Plan for a Successful Patio or Deck Project by Using SMART Goals

Avoid confusion, frustration, and set up for a stress free patio or deck project when you use SMART Goals.

Be SMART

Your backyard is part of your home. The process of building something inside or outside is much easier when things are clear, well thought out, and defined. Using Peter Drucker’s concept, we can apply S.M.A.R.T principles to your project. The Valley Deck & Patio team strives to be Specific, Measurable, Acceptable, Realistic, and Time Bound with each and every client.

Specific

Know what is and what is not included in the project. Do you want to have a lawn restoration package of seed and straw or new sod after construction? What color or style of material is going to be installed? Make sure your desires are all spelled out. We want you to be happy at the end and that is a lot easier when we are on the same page.

Measurable

The contract you receive should quantify in numbers and sizes what is included. Dimensions of the deck, total square feet of patio, and the number and size of trees being planted are clearly defined.

Acceptable

Review all the terms of the contract and make sure they are acceptable and reasonable. Do not enter a contract to build a new patio or deck that has terms you can not live with.

Realistic

Ensure that the information you receive is realistic. If two people tell you the project will cost $50,000 and will take 3 weeks to build and a third person says its $25,000 and he will have it done in a week there might be an issue with person number three.

Time-Bound

All proposals and contracts need to include basic timelines to get started and how long it will take to finish. More complicated projects with multiple elements and vendors are more difficult to pin-point. However, you should not be left in the dark.

Credits

This information about SMART goals was taken from an article written by Hope Dorman. If you would like to access the original article you may view it on houzz.com.