Exceptional outdoor spaces are the result of thoughtful planning, not chance. Our process is designed to give you complete clarity from the very first conversation so every decision feels informed, intentional and assured.
We begin with a comprehensive on-site evaluation, taking the time to understand how your property truly functions. Our engineering-minded approach considers water movement, natural slopes, existing utilities and structures, and soil conditions to ensure every element is designed to work in harmony.
In our experience, we have seen that most outdoor projects go wrong long before the first shovel hits the ground. Other contractors fail in the planning and foresight of potential issues—when drainage is overlooked, grades are guessed at, and designs are built on assumptions instead of expertise.
Our process exists to keep that from happening on your property and costing you tens of thousands to remediate.
We guide you through a clear, structured approach that reveals what your space needs, what is possible, and how to build it so it lasts. You get a plan grounded in real engineering and hands-on experience, not generic advice or guesswork.
Why the Process Matters
You are not just hiring us for a design. You are hiring us to protect and add value to your investment. A great outdoor space is equal parts creativity and construction science. The design process is where those two worlds come together.
Our consultations give you answers you can trust—practical recommendations, structural considerations, cost expectations, and a clear roadmap for moving forward.
This is how we eliminate surprises, keep the project on track, and make sure the finished result performs as well as it looks.
How the Consultation Works
Schedule Your Consultation
A $150 on-site consultation retainer reserves your appointment and allows us to dedicate the time, expertise, and preparation your project deserves. If you move forward with us, that amount is credited toward your total project cost.
On-Site Assessment
Outdoor Contracting owner and field engineer, Bill Botkin, will walk the property with you, listen to your goals, and evaluate the structural realities of the space: soil, slope, drainage, utilities, load considerations, and any challenges that could affect design or performance. You get immediate expert guidance shaped by decades of project experience.
Your Customized Proposal
After the visit, we prepare and review with you a detailed proposal (and drawings when appropriate) that translate your goals into a clear, buildable plan with accurate expectations.
Why We Use a Retainer
The $150 consultation retainer is not a fee for showing up. It is an investment in the expertise that protects your project.
We approach your space with the appropriate level of care as engineers, inspectors, and architects—because lasting outdoor construction demands that level of insight.
If, for any reason, you feel the consultation does not deliver the value you expected, the retainer is refundable. We stand behind the quality of our guidance.
Your Peace of Mind Comes First
Choosing a contractor is a major decision. Our process is designed to give you transparency—what your property needs, what your project will require, and how to move forward with confidence.
When we design your outdoor space, you get more than a plan. You get a foundation for a project built to perform for a lifetime.