustrating the immediate Phase 1 implementation and another showing the complete, long-term vision for the full project.

Selecting Materials Guide

In this guide, we discuss the numerous different factors that should be considered when selecting materials for an outdoor living space.

Learn More

Round 3 Design

Refining the Details

GOAL

Finalize the design for your project and move to contract for construction.

DELIVERABLES

1 fully-realized design that incorporates your feedback from the previous round of drawings.
Final packet with design details and pricing
Photorealistic 3D renderings that bring your outdoor space to life with highly realistic detail.
Sample build contract for your review

Contract Design and Additional Rounds

Sign Build Contract and Make First Build Fee Payment

Preparing to Build

Construction Detailing

A full set of construction details will be created for all structures of your project.

Structures that require detailing

HOA and Permitting

Our documents have been designed to provide all of the information required by your HOA and we're happy to field any further questions they may have. Additionally, Outdoor Dreams will handle all permitting required for your project.

Scheduling

We will begin scheduling construction as soon as the Build Contract is signed. Start dates are a function of the HOA and permitting process, material and product availability, and our existing construction schedule.

Pre-Construction Meeting

Prior to construction, we will help you prepare for our arrival. We will conduct a meeting to walk you through our pre-construction checklist, explain what to expect during construction, and answer any remaining questions you may have.