FAQ

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What exactly does Tilson Outdoors do?

 
We specialize in the design and installation of custom outdoor living spaces and landscaping. This includes paver patios, fire pits, retaining walls, landscape lighting, and outdoor rooms. Our in-house team builds your project from start to finish. We do not subcontract except for licensed electricians and plumbers, and occasionally, we partner with a local concrete company. That means Caleb and Richard will be at your jobsite along with our small team of meticulously trained employees. We work on one project at a time until it is completed.

What is the size of your company?

 
At Tilson Outdoors, we pride ourselves on the relationships we build with our clients. In order to offer this one-on-one service, we keep our company small, hiring only those who add value to your experience and meet our high standards of installation. We are passionate not only about completing beautiful projects but also cultivating relationships with our clients, allowing them to have a valuable experience from start to finish.

Do you provide free estimates?

Yes, however, we don’t do estimates; we do proposals, so you know exactly what to expect for your project. Once you decide our company is a good fit, we schedule an on-site consultation where we discuss your project, assess the site and conditions, and take measurements. We then take all of that back to our office where we formulate a proposal with an exact plan and exact price of what it will take to construct your project. Our initial meeting is approximately 45 minutes and we spend about 2-5 hours formulating the proposal in our office, depending on the size and scope of the project.

How much do your projects typically cost?

Our projects start around $5k. A typical project includes an outdoor living space with one or two amenities such as a seat wall or fire pit and is surrounded by complementary landscaping and will range in price from $10-25k. Larger projects that include multiple living spaces, gazebos or pavilions, outdoor kitchen elements, landscape lighting, and custom design features usually start around $30k and go up from there.

Why do you need to know my budget?

 
We need you to be open to discussing the amount of money you would like to spend on your completed project. This might be your first time hiring a landscape contractor, and we will guide you through each step. We want to avoid designing an outdoor space that you love, but that is outside your budget to install. We can give you better options if we know what your budget is before we begin the design. This is how we ensure we stretch your dollar and deliver the outcome you expected.

How much does a design cost?

 
Our custom design service costs $75 per hour. The design fee will vary depending on the size of the project. Typically design fees range between $250 – $1,000.

Do you require a deposit?

 
Yes, we do. Once you accept our proposal, we collect an initial deposit of $750 to hold your place. We book projects 2-4 months in advance. A second deposit of 50% (less the initial deposit) is due upon start of work. These deposits, as well as payment outline and due dates, are written into the contract which is sent via DocuSign to sign electronically. This way you have digital access to your contract at any time.

How far out are you booking projects?

 
We book projects 2-4 months in advance. Seasonal peak times (March – June) and weather conditions may increase this time.

Why hire us over someone else?

 
We are incredibly passionate about not just hardscaping but creating spaces where you can enjoy time with friends and family and create memories for many years to come. Our craftsmanship and attention to detail is second to none. And the meticulousness with which we create custom designs sets us apart from our competitors. When you hire us, you hire the owners of the company, not subcontractors, which means Caleb and Richard are on the job site from start to finish. You are getting the Tilson Family working on each step of your project as if it were in our own backyard. We attend contractor certification workshops and keep abreast of the latest industry standards – for example, did you know that it is a requirement to control concrete and stone dust when cutting to ensure harmful microscopic dust does not seep into the air around the job site and your lungs? We use “wet-cut” saws to keep both our team and your family safe. This is an extra step and precaution that we take that sets us apart from our competitors. We hold ourselves to the highest standards with installation, even if we have to take extra time or extra steps to ensure the longevity of your outdoor space. In addition to our detailed-oriented design and installation, we pride ourselves on the relationships cultivated with our clients. We have been invited to many a barbecue, shrimp boil, and even to take our baby to look at cows on a client’s farm! People that started as clients are now friends just by nature of the interaction with Caleb and Richard during the entire process.

I want to hire you, now what?!

 
You can use our contact form or call us at (336) 757-0371.