How to Compare Outdoor Living Bids and Budgets

What Homeowners Need to Know Before Choosing a Contractor

After meeting with contractors and completing consultations, most homeowners believe the hard part is over. In reality, the most confusing and most important phase often begins when the bids arrive.

In this edition of Beyond the Build, the team at Rocky Mountain Outdoor Living breaks down how to review outdoor living bids, understand pricing differences, and avoid costly surprises during construction.

Why Outdoor Living Bids Are So Hard to Compare

Whether you are planning a swimming pool, patio, deck, or a full backyard transformation, contractor bids rarely look the same. Even when projects appear similar on paper, pricing can vary dramatically.

This is not always a sign of dishonesty, but it is a signal to look deeper.

Many homeowners assume price differences mean one contractor is overcharging. In reality, the variation usually comes down to clarity, scope, materials, and experience.

What a Good Outdoor Living Bid Should Include

Clear Scope of Work With Itemized Pricing

A strong bid clearly separates each part of the project. Instead of a single lump sum, you should see pricing broken out by scope, such as:

• Patio construction

• Pool installation

• Hardscape materials

• Landscaping

• Electrical and gas allowances

• Site restoration

If everything is bundled into a single price, you should request clarification. A lack of separation often hides missing components.

Why Broad, Open-Ended Bids Create Expensive Change Orders

When bids lack detail, they often rely on change orders later in the project. This can result in:

• Unexpected cost increases

• Budget overruns

• Frustration and mistrust

Transparent contractors prefer to identify potential costs upfront—even when exact numbers are not yet known—so homeowners can plan realistically.

Materials Matter More Than Square Foot Pricing

Not All Patios, Pools, or Pavers Are Created Equal

Two bids may both list a 400-square-foot patio, yet be priced thousands of dollars apart.

The reason is often materials.

For example:

• Different paver manufacturers carry vastly different price points

• Tree size and species significantly impact landscaping costs

• Tile, coping, and finishes vary widely in quality and price

Without material specifications, homeowners are not comparing equal projects.

Understanding Allowances in Outdoor Living Proposals

Allowances are not red flags when handled properly. They are placeholders for items that vary based on existing conditions, such as:

• Electrical upgrades

• Gas line routing

• Drainage adjustments

• Site restoration

A responsible contractor highlights allowances clearly and explains what could change and why.

Why Transparency Often Looks “More Expensive” at First

We frequently hear: “You’re 20–30% higher than the other bids," when our new customers are comparing their outdoor living bids.

In many cases, that difference comes from including costs others omit, such as:

• Electrical work

• Gas connections

• Permits and engineering

• Landscape restoration after construction

When these costs appear later as change orders, the originally “cheaper” bid often becomes the most expensive option.

How Contractors Should Price Outdoor Living Projects

Pricing Should Be Based on Real Costs, Not Guesswork

Professional contractors price projects by accounting for:

• Materials

• Labor

• Subcontractors

• Equipment

• Overhead and operating costs

Pricing solely by square footage is a major red flag. Outdoor projects include fixed costs that do not scale linearly, such as equipment rentals or short-load fees.

Why Homeowners Should Want Contractors to Be Profitable

It may seem counterintuitive, but homeowners should want their contractor to make

money.

A contractor operating on razor-thin margins may:

• Cut corners

• Disappear mid-project

• Be unavailable for warranty issues

A sustainable business is more likely to stand behind its work long after construction ends.

Red Flags to Watch for When Reviewing Bids

Be cautious if a contractor:

• Writes a bid on-site without proper evaluation

• Avoids explaining pricing details

• Lists numerous items as “not included” without discussion

• Pushes for immediate commitment based on price alone

Outdoor living projects are long-term investments. High-pressure sales tactics rarely end well.

Why Clarity Creates Better Outcomes for Everyone

When homeowners understand exactly what they are paying for, projects run smoothly.

Clear bids lead to:

• Fewer disputes

• Better budgeting

• Stronger contractor-client relationships

• Higher overall satisfaction

At Rocky Mountain Outdoor Living, transparency is intentional. The goal is not just to build beautiful outdoor spaces, but to deliver a better experience from start to finish.

Final Thoughts: Compare Outdoor Living Bids With Confidence

When reviewing outdoor living bids, focus less on the bottom-line number and more on what is included.

Ask questions. Request clarification. Choose a contractor who is willing to educate you rather than rush you.

For more guidance, explore the full Beyond the Build series from Rocky Mountain Outdoor Living, your blueprint to a smarter, more informed outdoor living project.