Winter is here. We can see it in the bare trees, in all of the hot chocolates and warm throw blankets we’re finally using again. Even though the leaves have left us and the walkway is getting a little icy, that doesn’t mean your remodel or home project dreams need to blow away like the warm weather. In fact, there are many reasons why winter is the best time to get started on those outdoor projects. Spring is just around the corner, after all (see, we’re thinking positively here!)
So, how is this possible, you ask? There are a lot of steps that go into the process before breaking ground, and winter is the perfect way to tackle the beginning steps of a project! We’ve listed them below, so you know what to expect when planning your next outdoor design project.
1. START MOODBOARDING YOUR DREAM OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE
This is the fun part! Before chatting with a landscape designer or architect, you want to have a full picture of your ideal landscape design. How do you want the pathways to look? What vibe do you want the lighting to give off (indoor and outdoor)? How are you envisioning your indoor design blending with the outdoor design? What are the absolute “no-nos” in your landscape design? How much privacy do you want?
2. OUTDOOR PROJECTS START WITH THE INITIAL PLANNING PROCESS
Before really diving into the dirty stuff, you need to have the initial meeting with your landscape designer or architect. This is the time you get to have to ask all of the questions you need about timeline, costs, and the design-build process. Designers and architects are always super transparent about the process and it’s crucial for you to discuss your design wishlist and address challenges that may pop up during the process. Why not have this crucial meeting when you can get comfortable with a hot coffee and dish it out during the cold months?
Things your wish list could include: backyard privacy, connection to the indoor and outdoor, specific night and audio lighting, desired colors and material, and specific directions about pool/patio/deck location. Start brainstorming and have these set out before your meeting with the designer!
Tip: Create a Secret Pinterest Board and share your ideas with your designer.
3. YOU NEED TIME TO DISCUSS DESIGN & PRELIMINARY BUDGET
Next, the designer will draft a budget and show it to you. This is an important portion of the entire process, because you must agree on the budget before getting started (no surprises here). The landscape designer or architect you work with at Mom’s Design Build will create drawings of the property and showcase the core elements of your landscape. This will help create the general scope of the project, so you can remove or add on certain elements based on what you want to spend.
4. THE PLANNING BEGINS
There are still things to do before breaking ground (Writer’s Note: aren’t you glad you started the process when there’s snow still on the ground, wink wink). Anyway, during the planning process, a lot of questions still need to be clarified. The cost of construction and materials is defined, and the plan can often be adjusted or changed to fit desired timelines and budgets here. For example, where to place construction equipment can be an element of this discussion. If you live in a neighborhood with close homes nearby, our landscape design team wants to make sure we’re making it most convenient (and not noisy!) for everybody involved. These are the core details we’ll need to highlight during this planning conversation before construction can begin.
After these steps are completed, the construction can finally begin. By this time, the ground has softened and we can construct the project within the timeline. Voila! Winter planning strikes again.
If you want to start the design process and planning at your home, schedule a consultation with our team today!
