A tenured patio contractor near Chagrin Falls, Ohio exposes the secrets behind delivering some of the best paver patio installations in Northeast Ohio.
Typically, when I write a blog, I try to stay away from the technical aspects of our process, especially when it involves the details of installing a paver patio. Not because I think I’m giving away trade secrets, but because every project starts with something more important than the trades themselves: forming a relationship with clients in need of a paver patio.
So I don’t think it’s always appropriate to discuss the technical details of the installation process of what could be the most used space in your backyard landscape. It is important to me, however, that a client who is anticipating one of our patio installations is communicated with clearly when it comes time to provide a critical path to completion.
Research is key when investing in a major project for your home and landscape. Over the past 20 years, I have seen landscaping become synonymous with hardscaping. More and more landscapers are offering these services, so it’s important to the owner that they choose the right contractor for their patio project.
I think that’s why you’re here. You’re curious about the process and want to feel comfortable with the contractor you select.
This blog will not cover each specific step in the construction process of a paver patio project but instead serves to develop an understanding of the system we use to keep communication open with the owners, technicians and other parties involved.
The Conversation About Planning your Patio
Cookie cutter homes do not equate to cookie cutter patios. In fact, patios are one of the few additions an owner can implement to really show their personality. Conversations with our clients are realistic, honest, and focus on your lifestyle. This conversation should feel healthy and begin to curate a lasting relationship. Our goal is to design and build the patio you want, not the one we think you should choose.
Phase 1: Designing a Paver Patio
Some customers become curious when we start talking about drawings for their patio project. You may not be aware that drawings are an essential tool used to successfully execute and build your patio project. Drawings are scaled and provide property owners with a clear representation of the finished project. Additionally, they allow the designer to address feasible solutions and remediate constraints before problems manifest themselves in the field.
Increasingly, we are seeing AI-generated concepts provided by owners, and we welcome them with open arms. This new technology can help provide a visual representation of the owner’s expectations and these generated concepts allow our designers to focus on details of planning without taking a big chunk out of the design timeline. The design phase can take a week to many months depending on scope and complexity.
Phase 2: Submittals and Selecting Materials for your Patio
Submittals are crucial to the design process, and for many owners, this is the most exciting step. Submittals define materials that will be used, and when appropriate, certain patterns and specifications for the materials themselves.
Online shopping at one time was a fad, but today it’s a way of life for many. Fortunately, this type of shopping access has integrated into the construction industry, and owners can browse entire stone yards from their home or office. This allows owners to consolidate their options when they arrive at the stone yard to choose their materials in person and participate in crafting the finished product. Submittals allow designers to conceptualize the entire installation with the specific materials in mind. This phase is huge for property owners and has the shortest timeline in the entire patio project, typically only taking a few days.
Phase 3: The Critical Path to Installation
A critical path is vital to the success of your patio project. It facilitates a means for the variety of different trades necessary to a successful installation to cooperate with deadlines, and provides clarity for both crews and owners as to what is expected on each day, week and month.
This step is all about creating a smooth process. A critical path shows when certain events in the project should be executed, bringing together many facets of the larger project working in unison. The length of the critical path is from conception to finished product and at times may represent a maintenance period.
Each technician has a skill set to accomplish certain tasks, there is no one-size-fits-all installer when it comes to custom paver patios. This is why such an intricate process is necessary to bring every skillset to one table and execute tasks in order and in unison.
Custom Paver Patios and Outdoor Living Spaces by Carmel Landscapes
A well-crafted paver patio becomes the foundation of your outdoor living space, where morning coffee turns into evening gatherings and conversations last long after sunset. Our professional patio contractors specialize in custom design and meticulous installation, building stone and paver patios designed to last.
The designers and masons of Carmel Landscapes approach every patio installation with your lifestyle in mind. As a Certified CMHA Contractor, our expertise meets the highest standards in hardscape construction, and we back our work with a reliable warranty for peace of mind.
Contact us to learn more and schedule your free consultation.
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Carmel Landscapes is seeking motivated, skilled workers to join our team. Skilled laborers are needed for our high-end hardscape projects. Horticulture and landscape technicians are needed to help design, plant and maintain our sustainable, eco-friendly projects.
We value hard work, craftsmanship and an eye for detail, offering competitive pay and full-time employees enjoy benefits and PTO.
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