How to Prepare for an Outdoor Living Consultation: Insights from Rocky Mountain Outdoor Living

Welcome to Beyond the Build, your blueprint to outdoor living. Each article is designed to help homeowners better understand what it takes to create an exceptional outdoor space. This article dives into one of the most overlooked but critical parts of any project: preparing for your contractor consultation.

Whether you are planning a swimming pool, patio, outdoor kitchen, basement renovation, or anything in between, these insights will help you make the most of the process—and avoid the missteps that lead to wasted time, frustration, and poor outcomes.

Why Preparation Matters Before Your Outdoor Living Consultation

Homeowners often assume the contractor drives the entire process. But according to Nick Liput, owner of Rocky Mountain Outdoor Living, the quality of any project begins long before designs are drawn or materials are selected. It starts with how prepared the homeowner is for that first meeting.

Being prepared is not about knowing everything. It is about having enough clarity for both sides to have a productive conversation because the best outcomes happen when the contractor’s time and the homeowner’s time are equally respected.

If you’ve ever contacted a contractor and received inconsistent communication or even been “ghosted,” there is often a reason. Most reputable contractors prioritize clients who are engaged, thoughtful, and ready to move forward.

Nick puts it plainly:“It’s a two-sided relationship. You get out of it what you put into it.”

How to Establish a Realistic Budget for Your Project

The biggest hurdle in most consultations is budget transparency. Many homeowners hesitate to share their number, thinking it will limit their options—or worse, that they will be taken advantage of. But in reality, the opposite is true.

A budget allows the contractor to design appropriately. Without it, they are designing in the dark.

What if you genuinely don’t know the budget? Nick suggests offering a range.

Something like:

• “We think we’ll be between $30K and $50K.”

• “We’re imagining something in the $70K–$90K range.”

• “We don’t want to go above $60K.”

  
  

A range gives the contractor enough structure to design realistically without boxing you in too tightly.

Nick summarizes it well: “Just be transparent. We respect every budget—$20,000 or $500,000. It’s a lot of money, no matter what.”

And yes—experienced contractors often present a design costing more than your initial number. Why? Because they’re designing based on what you say you want, not a number they have never heard.

How to Create a Clear Vision for Your Outdoor Space

No one expects you to walk into a consultation with a professional blueprint. But having a direction is essential.

Here are ways to provide a vision:

• Bring inspiration photos from Pinterest, Houzz, or Instagram.

• Create a simple mood board.

• Share how you want the space to feel.

• Explain what you want to do in the space—host parties, relax after work, let kids play, cook pizzas outdoors, watch games outside, or keep pets happy.

  
  

The first question Darby Wilcox, Senior Sales Executive at Rocky Mountain Outdoor Living, asks in every consultation is simple: “How do you plan to use this space?”

Your answer shapes everything—from layout to materials to budget.

You do not need to know the exact placement of every feature. You just need to know the purpose of the space and the activities you care about most.

What Property Information You Need Before Meeting a Contractor

This step is often overlooked but can save weeks of frustration and redesigns.

Before your consultation, gather:

• Your HOA guidelines and approval requirements

• Your plot plan (available via your local county assessor’s website)

• Any known easements, utility locations, or setback restrictions

  
  

A contractor will verify all this, but having it ready ensures your design is feasible from day one.

Nick shared a recent example of a homeowner who had all the documentation prepared. "Their project—including a swimming pool—was designed precisely around easements and utility lines because the homeowner was informed and proactive. The result? A smooth project with no surprises."

Timeline Expectations and How They Impact Your Project

Contractors prioritize projects based on readiness. If your timeline is vague or noncommittal, you naturally fall to the bottom of the stack.

Compare these two scenarios:

Scenario 1: “I don’t really know what I want. Maybe something cool. No real timeline.”

Scenario 2: “We’d like to have the project completed by next spring. We’re ready to start the planning now.”

The second scenario signals seriousness. It tells the contractor that their time investment matters—and that you are prepared to make decisions.

Why Being Prepared Creates a Better Construction Experience

Nick and Darby are clear: A contractor can provide guidance, structure, design, and execution—but the homeowner controls the experience.

If you come prepared with:

• A budget (or at least a range)

• A vision for how you want to use the space

• HOA and property documents

• A clear timeline

• Inspiration images

• An understanding of your priorities

  
  

Then your contractor can deliver exactly what you’re imagining.

If you come uncertain and unprepared, even the best contractor may struggle to meet your expectations.

Your Preparedness Drives the Quality of the Outcome

Beyond the Build exists to reduce confusion and frustration on both sides of the project.

Most homeowners only take on one or two major outdoor living projects in their lifetime. The process feels new and overwhelming. Rocky Mountain Outdoor Living created this series to demystify the experience and help homeowners feel confident and informed.

Nick sums it up: “When homeowners are prepared, the consultation is valuable for both sides. It sets the foundation for a great project.”

Final Thoughts: Preparation Is the Foundation of a Great Outdoor Living Space

Outdoor living spaces are significant investments—whether $10,000 or $500,000. They deserve thoughtful planning. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring the design matches your vision, the budget aligns with your expectations, and the experience feels smooth and rewarding.

Rocky Mountain Outdoor Living is here to guide you from concept to completion—but the best projects begin with a prepared homeowner.

Stay tuned for the next release from Beyond the Build, where Nick Liput breaks down exactly what a consultation should look like and the questions you should ask to get the most out of your contractor.