Planning for Outdoor Projects: What to Know Before Getting Started

What to know before starting your next outdoor living project.

The weather is beautiful, and you’re dreaming of your perfect outdoor space. But if you start now, would it be done in time to enjoy before the winter?

1. An outdoor project takes time.

Some may assume that just because an outdoor space doesn’t have four walls & a roof, it doesn’t take as much time as renovating an interior design space. However, there is still a lot of project management decisions to be made and processes to work through in order to begin construction. Give yourself time to make decisions and plan for your new space. Don’t forget to allot extra time for weather fluctuation & dependency. Especially in NE Ohio! Keep in mind that your outdoor space may take a minimum of 8 months to completion from the start of Phase 1 to the end of Phase 4.

PHASE 1: DESIGN DISCOVERY
1-2 months – Dream, collaborate, research, & quote.
PHASE 2: DETAILED DESIGN
4-5 months – Fine-tune layout & material selection.
PHASE 3: PRE-CONSTRUCTION
2-3 months – Preparation of materials & permits.
PHASE 4: TRANSFORMATIVE CONSTRUCTION
1-6 months – Renovation, transformation, & creation.

2. You will be making a lot of decisions.

From the overarching vision to nitty gritty details. You’ll be making a lot of decisions! Not only about what goal you’re envisioning, but about all the materials that will be used in order to bring that vision to life. To help get an idea of everything you may want to consider adding, we’ve created this list for you to go through:

Depending on the project, there may be better options for different people to serve you depending on what you are looking for. Do you prefer to DIY, handling the design thinking and project management yourself? Maybe design it yourself, hire & manage different contractors? Or are you looking for a service-based company to assist you throughout the design & construction process? There may be perks to each direction depending on what you are comfortable with doing, and the time commitment you’re willing devote to your project.

3. Decide who you are going to work with.

Depending on the project, there may be better options for different people to serve you depending on what you are looking for. Do you want to DIY the project yourself? Maybe design it yourself, hire & manage different contractors? Or are you looking for a service-based company to assist you throughout the design & construction process? There may be perks to each direction depending on what you are comfortable with doing, and the time commitment you’re willing devote to your project.

4. Check for potential restrictions.

If you plan on DIYing the project, or managing your contractors, you will need to contact the city to see if there are any zoning regulations, permits, or any inspections that may be needed before beginning the work. If there is digging involved, you’ll need to call 811 and request the location of underground facilities near your proposed digging site. This is not a suggestion; it is a requirement by Ohio law! You will also need to get in touch with your neighborhood to make sure there isn’t any specific restrictions or regulations listed in the HOA’s rules. If you plan on hiring a Design-Build company, they will take care of all zoning, permits, regulations & digging concerns for you.

Conclusion

Starting any home project can be overwhelming. It is important to know the beginning decisions that need to be made as well as the long term steps to make your project happen. If you plan on DIYing your outdoor space, or designing & managing it, we would recommend bookmarking this page so when you’re ready to start you have a reference point to jump off from! If you would prefer to cast the vision & hand off the reigns for someone trusted to walk your throguh the design & construction process we would love to assist you!

Dive into our basement renovation portfolio for creative finished basement ideas. Explore designs that inspire and elevate your space.