Getting a Head Start

Go back

In our neck of the woods, the snow is starting to melt. If you’re like “some” people I know, this also means that outdoor Christmas lights are finally getting taken down (ahem), and the topics that are on the forefront of most people’s minds at this time of year are typically something like this:

“Hmmmm….I wonder if there’s a gym in the area that I haven’t joined before, cause I’m certainly not going to face the people at the 5 gyms where I only lasted 3 weeks . . . that’s just embarrassing!”

Or, “Gee….I wonder if it’s too late to return that reindeer sweater I got from Aunt Martha . . . or maybe I should just indulge in the joy of burning it?”

Or perhaps the more common thoughts, like, “How on Earth am I going to make it through the doldrums of possibly another month of Canadian winter weather?”

Now, I’m sure there are people out there that just LOVE winter, and scrape the ice off their cars in the morning while skipping and singing a happy tune. I’m glad for them, I really am . . . but I have them in the same category as say . . . morning people. I personally just don’t get it.  Warm air vs. frostbite? That’s a pretty easy decision for me.

So why, you may ask, am I talking about my passion and philosophy behind creating outdoor retreats, when going into your backyard might be the last thing you’re thinking about right now? Oddly enough, this time of year is a very busy one for me and I’ll tell you why.  I’ve been speaking for years about the average Joe and Wendy homeowner who gather together the family, all the neighbours, and their pets . . . and anyone else in earshot or in passing cars . . . to make this famous declaration: “Next year, we are finally going to get our backyard makeover done!”  

Wanna know what typically happens? They get swept up in the busyness that is life until the weather warms up, and they suddenly remember their plans. Unfortunately, by the time they call a contractor, go through the design concepts, figure out their budget, and sign an agreement, they are shocked to discover that their project may not be completed until August, September, or even next year! I can’t tell you how many of those stunned faces I’ve seen over the years. Interior renovations are year-round—but the backyard transformation business is crammed into 8 months, people . . . .if you’re lucky! Remember, this is Canada we’re talking about. The good companies are booked early.

For me, the beginning of the year is a design smorgasbord! The savvy know to get the design process started early, so they can actually be enjoying their long sought-after backyard oasis come summer . . . as opposed to watering their dandelions with tears of procrastination regret. Okay, that might be a tad dramatic . . . but you get the point!

If you’re one of the many North Americans who find yourself nodding in agreement while you read this post, the best advice I can give you is this: Take the time now to start planning, if you haven’t already, and make sure you start with design. As always, if this is something you need a hand with, contact us to set up an introductory consultation!

Enjoy the melt, everyone!