Once your design is finalized, the key to bringing it to life is the planning phase. This step is crucial as it creates a roadmap, guiding us towards realizing your design vision. We have a comprehensive PDF template to streamline this process. However, the first and most important action is to schedule a planning meeting with my team and me. This meeting is essential in ensuring that we provide you with the tailored assistance and guidance needed to transition your design from concept to reality effectively.

Obtaining the necessary permits typically requires engineering work to be completed first. We are more than ready to guide you through this crucial step and assist you in finding a suitable engineer for your project. A good starting point is to ask friends who have recently undergone construction projects for their engineering firm recommendations. Additionally, if you're already in talks with contractors, they can often suggest reputable engineers. Remember, securing an engineer usually falls under the responsibility of the homeowner or the contractor, but we are here to support you in this process. Once you have the engineering details in place, the next step is to obtain the required permits. This is often led by the contractor. For HOA or township approvals, you can initiate these as soon as you receive the finalized design from us.

Choosing materials is often an exciting step for our clients, as it brings the design vision tangibly closer to reality. This phase allows you to start visualizing your future backyard and plays a key role in budget flexibility. Different materials come with varying costs, and balancing your preferred aesthetic with your budget is an important consideration. While one material may catch your eye, it's essential to align these choices with your financial plan.

Our international designs are crafted without specific reference to local material availability. Nevertheless, we’re committed to working closely with you post-design. Once your design is finalized, we invite you to a consultation where we can thoughtfully select materials that best suit your finished design and backyard project. This process will be customized to consider both the availability of materials in your locality and your personal taste and budget. 

I am committed to assisting you in finding the right contractors for your project. This includes making phone calls and thoroughly evaluating potential contractors potential contractors across various specialties such as carpentry, masonry, hardscaping, electrical, gas, and plumbing. While the final decision and hiring will be your responsibility, I am more than willing to dedicate time to identifying and recommending qualified contractors who can bring your backyard project to life.

I am available for ongoing consultation throughout the construction phase of your project. Our meetings will be conducted via Zoom, providing a convenient platform for us to review progress, address any challenges, and strategize on the best solutions. We will also proactively discuss upcoming project phases to ensure everything is well-planned and executed smoothly. If needed, I can collaborate directly with the onsite contractor, offering insights on the best implementation strategies for various design elements. With over 30 years of experience in designing and building backyard spaces, my involvement can significantly contribute to the project's success and help navigate any complexities with ease.

As you near the completion of the build phase, you’re just a step away from fully enjoying your new backyard living space. An essential element that truly brings your outdoor area to life is the decor. It's common to overlook this aspect, with many simply opting for the first outdoor set they find at a local store. However, carefully selecting decor pieces that complement the color palette and style of your home and outdoor living space is crucial. This applies to all furniture and decorative elements, as thoughtful design should be given to each individual space within your outdoor area. To assist in this process, we have an in-house Decor Specialist available for consultation. They are equipped to guide you through all your exterior design needs, ensuring that every detail aligns with your vision and enhances the overall aesthetic of your space.

We will make sure you are up to date with all of the Hi-Tech Backyard Extra's. The modern backyard living space effortlessly extends the comforts of your indoor environment to the outdoors. Imagine enjoying outdoor TVs with built-in surround sound, or experiencing the magic of a movie theater under the stars at the push of a button. Outdoor lighting isn't just a feature; it's an essential element that transforms the ambiance of your space. Seamlessly integrated speakers, harmonizing with the indoor audio, enhance the overall sensory experience. And let's not overlook the array of luxurious amenities: pools, hot tubs, saunas, and an array of specialty features. The outdoor kitchen takes your culinary adventures to a new level, allowing you to create and entertain without ever stepping inside. Your new outdoor living space is designed to be so captivating, you'll find every reason to stay outside and bask in its allure.

Hosting your first celebration in your new backyard marks a truly emotional milestone, both for me and, I believe, for you as well. This event signifies the beginning of an extraordinary new chapter in your life. Your backyard will become a cherished gathering place where loved ones can relax, reconnect, and create lasting memories together. I always emphasize this, and I'll say it again: Creating a Backyard Living Space isn't just an upgrade to your home; it's a life-changing enhancement for you and those dear to you. Your first celebration will be just the beginning of countless memorable moments shared in this beautiful space. While I'd be delighted to see photos of this special occasion, it would be an honor to join you in person and celebrate the commencement of your vibrant new backyard lifestyle. Micah - Backyard Design Guy