This Is When Most People Start Planning To Hire An Outdoor Living Contractor In Maryland
Since we work outside, people often ask if we work all year. The answer is yes, we sure do! And we want you to know when the best time to contact us for your project is.
In this post, you’ll find out when the best time to plan an outdoor living space project is. You’ll also get a look at our process.
Should We Wait?
“I’m not sure if we should wait or strike while the iron’s hot,” says John.
Heather shrugs. “I’m not sure. It’s kind of weird seeing as how it’s winter and we want to plan a deck or patio.” John nods. “Yeah, but there’s no time like the present, right?”
“You’re right, but I’d rather not start yet if it doesn’t make sense, especially since we haven’t decided on deck vs patio yet. Let’s get on Google and see if we can find any answers,” suggests Heather.
John nods in agreement and gets his phone out. Here’s what the couple ends up finding:
When To Start Planning An Outdoor Project
Usually, the best time to start planning an outdoor project is 3 to 6 months before you want to use the space. We like our clients to call us in the early winter months. This allows us to plan and design, which can take 4 to 6 weeks (depending on the project).
People who wait until spring to contact us don’t get their outdoor living space until summer. Then they’ve missed a whole season to enjoy their new space.
A Brief Overview Of Our Process
- Initial contact
- Follow up call
- Contract/Design contract
- Pre-construction
- Permitting
- Building
- Post-job walkthrough
This whole process is why we recommend hiring a contractor 3 to 6 months before you want to use your space.
Our full process blog post has more information you may like to know.
The Main Factors That Can Lengthen The Timeline
Weather. We can’t work in the rain because then your patio wouldn’t turn out right. Storms make it impossible to work.
Materials. Right now, materials in almost every contracting industry are on backorder. It’ll take a lot longer to get most materials now than it used to.
Change orders. If you decide to change something about your project, that can lengthen the timeline. It’ll differ based on what you change.
Accessibility. If your backyard is easy to get to it’ll take a lot less time. Using a machine to move stones is much quicker and easier than a wheelbarrow.
Ground conditions. The actual ground we’ll be building on can make it harder or easier. This can lengthen or quicken the timeline.
You May Also Like To Know
“Good thing it’s winter right now!” says John cheerily. Heather laughs. “I’m certainly happy. Let’s start planning and see if there’s anything else on this blog that we can use.”