It’s cold, and all of us Illinoisans are dreaming of spring, right? But it’s actually a good thing that it’s still cold, because winter is the best time to start planning outdoor projects, for a few important reasons.
1. You Can Still Get On The Schedule
In just a couple of months, landscape and hardscape contractors have waiting lists. Planning early lets your project be among the first tackled when the weather starts cooperating, so you get to enjoy it for the whole season instead of finishing in August.
2. Permits Take Time
Depending on the scope of your project, you might need permits from your city or HOA approval. Planning early gets the paperwork in order so red tape doesn’t delay the start.
3. Design Takes Time Too
A good outdoor living space starts with how you want to use it: cooking, entertaining, a quiet spot by the fire, room for the kids to play. Winter gives you time to look at ideas, walk through options with a designer and settle on materials without feeling rushed.
4. Dreaming Makes Spring Come Faster
OK, we can’t really prove this one. But in our experience, the dreary days of winter are much easier to take when you’re picturing a beautiful new outdoor living space. Give it a try.
Where To Start
Browse our project gallery for ideas, look at typical budgets in our patio, outdoor kitchen and retaining wall cost guides, then tell us about your project. Our hardscape team designs through the winter so installs can start as soon as the ground allows.
Rather have a pro handle it? F&W has provided hardscapes for Bloomington-Normal, Peoria, and Champaign-Urbana, Illinois properties since 1989. Call (309) 664-2666 or request a free quote.