Everyone has heard that old advice about buying real estate and how location means everything. Seasoned realtors are known to tout Location, location, location when showing prospective properties to clients. At Archadeck of NE Dallas-Southlake, we offer some comparable advice when it comes to the planning and construction of a new outdoor living space to your home and that is Timing, timing, timing.
Naturally, many people think of building outdoor projects during the outdoor living season, when the weather is nice and they want to spend time outside, but sometimes it can be challenging to hire a quality contractor during this time. Choosing to secure your project details early has many advantages. That is why I am often stumped when a customer has their preliminary plan in place and says we will just wait to sign their contract in order to confirm moving ahead with their project.
From our experience as an outdoor living space designer and builder, procrastinating to begin your project can mean waiting longer to enjoy your finished space. Any reputable contractor will have some lead time before they can begin construction on your project. In addition, there are many timing factors that are beyond our control and moving ahead will prevent less hold up of your anticipated project.
The timing factors you cannot control
Scheduling
When you sign a contract with us to build your project, we will add your project to our construction schedule. Keep in mind that we have other jobs underway in the NE Dallas and Southlake areas. This means more projects, with signed contracts, which are scheduled to begin in the order they are confirmed.
Before we build anything, we work with you to design the outdoor living space you’ve dreamed of. The design process may take several iterations from rough sketches to polished 3-D renderings. Some clients think of elements they want to add or change each time they see a new version of their design. That’s okay because it’s your home. But each change must go back through the drafting department to get added to the architectural renderings.
When the design is finalized, we also finalize all of your material choices including the type and color of pavers, woods, decking boards; specific stone selections planters, seating walls or fireplace; porch ceilings, railings, pillars and beams, etc. Knowing what materials you want enables us to give you an exact quote for your project. At that point we can sign the contract and schedule the job.
Permitting
We must submit architectural renderings and specifications to local permitting agencies, either city or county, depending on where you live. Sometimes we encounter delays at these agencies. The permitting process is unpredictable. If zoning issues arise, additional action is required. You may have to meet with a zoning board, and you must get on their calendar a certain number of days in advance of their meeting. If you just miss getting on the agenda, you may have to wait a month until the next zoning board meeting.
HOA approval
Does your community or neighborhood require Homeowners Association approval of your construction plans? How often does this group meet, and how far in advance do you need to notify them of your plans?
Materials delivery
Archadeck of NE Dallas-Southlake special orders many of the materials we use from reliable vendors we have worked with for years. Many of the desired materials are not available at your nearby home improvement stores or, in some cases, we can get much better prices through our vendors. While we can usually predict when materials will arrive, every now and then we encounter delays.
Weather
Despite the Dallas and Southlake areas mild climate, every season has its share of bad-weather days that can set a construction schedule back. Mother Nature is unpredictable.
As you have gathered from the details outlined above, you cannot call a contractor in May to build a project you plan to start enjoying that same month. With so many factors beyond your — and our — control, the timing works out best if you begin planning farther ahead.
— Isn’t it time you called Archadeck of NE Dallas-Southlake and start living the outdoor lifestyle you deserve?
The most important timing factor for your new outdoor living project is when you first make the point of contact schedule your design consultation. The sooner you start the process, the sooner your new patio, deck, outdoor kitchen, pergola (or combination of these) will be completed. That’s why you should go ahead and get started now, while spring is fresh in the air. Before you know it, summer will be here! If you take steps now to begin setting up the project, you’ll be showing off your new outdoor living space in no time at all!
Contact Archadeck of Northeast Dallas-Southlake today at (972) 433-7526.
Agustin & Amanda Garza
