Residential inspirational photo with Origins and Dimensions featured

Start with Phase 1: Inspiration & Budget Planning

Special Note: This is the first blog of a five-blog series to help you get started on planning your project. From this first phase, “Inspiration and Budget Planning” to the last phase of “After Installation,” these blogs will help guide you every step of the way.

Let’s get started! To kick off your project, we have outlined five milestones that you’ll want to complete before you select a contractor. Plan for this inspiration and budget planning phase to take 4-6 Weeks.

1. Consider how you will use the space.

Explore all planning possibilities! Think of everything you enjoy doing outdoors. For example, do you enjoy evenings by a fire feature or perhaps by the pool? Do you grill and enjoy entertaining? Do you exercise outdoors? What type of space will accommodate these activities and benefit your family the most? To help you develop ideas and bring them to life, check out Belgard Rooms.

2. Identify styles that work with your house and landscape.

  • Southern Charm style.
    Featured: Southern Charm
  • Spanish Revival style.
    Featured: Spanish Revival
  • British Colonial style.
    Featured: British Colonial Style
  • Mountainside Retreat style.
    Featured: Mountainside Retreat
  • Modern Farmhouse style.
    Featured: Modern Farmhouse
  • Coastal Bungalow style.
    Featured: Coastal Bungalow
  • Brentwood Ranch style.
    Featured: Brentwood Ranch
  • Urban Contemporary style.
    Featured: Urban Contemporary

It’s important that your project and its products complement the architecture and landscaping of your home. This is your opportunity to research the trends in format, shape, color and texture. Explore and collect ideas of what will jive with your home and property.

3. Gather inspiration online.

A backyard featuring belgard pavers
Focus on backyard features for your outdoor enjoyment.
Driveway pavers and walls for great first impressions.
Consider all the possibilities like new patio pavers, walls and water features to enhance the look.

This is a perfect time to go online and browse inspiration for the project type you have in mind. Sources like Belgard’s Inspiration Gallery will help spark ideas to pursue. Look for ideas that will encourage more time spent outside and bring greater value and functionality to your outdoor living space.

4. Set a budget.

As a part of your project kickoff, be sure to take your budget into consideration. Research project costs in your area. This includes determining product costs, comparing products, and reaching out to neighbors who may have completed similar projects. In this phase, learn about specific construction or engineering requirements.

5. Research approval requirements with your municipality or HOA.

An image of a home using Belgard pavers.
Contact your municipality and HOA before starting a project.

You need to make sure that you will be within your HOA and municipality’s guidelines. Contact your HOA to follow their rules and regulations for your development. Check with your municipality to determine if you need permits to break ground on the project.

For more information on planning your project, visit our outdoor planning page.