4 Ways to Know You’ve Hired the Best Patio Contractor for Your Backyard Project

It goes without saying that you’ll want to hire the best patio contractor in your area to work around your home. Redesigning your outdoor space is a big job that requires a big investment, of course. Even more importantly, though, is that you’ll want to enjoy your backyard for many years to come.

So how do you ensure that the one you have chosen is the right one for the job? Naturally, you will want to find a company with the right reputation and pay attention to any gut instincts you might have. But it’s also good to have a little bit of inside information to work with.

That’s exactly what I’m going to give you in today’s post. Based on my 20+ years of experience as the best patio contractor in my area (in and around Saugus, Massachusetts), these are the four things to look for when you’re shopping around for quotes.

#1 Make Sure Your Patio Contractor Has the Right Portfolio

It’s easy to look through a patio contractor’s portfolio and pay attention to the colors and features. That’s a lot of fun, but it’s important to study them more deeply and ask specific questions like:

• Does this company seem to specialize in the kinds of features and spaces I want to create?
• Do they have expertise with outdoor kitchens, fire pits, swimming pools, or other focal points that I’m interested in?
• Do the portfolio items all look similar and consistent? Do they look like they were done by the same team with the same kind of vision?
• Is there any way to verify that the company in question actually completed the work?

In essence, I want you to evaluate patio design portfolios more critically than you probably have in the past. Try to figure out what the company’s strengths are, and whether those align with your vision for the space you want to create.

A “good” patio contractor isn’t necessarily the right one for you if they can’t deliver on your needs. Keep that in mind as you examine photos and ask preliminary questions.

#2 Pay Close Attention to the Estimate and Project Plan

The plans and estimates you receive from your patio contractor should be detailed and precise. There are actually a few reasons this is so important.

When you see a detailed bid outlining all the steps and equipment that are needed to finish a project – with a realistic timeline attached – you know that the sales and design teams have been listening to your requests. That’s a good sign you’re going to get what you’re paying for at the end of the process.

Another reason you want detailed plans has to do with the process of organization. Patio construction and hardscaping are difficult tasks. You want to know that your team has been through the process enough times to understand the important steps involved. Otherwise you could end up with unexpected delays along the way.

And finally, the more thought your patio contractor has put into the planning part of the process, the more likely it is that they’ll be able to stick to the schedule and budget that have been provided. Few things are as aggravating as finding out that your construction will take more time or money than you were promised at the outset. The best patio contractors avoid this by giving you realistic estimates from the start.

#3 Ask Questions About Your Patio Contractor’s Suppliers

A good contractor only works with durable, high-quality materials. That’s because they know that certain suppliers offer much better value, especially over the long term.

You don’t have to become an expert in patio design to discover the leading brands in the industry. Spend a few minutes online and find product reviews from other owners who have been through the same process. By reading through their experiences, you can learn which pools, appliances, or entertainment systems (as examples) have the highest feedback.

You’ll want to be sure that your contracting team is working with the same kinds of materials. In fact, you might even look through supplier websites to see whom they recommend for patio design and construction in your area.

To get the perfect outdoor space you need the right equipment. Make sure that anyone you hire has good, ongoing relationships with companies that can provide products that work for years to come.

#4 Get to Know Your Patio Contractor’s Team

Sometimes friends or family members ask for advice about choosing contractors for a project. It doesn’t matter whether they need something big or small, or whether the job is residential or commercial. I always tell them to find out about the actual employees who will be carrying out the work.

Company histories and reputations matter, but the small details come down to the skill and commitment of the team members who actually visit your property every day. You might not get to know each of them, but you can ask questions about how long they’ve been with the company, as well as what kind of industry experience they bring. For extra peace of mind, speak to a couple of them on your own.

Even if you don’t know a lot about patio design and construction, the answers you get should fill you with confidence. You should definitely come away from the conversations with the sense that your job will be completed by experts who understand and enjoy their work.

Don’t Settle for Anything Less Than the Best

Hiring the best patio contractor in your part of the country might mean doing a bit of extra research, paying a little more than you would like, or even waiting to start your project. However, all of these sacrifices will be worth it when you have the outdoor space you’ve been dreaming of – the perfect “stay-at-home vacation” oasis to spend time with your family and friends.

Of course, if you are located north of Boston near the Saugus, Massachusetts, area then we would love to hear about your project. Contact us today to schedule a visit from our team and get your free quote!