A patio contractor learns a lot from taking on a big, complex job. I know because at Stefano’s Landscaping, we have had the privilege of being selected for a number of large landscaping projects over the past few years. Some were tied to sprawling residential homes and complexes. Others involve the development of commercial outdoor spaces.

 

No two patio contracting jobs are the same, and bigger projects certainly present even more unique and individual challenges. But, I think getting the chance to work on them has been good for myself and my team.

 

In today’s post, I want to lay out a few of the reasons large-scale patio contracting jobs are different. Then, you can use that info to either plan your own big landscaping project or decide whether you want to work with a company that takes them on.

 

Let’s begin with a lesson I’ve been reminded of again and again.

 

There Is More Paperwork on a Large Landscaping Project

When your landscaping project has a large scope, there are usually going to be multiple layers of red tape involved. I’ve noted this before on our blog, but it’s always helpful to have a patio contractor who knows how to work through local zoning laws and utilities regulations. With a big job it’s even more important.

 

It isn’t only that you have to know how to navigate the paperwork process, but also that you do things in the correct order and budget appropriately. Otherwise, you can run into bottlenecks… or worse, see your building site shut down altogether when inspectors or regulators stop by for unplanned visits.

 

In addition to the municipal paperwork requirements I’ve mentioned, bigger landscaping jobs also have tighter budgets, more meetings, and strict requirements related to insurance, sustainability, and so on. That makes the oversight of these issues a big responsibility.

 

The Bigger the Job, the More You Have to Check the Plans

Every patio contractor should work from a written plan that includes budgets, schedules, and timelines. But when you’re working on a large-scale project, it’s even more important.

 

Because one aspect of a patio contracting job may be dependent on another – for instance, you can’t install the deck if the pool hasn’t arrived – it’s crucial to double- and triple-check the logistics. When you’re working with a massive space, lots of materials, and potentially dozens of contractors, there isn’t a margin for error.

 

Small mistakes in planning lead to long delays and huge cost overruns. That’s not what our customers pay for, so we make sure to get the details right.

 

It’s Essential That Patio Contractors and Specialists Are Kept in Sync

I have touched on personnel management already, but the management of contractors and specialists really deserves a bit more comment. That’s because big jobs can feature lots of architects, electricians, plumbers, and HVAC tradesmen (to name just a few) roaming around a jobsite. You might also have surveys, safety managers, and others depending on the goal, area, and specific location.

 

Hiring these people, coordinating with them, and making sure they aren’t in one another’s way can feel like an enormous logistical challenge. It’s made all the more difficult when you consider that some of them need to have access to the same spaces at different times.

 

In many ways, it’s the management aspects of a big landscaping job that make it difficult. After all, the actual work is largely the same – it just involves more people, more details, and more expertise.

 

Progress Checks Are Essential on Big Landscaping Projects

No matter how well you plan, and how carefully you look over your staff and contractors, things are never going to go exactly as you envisioned. But, with the right tools and a creative mind, you can usually keep everything moving forward in the midst of minor setbacks.

 

One of the tricks to making this happen is keeping up with regular progress checks. That doesn’t only mean checking in with specialists or checking items off a to-do list; you have to have an experienced manager visiting the site and seeing that everything is not only being done, but finished to a high standard.

 

It’s ironic, but the more people and dollars you have involved in a job, the closer you have to watch all of them if you want to stay on track.

 

When You’re Building Big, All the Little Things Matter Even More

At its core, a big landscaping job is just lots of little ones put together. There isn’t anything complicated about digging ground, adjusting grades, and installing pavers. The processes should be the same whether you do them five times or five dozen.

 

This matters in the context of my advice because a patio contractor who pays attention to the details on a small job will look after them on a bigger one, too. In fact, that’s how my company grew into larger bids and proposals. Clients saw the great work we did on their residential properties and decided we could handle even more.

 

In that way, working with a patio contractor who can tackle the biggest homes or commercial spaces in your area can be a good thing, even if you aren’t planning a massive construction for yourself. This business is all about trust and competence. Handling big jobs demonstrates a little bit of both.

 

Looking for a Patio Contractor Who Can Handle Anything?

The most prominent homeowners and companies around northeastern Massachusetts work with Stefano’s Landscaping because we have proven ourselves time and time again for 20+ years. But you don’t have to have a massive estate or commercial complex to hire us. In fact, the majority of our work revolves around patio renovation, fiberglass pool installation, and other everyday projects.

 

If you’d like to get a sense of what we can do to bring your outdoor space to life, simply contact us today to arrange for a free design consultation at your home. There’s no obligation, and we can help you refine your ideas and turn your backyard into the oasis you’ve been dreaming of.