You want it yesterday? You’ve heard that expression before, and you know what it means. Early is gone, it’s too late for on time, so now we’re not just looking at late, but how late? That’s what happens when you discover there isn’t enough lead time to implement a campaign or manage a project with a tight deadline.
Whether you were on the delivering end of that sentiment, or the receiving end, hindsight is worth millions. Like when you find out in April you should have booked the hotel for the July family reunion back in January. (Or you should have booked it in July a year ago.)
Let’s use that illustration as an example of what not to do when you’re thinking about hiring a contractor this spring to design and build your outdoor living project. You may be thinking right now about adding a deck, patio, 3-season room, porch or another outdoor living space or combination of those structures. Spring has been teasing us this month, which means outdoor living season can’t be far away. And that leads to the big question:
When do you want to start using the outdoor living space that you plan to have someone build for you this spring or summer?
That’s how you need to look at it: When do you want to have the project finished, furnished and ready to use? As soon as you know the answer to that question, that very minute, that’s when you need to pick up the phone and call Columbus deck and patio builder, Archadeck of Columbus. Our number is (740) 879 – 3730. Even if you don’t need the finished porch, patio, fire pit and outdoor kitchen combination until Labor Day, it’s best to call us now. The sooner we add you to our schedule, the more likely you are to have your outdoor living project completed by your desired date or event — or earlier. (Leave some wiggle room.)
Notice I didn’t ask when you want to start building your new outdoor living addition. There are just too many “unknowns” at this point to allow us to say precisely when we can begin building your project. But until you call us, we can’t even add you to our schedule.
There are many steps to the outdoor living space design-and-build process. At each step along the way, we may encounter unexpected delays. This is not to make excuses, but to make sure you’re aware of the realities of this business. There is only one date you can control, and that’s the date you contact us to set up our initial design consultation.
What you may not know, and what you can’t control
The bottom line is, this time of year, you need to call us earlier than you think you do. It’s best not to try to figure out how far ahead of time you should call to talk about the project you want to build. Just call now.
What you may not know: We have some projects on our schedule already. Any reputable contractor will have some lead time before they can begin construction on your project. If you talk with a contractor who says they can start building your project right away, you should be very cautious and start by asking them for references. Also ask to see their insurance certificates. Then call Archadeck of Columbus. Once we meet, talk about your project and agree to move forward, it usually takes several weeks to work through all the steps of the design and permitting process. There are so many factors that neither you nor we can control. Permitting may get bogged down at the building department in your city or town. If you have a homeowner’s association, we may have to wait until their next meeting to get their approval for your project. If one of the materials vendors for your project has materials on back-order, we may have to wait or find an alternative vendor. And then there’s the weather.
Please don’t let this discourage you. It’s not always doom and gloom. Sometimes everything chugs along and we never hit a glitch. But you can’t plan for that. We want the opportunity to work with you, and we don’t want you to be shocked if you call in mid-summer to talk about a project you need completed by Labor Day. You may have waited too late to make that deadline. So the best way to get in front of that situation is to call us now. We look forward to hearing from you. (Soon.)
Your Archadeck of Columbus design consultant is ready to help you explore options for making your outdoor living dreams come true. Contact us today at (740) 265-3905.
— Your Archadeck of Columbus team
