Patio and Pool Project Planning Resources

Before getting started, it’s important to prepare for the journey you are about to embark on. We hope these resources will help as you begin to plan your project.

Creating a Complete Patio or Deck Project Scope

Creating a Complete Patio or Deck Project Scope

Today's outdoor living spaces involve so much more than just a patio or deck.

Planning
View

What You Should Expect to Spend

What You Should Expect to Spend

Understand the potential investment required to bring your outdoor dream to life.

Planning
View

How to Compare Competing Estimates

How to Compare Competing Estimates

Learn how to examine an estimate and the services included.

Planning
View

The Value of Design

The Value of Design

Understand what to expect from a designer and how the design process should create value for your project.

Planning
View

Avoid Failures in your Patio and Swimming Pool Decking

Avoid Failures in your Patio and Swimming Pool Decking

Learn what hardscape failure is, why it happens, and the build practices that will help you avoid it.

Planning
View
business planning session with hands, pens and compass

due Diligence Items

Gather These Before You Start

  1. Inspiration photos. Spend some time gathering photos of outdoor projects you like (or dislike). These will help you visually communicate ideas to your designer. Pinterest, Instagram, and Houzz are great places to browse, along with our project gallery.

  2. Property plat. Your plat is the legal drawing of your property that shows your property lines, easements, setbacks, and other property constraints. This information may affect the design of your project and will likely be required for most HOA and building permit applications.

  3. Home Owner Association (HOA) documents. If you have an HOA, review its design guidelines to see how they will impact your project. Make sure you understand how to apply for approval and how long it may take to complete the process.

  4. Architectural drawings. Gather any architectural drawings for your house. This information will help your designer match or complement your home's existing materials and architectural details.

Outdoor Dreams Richmond Va staff

Get Started

No matter where you are in the process, we’d love to talk

Have more questions?

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page and ask us any questions of your own!

Test ToolTip