Without a clear process
- Guesswork on measurements
- Budget surprises later
- Design changes during construction
- Delays from missing details
- Stress for the homeowner
Our Process
The Process That Keeps Your Project On Track
Before we build, we measure, plan, design, price, and coordinate the details that can make or break an outdoor living project.
- Prevents costly surprises
- Aligns design with budget
- Builds with confidence
Why this matters
Most Project Overruns Start Before Construction Begins
A buildable plan helps homeowners move from uncertainty to clarity. When measurements, elevations, drainage, materials, and scope are understood early, the budget is less likely to change later for avoidable reasons.
With POL's 5-step process
- Accurate site analysis
- Scope and pricing reviewed early
- Design decisions made before construction
- Crews start with a clear plan
- Clear communication and next steps
The 5-step process
Planning First, Building With Confidence
Each step narrows the unknowns before construction begins, so your outdoor living project can move from idea to build plan with fewer avoidable surprises.
Step 01
Site Analysis
We measure the property before we design.
What happens
Our team documents existing property conditions using a Leica LiDAR scanner alongside precise field measurements, capturing elevations, drainage, access, utilities, structures, hardscape, and other site details for your designer.
Why it matters
The design starts with real information instead of assumptions.
How it saves money
Accurate site data helps avoid redesigns, drainage mistakes, grading issues, and unexpected construction changes.
Step 02
Designer Meeting
We shape the vision around your goals and budget.
What happens
Your designer uses the site analysis to begin shaping a plan for how you want to live outside.
Why it matters
The project direction is guided by both creativity and buildability.
How it saves money
Early budget conversations help prevent designing a project that looks great but is unrealistic to build.
Step 03
Conceptual Design
We refine the layout, materials, and project direction.
What happens
Layouts, materials, planting, hardscape, and major features are reviewed together so the outdoor space feels cohesive.
Why it matters
The project becomes more specific before construction decisions are locked in.
How it saves money
Decisions made here reduce last-minute material changes, redesigns, and delays later.
Step 04
3D Renderings and Final Plan
You see the project before construction begins.
What happens
3D renderings help you understand the finished space before committing to construction.
Why it matters
You can make confident decisions before crews are scheduled and materials are ordered.
How it saves money
It is much less expensive to adjust a design on screen than after construction has started.
Step 05
Construction
Our team builds from a clear plan.
What happens
The designer, job coordinator, and in-house crews are aligned on the plan, scope, materials, and schedule.
Why it matters
Everyone starts construction with the same expectations and direction.
How it saves money
A clear build plan reduces confusion, rework, delays, and miscommunication.
The cost of skipping planning
Skipping Planning Does Not Save Money. It Usually Moves the Cost Later.
A rushed estimate may feel faster upfront, but if the property is not measured correctly, drainage is misunderstood, or materials are not selected early, the real cost often appears during construction. That is when changes become more expensive.
Redesigns
When measurements or site conditions are wrong, the plan may need to be redrawn after decisions have already been made.
Change Orders
When scope, materials, or site constraints are unclear, new costs can appear after construction is underway.
Delays
When selections, permits, access, or construction details are not aligned early, the schedule is easier to disrupt.
The process in practice
See the 5-Step Process Come to Life
This project began with a challenging site and several outdoor-living goals. See how accurate site information, thoughtful design development, and clear construction planning shaped the finished space.
Step 1 of 5
Site Analysis
Documenting the real site conditions
The team measured elevations, drainage, access, and existing structures on this property using a Leica LiDAR scanner, giving the designer a precise, to-scale record of the site before any design work began.
Deliverable
A complete site survey, existing-conditions report, and a 3D LiDAR scan of the property, yours to keep for future projects.
Why it matters: The design starts with real information instead of assumptions.
Questions homeowners ask
Process FAQ
Why do I need a site analysis before getting a final price?
A final price depends on real property conditions. Measurements, elevations, drainage, access, utilities, and existing structures can all affect the plan and the cost. The site analysis helps us price the actual project instead of guessing from a quick look.
Does the design process add cost?
The process is an upfront planning investment that helps clarify scope, materials, and build details before construction begins. It can help reduce avoidable redesigns, unclear allowances, and expensive decisions made too late.
Can you just give me a quick estimate?
We can discuss a general range, but a quick estimate is not the same as a build-ready plan. For meaningful pricing, the property needs to be measured, the scope needs to be defined, and the design needs to be aligned with the budget.
What happens if my budget does not match my wish list?
That conversation happens early. Your designer can help prioritize the most important parts of the project, phase the work when appropriate, or adjust materials and scope so the plan is more realistic.
Why is 3D important?
3D renderings help you understand scale, layout, materials, and how the finished space will feel. It is easier to make changes on screen than after crews are scheduled and materials are ordered.
How does this process help prevent change orders?
Change orders often happen when details are missing or assumptions are wrong. By measuring first, reviewing scope early, selecting materials, and coordinating the construction plan, the process helps reduce avoidable surprises.
Who manages the project during construction?
Your designer, job coordinator, and in-house crews work from the same plan. The job coordinator becomes your point of contact during construction and helps keep communication clear as the project moves forward.
Start smarter
Start With a Plan That Protects Your Project
Tell us about your property, your goals, and how you want to use the space. We'll help you understand the right next step.
Schedule Your Consultation