The Problem:

A Fragmented Industry & Overwhelming Complexity

Modern outdoor spaces often require the coordination of multiple trades and specialties, including designers, pool installers, hardscapers, masons, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, landscapers, irrigation, and more. These projects can involve as many or more professionals than building a home. Here’s where things go wrong:

1. Lack of Starting Point: Homeowners often don’t know where to begin when considering an outdoor renovation. They’re unsure of what’s possible in their yard from aesthetic, cost, and regulatory perspectives.

2. Fragmented Industry: The outdoor living industry is highly segmented, with contractors specializing in specific trades. Homeowners typically need to hire 5-10 contractors for a multi-element project, often speaking with several companies per trade to find the right fit.

3. Misaligned Incentives: Freelance designers are often incentivized to create designs that wow clients but don’t align with their budget. As a result, homeowners are left with designs that are either unaffordable or impractical to build in logical phases.

4. Poor Coordination: Without a unified approach, contractors work in silos, leading to communication breakdowns, finger-pointing, and a lack of accountability when problems arise.

5. Low-Cost Contractors: In an effort to save money, homeowners often turn to less expensive contractors, which can result in poor craftsmanship, subpar foundations, and spaces that deteriorate within a year.

Real-Life Scenarios

When Projects Go Wrong

Situation 1

A Stunning but Unaffordable Design

A freelance designer creates a beautiful, multi-element poolscape design that the homeowner loves. However, when it’s put out for bids, it becomes clear the design is far beyond the homeowner’s budget. Worse yet, the design cannot be logically built in phases without incurring significant demolition and rework costs. Ultimately, the homeowner has two choices: pay for a new design or abandon the project altogether. Many choose the latter, resulting in wasted time and money.

Situation 2

Settling and Structural Issues

A homeowner hires a freelance designer and low-cost contractors to build a pool and surrounding hardscape. A year later, the patio begins to settle because the pool contractor backfilled the excavation and trenching with uncompacted soil. The hardscape, built on top of this unstable base, develops ripples and cracks, creating a dangerous environment. The space becomes unsightly and unsafe, significantly devaluing the home and causing frustration for the homeowner.

situation 5

Missed Swim Season

A homeowner hires separate contractors for a fiberglass pool, electrical work, and hardscaping. When the electrician reschedules, it delays the hardscaping by six weeks. Weather and other unforeseen issues push the project further, leaving the backyard unusable and the family without a functional pool for the season. The unfinished space creates neverending muddy messes and hazards that injure both a child and family pet.

the solution

A Unified, Turnkey Approach

At Outdoor Dreams, we understand the challenges homeowners face when embarking on outdoor renovation projects. That’s why we offer a turnkey design-build solution that eliminates the pain points of fragmented processes and poor coordination. Here’s how we do it:

1. Comprehensive Design: Our in-house architects and designers create stunning yet practical designs that align with your budget and can be built efficiently, either all at once or in logical phases.

2. Structured Communication: We have a set process for communication throughout both the design and build phases. This includes regular check-ins and updates during the Design and Pre-Construction phases, as well as Weekly Project Reports during Construction. This ensures you’re always informed and confident in the progress of your project.

3. Streamlined Coordination: By managing every aspect of the project, we ensure seamless communication between trades and eliminate the guesswork for homeowners.

4. Quality Craftsmanship: We employee and work with experienced craftsmen who prioritize durability and excellence, ensuring your space stands the test of time.

5. Accountability: As your single point of contact, we take full responsibility for the project’s success, providing peace of mind and a stress-free experience.

Why it matters

It's your Time, Money, and Memories

A poorly planned and executed outdoor project can lead to years of frustration, costly repairs, and diminished home value. On the other hand, a professionally designed and managed poolscape enhances your lifestyle, increases your home’s value, and provides lasting enjoyment for your family. With Outdoor Dreams, you can trust that your investment will be protected and your vision brought to life with precision and care.

Ready to turn your outdoor dreams into reality? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover the difference a turnkey design-build approach can make.