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Patio North

Our process

One Project. One Point of Contact.

Outdoor projects bring together design decisions, permits, and several trades. Our process keeps it organized and keeps you informed, from the first conversation to the final walkthrough.

Landscape plan drawings on a table with natural stone, concrete, and paver material samplesDesign inspiration

Four stages

How your project comes together

  1. 01

    Consultation

    Discuss goals, budget, property, and inspiration.

    • A conversation about how you want to use your outdoor space, what you've seen and liked, and the budget range you're comfortable with.
    • A site visit to look at the house, grades, drainage, sun, access, and existing surfaces.
    • An honest early read on what's realistic, including when a smaller first phase makes more sense.

    You receive: A shared understanding of the project and whether we're a good fit.

  2. 02

    Planning & Proposal

    Define scope, materials, design requirements, and pricing.

    • Layout, dimensions, elevations, and material selections, reviewed with samples where helpful.
    • Identification of permits, engineering, and the licensed trades the project requires.
    • A written proposal describing what's included and what isn't, so there are no surprises later.

    You receive: A clear written scope and proposal to review at your own pace.

  3. 03

    Coordinated Construction

    Manage scheduling, subcontractors, permits, and project milestones.

    • Permits and approvals secured, and utilities located before excavation.
    • Qualified trade professionals scheduled in the right sequence, from excavation and concrete to electrical, gas, and structures.
    • Regular updates from one point of contact, including weather-related schedule changes.

    You receive: One accountable contact keeping the project moving and you informed.

  4. 04

    Final Walkthrough

    Review the completed scope, relevant testing, and final details.

    • A walkthrough of the finished work against the agreed scope.
    • Operation of systems such as snow-melting controls, louvers, lighting, and heaters, along with relevant testing documentation.
    • Care and maintenance guidance for your surfaces, structures, and seasonal preparation.

    You receive: A finished project you understand how to use and care for.

Patio slab preparation with wood forms, reinforcement, and red hydronic snow-melt tubing laid in even loops before the pourDesign inspiration

Behind the surface

The work you don't see matters most.

Base preparation, drainage, reinforcement, footings, and rough-ins for heating or utilities are buried once the project is finished. They're also what determines how it performs after years of freeze–thaw cycles.

We plan those details deliberately and sequence the trades so each layer is done properly before the next one covers it.

What you can expect

Clear communication, start to finish.

  • Written scope

    A proposal that spells out what's included, what isn't, and the assumptions behind it.

  • Realistic schedules

    Timelines that account for permits, lead times, and Western New York weather, with no promises we can't keep.

  • Licensed trades for regulated work

    Electrical, gas, and plumbing work is performed by appropriately licensed professionals under required permits.

  • Proactive updates

    You'll hear from us when something changes, not just when you ask.

Outdoor lounge with deep sofas around a square fire table beside a lit stone wall, with white hydrangeas in the foreground

Let's plan your project

Start with a conversation.

Tell us about your project, and we'll walk you through what the process looks like for your home.

Plan Your Project