How to Handle Changes to the Patio Design and Renovation Process

I’ve learned a lot of things in my 20+ years as a patio contractor. Some of the lessons have to do with construction; others are about working with customers. The one takeaway from nearly every patio design project, however, is the need to stay flexible. That’s because changes to the plan, whether they are minor or major, are an almost inevitable part of the process.

In a perfect world, my team and I would meet with a homeowner, decide what needs to be done, and get to work. In reality things often go a bit differently. Almost no project goes exactly to script.

The changes to our designs and plans almost always stem from one of the following factors

• The homeowner changes their mind about the plan. This could be because they find new inspiration or simply get a different sense of the space once work begins and various areas of their outdoor space are marked and prepared.

• We use our many years of experience as patio contractors to make a suggestion. Perhaps we see that a certain feature would fit really well in the available space, or hear the homeowner talk about a desire that hasn’t been expressed in our plans. In either case we might look to make minor tweaks or additions.

• • Something changes on the property (or our assessment of it) that requires us to approach things a little differently. Examples would include a slope is greater than expected, a situation where drainage becomes an issue, or an inability to dig because of unmarked utilities. The possibilities are virtually endless, but the broader point is that things can change as we proceed.

Occasionally, we also have instances where life circumstances can shift. For example, imagine a homeowner who plans on installing a basketball court and then suffers a major knee injury and changes their mind. Naturally, these sorts of situations are difficult to foresee, but they can occur.

No matter the reason, it’s important to remember that your first vision for a patio installation might not turn out exactly like your final plan. So, how can you best handle these sorts of adjustments and course corrections? Here are some simple tips you can keep in mind…

Recognize That Patio Design Changes Are Common

As I’ve mentioned, it’s very common to find that you want (or need) to make some changes to the plan you have for your patio. Don’t let little shifts or revisions stress you out. They are all part of the process and usually make things a lot better in the end. That’s especially important to keep in mind if it means pushing back your completion date for a week or two.

Ultimately, you are designing and renovating your patio for the years and decades to come, not for one specific weekend or event. Keep that perspective and you’ll be able to roll with the little setbacks.

Remember That Earlier Changes Are Better Than Later Ones

If it happens that you decide to pursue something different than you had originally intended, then try to do so early on. Over the years I’ve learned that almost any shift or idea is possible to implement. It’s all a matter of time and cost. One thing that’s difficult, though, is ripping out a piece of finished deck (as an example) to make room for something that was suggested halfway through construction.

Ultimately, it’s your yard and your money so you should always do what’s right. But take a little time early on to be sure that what your contractor is building makes sense in the context of what you’re hoping to enjoy later.

Assess Options, Budgets, and Next Steps

Many of the little changes that you or your contractor might suggest throughout the patio construction process are simple. In those instances you don’t need to do a lot of long-term thinking. However, some alterations will affect your budget, schedule, and other decisions.

With that in mind, it’s always better to talk with your patio contractor before agreeing on a big change in direction. Find out what it means for you financially, and whether the new plan means taking away other choices in the future.

Try Not to Repeat the Patio Design Process Too Many Times

If the design process takes place again and again – i.e., you find yourself shifting from one plan to another several times – then someone isn’t doing their job. Either you as a homeowner aren’t being decisive enough, or your contractor isn’t making the right kinds of suggestions.

In my experience it is very rare for a homeowner to come into a patio installation without any firm ideas about what they want. So, if plans are changing each week, I’m tempted to blame the landscaping team. Either they haven’t asked enough questions to find out what’s really needed, or they haven’t done enough work to properly assess the site they are dealing with.

Get an Experienced Patio Contractor to Help You Out

This brings us to my final and most important point. Regardless of how set you are on your patio design, it’s a good idea to have an experienced team of contractors on your side. Not only will they work with you to ensure that they understand your vision (meaning that fewer changes will be needed along the way), but they’ll also do the necessary work to keep things running smoothly.

Every home, property, and situation is different. But once you’ve seen hundreds of them, as my team and I have, it gets a lot easier to understand the path forward.

Stefano’s Are the Best Patio Design Contractors in Northeastern Massachusetts

I love being able to share my expertise in patio contracting with the world. But what I love even more is seeing a homeowner’s vision for the perfect outdoor space come to life.

So, if you’re looking for the best patio contractor in the Saugus, Massachusetts area, we hope to hear from you. Contact us today to schedule your initial home visit with our sales and design team. They’ll show you how we can help transform your backyard into an oasis that you and your loved ones will enjoy for years to come.