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Planning Guide
Gather a few details about your space, how you want to use it and what you would like to change. This guide explains what to send us, which photos help and what shapes the scope of an outdoor project in Ottawa.
Or call 613-863-9998
Before you ask for a quote, write down how you want to use the space, its rough size, what stays, and how the yard is reached. Take a few daylight photos from several angles, including the way in from the street. Note any wet spots or slopes. Send it all through the contact form or by email. Size is only one part of scope: access, grade, drainage, existing surfaces and material choices all change the work involved.
Preparation
A short written summary of the space, and what you would like it to do, gives the first conversation a place to start. These are suggestions, not extra fields you have to fill in.
To see examples of outdoor work, visit our gallery.
The contact form asks for your first name, last name, phone number, email address and project details. All five are required. You can also email [email protected], which is the easier way to send photos.
Site Photos
Photos taken on a phone are enough. A few clear daylight shots explain a property better than a long description, especially access and changes in level.
Project Scope
Two projects of a similar size can involve very different work. These are the factors that shape it.
Each service page covers its own considerations in more depth: patio installation, interlock, retaining walls, fencing and decks, outdoor lighting, water features and landscape design.
Permits and Utilities
It depends on the work and the property. Retaining walls, decks, changes to a driveway entrance, grading changes and pool enclosures are the kinds of work where rules or approvals commonly apply. Check the current City of Ottawa requirements for your address before work starts, or ask the relevant municipality if you are outside Ottawa. Mention anything you already know about permits in your project details.
Gas, hydro, cable and other lines can run under a yard. They need to be located before anyone digs. Ask about utility locates when you discuss the project.
For fences, walls and work near a lot line, gather any survey or property line information you have. Work that changes how water drains can affect neighbouring properties, so note where water goes today.
City of Ottawa information: fence rules, pool enclosure rules and building permits.
Timing
Hard landscaping such as paving, walls and steps is built on the ground, so frozen ground and snow limit that kind of work in winter. Winter is still a useful time to plan: measure, gather photos, collect ideas and send your details, so the scope is clear before the ground thaws. Freeze and thaw cycles are also why base preparation and drainage matter so much for paving and walls here.
Planning Questions
The form asks for your first name, last name, phone number, email address and project details. All five fields are required. The same form appears on the contact page and at the foot of every page.
Describe the area, how you want to use it and its approximate size. Note what stays, how the yard is reached and any drainage concerns you have noticed. If you have seen a design you like, say what appeals to you about it.
An approximate size is enough to begin with. Pace out the length and width, or measure along an existing fence or wall. Label rough measurements as approximate.
Photos of the whole area from several angles, the approach from the street or driveway, gates and side yards, any problem spots, and the view of the yard from inside the house.
How materials and equipment would reach the work area. Gate widths, narrow side yards, steps, slopes and neighbouring structures all affect what is practical.
Landscape design, patio installation, interlock installation, retaining walls, water features, outdoor lighting, and fencing and decks. One project can combine several of them.
Use the contact form, call 613-863-9998 or email [email protected].
Yes, many people plan the whole yard and build it in parts. Say so in your project details and describe which part matters most to you first, so the first stage can be planned with the later ones in mind.
It depends on the work and the address. Check current City of Ottawa requirements before work starts, and mention any permit questions in your project details. The section above lists the kinds of work where rules commonly apply.
Yes, where you can. Wiring routes for lighting and drainage details are easier to plan before a patio, walkway or wall is built than after.
Send your details and photos and tell us what you have in mind.
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Tell us about your project
Include the area, its rough size, what you would like to change and how the yard is reached. Photos help: email them to [email protected]. See our planning guide.
Landscape design, patios, interlock, retaining walls, water features, outdoor lighting, and fencing and decks in Ottawa and surrounding areas.
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