THE BILDEN PROCESS

A clear plan.
A space worth building.

From the first conversation to the final walkthrough, understand the decisions, preparation and coordination behind your outdoor living project.

Discuss your project

Decks & structures by BILDEN. Hardscape & landscapes by Genesis.

A homeowner and project professional discussing the garden and outdoor living layout.
01 / Discover · AI-generated concept illustration

01 / DISCOVER

Start with the way you want to live outdoors.

We begin with your home, your priorities and the experience you want to create. A quiet screened porch, a larger entertaining deck and a complete backyard each call for a different scope. Defining that purpose early makes later decisions more useful.

The conversation

Share your address, project goals, approximate investment range and preferred timing. Tell us what works today, what does not, and which improvements matter most.

The property

Discuss access, existing structures, changes in grade, drainage concerns, utilities and the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces. A site visit helps clarify conditions that photographs cannot fully explain.

Your part

Gather current photos, inspiration images and any survey, existing plans or HOA information you already have. You do not need a finished design to start.

What moves forward

A shared project brief and a clear next step based on location, scope and scheduling fit.

Material samples and an outdoor living plan being reviewed at a design table.
02 / Define · AI-generated concept illustration

02 / DEFINE

Make the important decisions before the work begins.

Ideas become a written scope through layout decisions, material selections and an understanding of the work required. This is where we connect the look of the finished space with the practical details of building it.

Design and selections

Review the arrangement of decks, covered spaces, patios and circulation. Compare relevant finishes, railing styles, pavers, kitchen components, lighting and planting priorities. Design and engineering services are identified in the project scope where needed.

Proposal and responsibilities

Review inclusions, exclusions, allowances, payment milestones and responsibilities. Identify who will coordinate drawings, applicable approvals and product selections. Confirm these details in the written agreement before proceeding.

Your part

Choose your must-haves, identify flexible items and review the proposal carefully. Ask how allowances and unresolved selections may affect the final price.

What moves forward

An agreed scope and a documented basis for pricing, responsibilities and the construction agreement.

Illustrative construction scene showing deck framing and patio preparation beside a home.
03 / Prepare & build · AI-generated concept illustration

03 / PREPARE & BUILD

Coordinate the details. Then bring the plan to life.

Preparation connects the agreed scope to the work on site. Material availability, required approvals, site access and trade sequencing all influence when construction can begin and how it progresses.

Before mobilization

Confirm the current schedule, access route, material staging area and site protection approach. Discuss pets, gates, parking and any household needs that affect access. Confirm approval and inspection responsibilities applicable to the project.

During construction

Sequence structural work, hardscape, outdoor kitchen components, lighting and landscape installation as the project requires. Keep questions and decisions with the agreed project contact. Weather, deliveries and conditions uncovered on site can require schedule adjustments.

Your part

Keep the agreed access route available and make outstanding selections on time. If you want a change, discuss its cost and schedule impact and document approval before that work proceeds.

What moves forward

Work coordinated around the agreed documents, with changes and next steps kept visible.

Homeowners and a project professional walking through an illustrative completed patio and garden.
04 / Walk through & close out · AI-generated concept illustration

04 / WALK THROUGH & CLOSE OUT

Understand the finished space—and how to care for it.

The final walkthrough is a chance to review the completed work together, ask practical questions and identify any remaining items. A thoughtful handoff helps you move from construction into everyday use.

Walkthrough and remaining items

Review the agreed scope and the operation of included features. Record remaining items, who is responsible and the expected follow-up. Confirm the status of applicable inspections and closeout requirements.

Care and documentation

Review available product manuals, care guidance and warranty documents for installed products. Discuss maintenance needs for surfaces, finishes and planting, and identify the appropriate contact for follow-up questions.

Your part

Attend the walkthrough when possible, keep a list of questions and save your project documents and product information together.

What moves forward

A documented handoff, a clear understanding of remaining items and information for using and maintaining your space.

ONE CONNECTED PROJECT

Plan the whole space.
Coordinate each specialty.

A deck, patio and garden should work together. Early coordination helps resolve elevations, circulation, drainage, utility routes and the order of installation before individual pieces are built.

BILDEN

Decks, screened and covered porches, pergolas, sunrooms and other structural construction within the agreed scope.

Explore BILDEN services

Genesis Outdoor Living

Hardscape, patios, outdoor kitchens, lighting, landscape design, planting and nonstructural site improvements.

Explore the Genesis division

COMMUNICATION & EXPECTATIONS

Know what happens next.

Before work begins, agree on the project contact, how updates will be shared and how decisions will be recorded. Use one clear record for selections, questions and approved changes.

Your signed agreement establishes the specific services, scope, payment terms and commitments for your project.

Five things to clarify early

  1. The exact work included—and what is excluded.
  2. Selections still open and when decisions are needed.
  3. Who coordinates drawings, approvals and inspections.
  4. Access, staging and protection during construction.
  5. How changes, remaining items and closeout are documented.
Read the investment planning guide

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Your process questions, answered.

How long will my project take?

Timing depends on scope, design decisions, applicable approvals, product availability, weather and site conditions. Planning and procurement happen before construction. Discuss these phases separately; the project-specific schedule should follow a defined scope rather than a general website estimate.

Can BILDEN and Genesis work on one project?

Yes. BILDEN focuses on structural work such as decks, porches and outdoor structures. Genesis is the BILDEN division for hardscape, outdoor kitchens, lighting, landscape design and planting. A combined project needs coordinated connections and sequencing—for example, planning utilities before a patio surface is installed.

Do I need plans before contacting you?

No. Start with your goals, address and available photographs. Existing surveys, plans and inspiration are helpful if you have them. The planning conversation identifies what further design or professional documentation the project needs.

Who handles permits and HOA submissions?

Responsibilities are identified for the specific project and confirmed in the agreement. HOA review and local approvals are separate processes. Share community requirements early so the team can discuss documents, responsibilities and timing before work starts.

What happens if I change my mind during construction?

Bring the request to your project contact before the affected work proceeds. Review the proposed scope, price, material implications and schedule impact, then record the approved change in writing.

How are payments and warranties handled?

Your signed agreement sets payment terms and project commitments. Applicable product warranties and care requirements come from the relevant project and manufacturer documentation. Review both before signing and retain copies at closeout.

YOUR NEXT STEP

Tell us what you have in mind.

Share your address, the type of space you want, your investment range and your timing priorities. We’ll review the project fit and discuss the next step.

Start your projectCall (703) 728-8544