How We Work: From Vision to Finished Outdoor Space
A successful outdoor living project starts with a clear understanding of what you want to build, how you plan to use it, and what matters most to you. Builders America takes you through each stage of the project, from the first conversation and design through permitting, construction, inspections, and the final walkthrough.
Our process is designed to keep the scope, costs, timeline, and next steps clear as the project moves forward.
Our Process, Step by Step
The first step is a conversation about the space you want to create.
We want to know how you plan to use the finished project and what you would like it to look like. Photos, Pinterest boards, examples of projects you like, and other sources of inspiration can help communicate your ideas. Your ideas might involve anything from custom decks to sunrooms, depending on how you want to use the space.
We also establish the project scope. That means identifying what is included, what falls outside the project, which features are essential, and which are simply nice to have.
Your budget is part of this conversation, too. Having that information early gives our team a better foundation for developing a practical solution.
Once we understand your goals, scope, needs, and budget, we develop a project solution around them.
The design process also takes practical requirements into account. Building codes, property conditions, and HOA restrictions can all affect what can be built and how the project needs to be approached.
We can also identify alternative styles, additional features, or opportunities to reduce costs across different types of outdoor structures. The goal is to develop a plan that makes sense for both the space and the priorities you established at the beginning.
Once the proposal is complete, we walk through it with you in person or over Zoom.
The proposal outlines the project details, contractual terms, and pricing so you can understand what is being proposed before the project moves forward.
This is also the point to ask questions, discuss the scope, and make sure the proposed work matches what you had in mind.
Many significant outdoor living and remodeling projects require permits, particularly those involving structural changes or modifications to a home's original footprint.
Builders America prepares the required project documentation and manages the permit application process. This can include engineering drawings, a property survey or site plan, permit applications, and other forms required by the local jurisdiction.
Homeowners may already have a property survey or site plan available. When one is not available, Builders America can help coordinate with a licensed surveyor to obtain the documentation needed for the project.
The same project information may also be used when HOA approval is required.Permit requirements and processes vary by city and county. Developing the drawings, submitting the application, and receiving approval can take 3–12 weeks or longer, depending on the jurisdiction.
Permit fees are collected by the local government and vary by location and project cost. These fees are a separate pass-through cost to the homeowner and are not included in the total contract amount.
Once we have the necessary permits, the project moves into scheduling.
We order materials and schedule the crews responsible for the work. Standard materials such as lumber and decking are often available within a few days of ordering.
Specialty and custom products can take longer. Windows and doors, metal railings, tile, and aluminum structures, for example, may take up to two months to obtain.
Material availability can affect the overall project schedule, so we factor these lead times into planning.
With the necessary planning, permits, materials, and crews in place, construction can begin.
We coordinate the start date with you and determine the best location for materials and the dump trailer before work begins.
From there, the project progresses according to the agreed scope and schedule, with inspections taking place at the stages required by the local jurisdiction.
You’ll have a clear understanding of where the project stands throughout construction.
You will receive regular updates on the project's status. We schedule required inspections as the work progresses.
Inspections can affect the construction sequence. In many cases, work cannot proceed to the next stage until the required inspection is completed.
Weather can also affect the schedule. Severe rain, extreme heat, and cold conditions can make outdoor construction unsafe. Georgia’s relatively mild winters help, but weather-related delays are still possible on any outdoor project.
Want to see what these projects look like once they’re complete?
View our portfolio to see examples of Builders America projects.
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Understanding Your Project Timeline
Every project is different, but these ranges can help you plan.
Permitting
Developing the required drawings and documentation and obtaining approval can take 3–12 weeks or longer, depending on the jurisdiction.
Materials
Many standard materials are available within a few days. Specialty and custom-made products may take up to two months.
Construction
The construction period depends on the project's size and complexity. Porch window installations typically take 1–2 days after materials are received. Deck projects generally take 4–6 weeks, depending on size. Larger projects, including porches and sunrooms, can take 3–6 months.
Inspections
Required inspections occur at predetermined stages for permitted projects and can affect when work can continue.
These timeframes are planning references, not fixed completion dates. The actual schedule depends on the individual project and circumstances that arise along the way.
Have More Questions?
Payments are tied to defined stages in your project contract.
Deposit: We collect the initial deposit upon signing the contract. It reserves a place on the schedule and authorizes Builders America to begin planning, scheduling, and permitting work.
Milestones: The contract identifies project-specific milestones and corresponding payments. This gives Builders America the funds needed for labor and materials while helping to prevent the homeowner from paying too far in advance.
Change Orders: Project changes may affect costs or the payment schedule. Those changes are documented separately so the scope and financial impact are clear.
Substantial Completion: The final significant payment is due upon substantial completion, after the project reaches that stage and the required inspections are complete.
Final Walkthrough: A final walkthrough occurs once the work is complete and the initial punch-list items have been addressed. The team identifies and handles any remaining items before the final project payment is due.
Construction projects can change along the way. A homeowner may decide to modify part of the scope. A material may need to be changed. Site conditions can also affect the original plan.
Those changes are documented through a change order.
The change order explains what is being changed and identifies any financial impact. Additional costs may be due upon signing the change agreement or upon incorporation into the existing payment schedule, depending on the terms outlined in the change order.
This gives everyone a clear record of what changed before it becomes part of the project.
A permitted project requires a final inspection by the appropriate city or county building department before it can issue a certificate of completion.
The final inspection confirms that the project has reached substantial completion. You may still need to address some punch-list items at this stage.
Once the work is complete and the initial punch-list items are addressed, a member of the Builders America leadership team will conduct a final walkthrough with you.
The walkthrough gives you an opportunity to review the finished project and confirm that you’re satisfied with the work. We'll also review any applicable mechanical features, including their operation and care.
This final stage identifies and addresses any outstanding punch-list items.
Our involvement doesn’t necessarily end when construction is complete.
Builders America offers the original homeowner a limited lifetime warranty on the work we perform. The warranty requires proper maintenance and does not cover natural weathering, warping, or twisting of pressure-treated lumber, or other conditions beyond Builders America’s control. The full warranty terms are included in the project contract.
We also honor applicable manufacturer warranties for materials supplied and installed by Builders America. If a material warranty claim arises, we can work with the original homeowner to file and resolve it.
Depending on the manufacturer’s warranty, shipping, labor, or prorated material charges may apply.
Ready to Discuss Your Outdoor Living Project?
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