How we work
A complete design-build process, start to finish.
Innova Hardscapes and Landscapes handles landscape design, hardscape construction, and outdoor living spaces as one connected process — not separate vendors passing your project between them.
The six steps
How a project moves from idea to finished space.
Every project — whether it's one feature or a complete outdoor living space — moves through the same six steps. The scope changes with the project; the process doesn't.
- 01
Initial consultation
It starts with you telling us about your property and what you have in mind, through our estimate form or by reaching out directly. We use that to understand the scope before we ever set foot on the property.
- 02
Site evaluation and discovery
We walk the property with you — grading, drainage, sun exposure, existing trees and structures, how the space connects to the rest of the yard. This is where a design actually gets grounded in the real site, not a generic plan.
- 03
Design and proposal
From the site visit, we put together a design concept alongside a clear, itemized proposal — what’s included, not a vague allowance you have to guess at later.
- 04
Planning and scheduling
Once a design and proposal are approved, the project moves into scheduling — materials get ordered and the work gets a place on our build calendar.
- 05
Construction and installation
Your project is built by our team, with a dedicated point of contact from the first day of work through completion — the same people who scoped it are accountable for building it.
- 06
Final walkthrough and project closeout
We walk the finished space with you, confirm it matches the approved design and proposal, and address anything that needs a final touch before we consider the project complete.
Before you reach out
What to have ready.
None of this is required to get started, but having it in mind makes the initial consultation and site visit more productive.
- Think through how you actually want to use the space — everyday relaxation, hosting, kids or pets, or some mix — since that shapes the design more than any material choice
- Gather any inspiration photos or specific features you already know you want, even if the rest of the vision is still loose
- Have a general sense of your budget range in mind, so we can scope options that fit rather than guessing
- Be available for the initial site walk-through — this is where the plan actually gets grounded in your property
- Note anything you already know affects the project — property lines, HOA guidelines if applicable, buried utility lines, irrigation — so we can plan around it from the start
A finished space that matches the plan — the goal of every step in the process.
Working together
Communication expectations.
- One dedicated point of contact for your project, from the first conversation through the final walkthrough — not routed between departments
- A clear, itemized proposal before work starts, so scope is written down rather than assumed
- Design, materials, and construction handled by the same team, so decisions made at the design stage carry through to how the project is actually built
What we do
Related services.
This process applies across our full range of services — explore each one below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the whole process take, from first consultation to final walkthrough?
It depends on the scope of your project, the season, and our current schedule — we’ll give you a specific timeline once we’ve walked the property and scoped the work.
Do you handle both design and construction, or just one?
Both. Design, materials, and construction stay connected from the first conversation through the final walkthrough, rather than being split across separate design and build vendors.
Do you only take on full-yard renovations, or smaller projects too?
We take on projects of any size, from a single feature to a complete outdoor living space — the same six-step process applies either way, just scaled to the project.
Who is responsible for permits?
It depends on the scope of work and your local jurisdiction — we’ll confirm exactly what’s needed and who’s responsible for it as part of your proposal, rather than assuming the same answer applies to every project.
Do I need to be home during construction?
Not for the entire project, but we’ll coordinate with you on site access and keep you in the loop as work progresses.
Ready to start the process?
Tell us about your space and we'll follow up to schedule your initial consultation.