Why Credentials Matter
Many contractors measure experience by the projects visible on the surface. We believe true expertise is built beneath it. We realize that outdoor projects fail for one of two reasons, either the contractor did not understand the engineering or did not care enough to get it right.
From excavation and grading to drainage infrastructure, concrete forms, retaining systems, and culvert installations, our knowledge has been earned through over 25 years of hands-on experience across every phase of construction. These are the critical elements that determine whether an outdoor space performs beautifully for decades or begins to show signs of failure far sooner than it should.
Our background matters because exceptional outdoor living is about more than appearance. It is about what lies beneath the finished surface. It involves the grading, drainage, structural support, and engineering details that protect your investment and ensure lasting performance. While these elements may never be seen, they influence how your outdoor space looks, functions, and endures for years to come.
Our licenses, certifications, and national recognition are not trophies. They are proof that the work beneath your feet is built the right way- from soil prep and drainage to structural concrete and lighting. When we design and build your space, you get durability, safety, and real long-term value.
National Recognition for Quality that Holds Up
Our work has been featured and awarded by organizations that judge results, not promises:
- Ranked among the Top 10 Contractors in the Southeast by CBS News, Angie’s List, and Charlotte’s Best of Local Businesses
- Landscape lighting featured in the Alliance Lighting National Catalog
- Multiple service awards from Angie’s List, Houzz, and Porch for consistent craftsmanship and customer satisfaction
These honors reflect a simple pattern: when we build something, it performs.
Proven Expertise Protecting Your Investment
Before founding Outdoor Contracting, Bill Botkin served as a Project Engineer overseeing large-scale construction jobs throughout the Southeast. Managing complex builds required technical knowledge while also demanding careful planning, disciplined execution, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
Today, clients benefit from those principles that continue to guide our work. With more than 25 years of experience spanning over 50 trade disciplines, Outdoor Contracting brings an uncommon depth of expertise to every project. From complex commercial developments to finely crafted residential outdoor environments, every project is approached with a focus on proper site preparation, drainage solutions, present structural elements, sound construction practices, thoughtful engineering, clear communication, and meticulous attention to detail. We guarantee a finished outdoor space that is as durable as it is beautiful for its lifetime.
Qualifications of Bill Botkin, owner and Field Engineer, include:
Engineering & Construction
- Over two decades of experience as president of Outdoor Contracting, estimating and supervising commercial and residential projects
- Former project engineer and project manager with major construction company managing an average of 10 million dollars of projects at any given time
- Former professional geotechnical & construction engineer, testing and consulting on concrete, asphalt, and soils on large commercial projects
- NC (#51489) & SC (#G113980) Commercial Building General Contractor
- NC (#51489) & SC (#G113980) Road and Highway General Contractor
- NC Licensed Home Inspector (#2206)
- 100+ Hours of OSHA Education and Certifications
- 10,000+ Hours of Professional Project Management Education
- Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (WVU Tech, ABET accredited)
- Certified Concrete Pavement Installer by the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute
Industry Leadership
- Former Field Investigator for the NC Irrigation Contractors Licensure Board & NC DOJ
- Former Instructor for the NC Roadway Construction General Contractor's Exam
- Consultant and Qualified Expert for Civil cases involving landscaping & site construction
malpractice - Product tester for major outdoor construction manufacturers
- Recipient of over 25 nationally recognized quality and service awards with work published in regional and national periodicals and manufacturer catalogs
Landscaping & Irrigation
- NC Licensed Landscape Contractor (#033)
- NC Licensed Irrigation Contractor (#307)
- NC Registered Landscape Contractor (#1690)
- 3,000+ Hours of Accredited Turf Grass Landscaping & Irrigation Education
- NC Certified Plant Professional (aka "Master Gardener")
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utility Dept. Certified Water Smart Irrigation Auditor
Water Management & Ponds
- Triple-Certified Water Feature Specialist (Aquascape, IPPCA, Atlantic Water Gardens)
- NC Certified Stormwater Control Inspector and Maintenance Contractor (#5494)
- NC Certified Stream Bank Stabilization Contractor
- Specialist in rain gardens and retention/detention systems
Plumbing & Well Installation
- NC Licensed Plumber (#32668)
- NC Certified Well Seal Installation, Protection, and Sanitation Plumbing Contractor
Every credential represents one thing for you: confidence that the work done on your property is structurally sound, code-compliant, and built to withstand the real elements and use, not just perfect weather and pretty pictures.