Can Your Patio Contractor Work With an Architect’s Plan?

Can you hire an architect before you bring in a patio contractor, or have the two work together at the same time?

I hear different versions of this question all the time. It’s a good one. I like it because it suggests that homeowners are thinking about the entire patio renovation process, from start to finish, and how they can use different skills to see their outdoor space as a whole. I would much rather have someone ask me about the different ways they can bring their vision to life than I would to have someone call and request a quote for a single element (like a swimming pool or deck) that might not fit the rest of their long-term plans.

So, getting back to the question at hand: Can your patio contractor work with an architect’s plan? 

Here is what you need to know…

The Short Answer Is “Yes”: Your Patio Contractor and Architect Can Work Together

This is a request we hear quite frequently. In fact, it’s relatively common on bigger patio renovation jobs – those that involve work on larger properties or intricate design schemes.

If you come across a patio contractor who is hesitant to work with plans from an architect, you should try to figure out why. In most cases it will come down to one of the following:

• They don’t have the skills or experience to handle larger-scale projects.
• The contractor isn’t used to working from any kind of written plan.
• They don’t want someone else checking their work as they finish it.

Any of these would be a red flag. So, unless there is some reason they don’t want to work with a specific architect, or a particular set of plans, there isn’t any reason not to proceed with the work.

Design Consultations Are Often Included as Part of Your Patio Contractor’s Process

We like to make design a central part of our patio renovation system. Asking lots of questions, and then creating models and mockups, allows us to better understand what our customers want. It’s also a good way for us to ensure that we are giving homeowners the right end product.

Most of the time, these designs come from interviews we do directly with our customers. However, if we are working with someone who has already met with an architect, we might be able to speed the process along. At the very least we would want to talk with the architect and ensure that our understanding of the customer’s vision matches what they are creating.

If you haven’t already retained an architect, then you might be able to save on one by getting designs directly through your patio contractor. However, if you have already taken the first step with an architect, then there shouldn’t be any issue having them work with the people who will turn the plans into a reality.

A Good Contractor Will Also Be a Good Project Manager

Even if you love the designs you’ve been given by your architect, it’s important to remember that you’ll need others who can bring the plan to life. There might be digging and building that’s needed, but also plumbing, electrical work, and much more.

Any good patio contractor is also going to be a good project manager. That means they can start with a set of drawings or blueprints and then break the work into pieces. They should also have experience bringing other tradesmen (like the already mentioned plumbers and electricians) onto the job at the appropriate time and making sure their work is up to the right standard.

In this way, architects and contractors are always cooperating to create spaces that would otherwise live only in imagination. It doesn’t matter whether you’re trying to raise an office building or a backyard with an in-ground pool and outdoor kitchen; at some point in the process one person is going to create the plan and others are going to see it through.

The takeaway here is that an architect can give you wonderful ideas for your outdoor space. But eventually you’re going to need a good contractor who can translate that inspiration into something you will enjoy every day. By picking the right point person for the job, you’ll save time and money while keeping quality of work as the top consideration.

Your Contractor Might Request or Suggest Changes as Work Progresses

Adding on to my last point, there can sometimes be differences (usually small) between the patio that’s designed on paper and the one that is delivered in the real world. That’s usually because details like drainage or zoning permits get in the way.

A good patio contractor will know and expect these issues. They may even request or suggest small changes to your plan along the way. That’s because your architect is working with a surface that is likely to be perfect and hypothetical. Your contractor has to deal with your property as it actually is. They can help you make any adjustments that are needed in a way that doesn’t add significantly to the time or money needed for your project.

Put it all together and you’ll find that a good patio contractor makes the perfect bridge between your architect and the backyard you’ve been dreaming of.

Looking for a Patio Contractor in Eastern Massachusetts Who Puts Your Vision First?

At Stefano’s we have built a more than 20-year reputation for patio contracting excellence in the Saugus, Massachusetts, area. We don’t just have dozens of five-star reviews and testimonials because we’re great with woodwork, pools, and lighting. It’s because we take the time to understand what our customers want, explain the work process at every step, and then double-check the details just like we would in our own homes.

If that’s the sort of service you want from a patio contractor, then I hope you’ll contact us today. Every project starts with a free at-home design consultation quote so you’ve got nothing to lose.