A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Backyard Renovation Project in Upper Saucon Township

Starting a backyard renovation project is an exciting journey, and the first step is planning and designing your ideal outdoor space. Think about what you want from your new patio, deck, or pool: Is it a place for relaxation, entertaining guests, or spending quality time with family? Understanding your goals will help shape the vision of your project. During this phase, it’s important to work with a professional design-build firm, who can guide you through creating a plan that suits both your space and your lifestyle. Consider aspects such as how much space you have, the orientation of your property, and any municipal regulations in your municipality that could impact the design.

Selecting a Design-Build Firm

Choosing the right firm is key to a successful renovation. A reliable design-build company will take care of the entire process—from design to installation—so you can enjoy a seamless experience. When considering firms, look for experience, local knowledge, and a portfolio that aligns with your vision. Kennedy Design Build specializes in outdoor living projects in the Lehigh Valley area, including Upper Saucon Township, and we understand the unique needs and preferences of homeowners here. A firm with local expertise can help navigate permits and regulations smoothly, ensuring that your project progresses without unnecessary delays.

Setting Your Budget and Choosing Materials

Budgeting for your backyard renovation is another critical step. Start with a realistic understanding of how much you’re willing to invest, and allow room for some flexibility in case unexpected costs arise. Your budget will help determine the scope of your project, including features like deck size, pool additions, or specific types of stone or concrete products for the patio. When it comes to materials, consider options that are both aesthetically pleasing and suited to the local climate. Our team at Kennedy Design Build will help guide you through selecting materials that not only align with your vision but also provide durability, easy maintenance, and value for your investment. Other items that impact the budget of a backyard renovation project are things like access and earth moving – is the area easily accessed by equipment? Does the project require digging and removing large amounts of soil, or maybe it will require a retaining wall and bringing in truck loads of fill material? Proper site data collection is crucial during the estimating and design phase to make sure these scenarios are accounted and budgeted for to avoid unforeseen costs and scope.

Selecting a Design-Build Firm: Expertise in Local Regulations and Permitting

Choosing the right design-build firm for your backyard renovation project can make all the difference, especially when navigating the complex regulations in Upper Saucon Township. Working with a local firm that understands the intricacies of township permitting, zoning requirements, and environmental standards is crucial to a successful and stress-free project. At Kennedy Design Build, we have extensive experience in the Lehigh Valley area, including Upper Saucon Township, and we know that each project comes with its own set of challenges regarding local laws and requirements.

One of the more challenging aspects of outdoor projects here is dealing with the township’s zoning requirements and stormwater management regulations. These considerations are particularly important for projects that involve impervious surfaces, such as patios, decks and structures. Permits often require detailed stormwater calculations to ensure that runoff is managed properly, which helps prevent flooding and protects local waterways. Each Township or municipality is different, but typically in Upper Saucon Township, residents are allowed to have up to 20% of their lot covered by an impervious surface without an engineered stormwater tool being required. Impervious coverage between 20% and 30% requires an engineered grading plan and stormwater management, like a subsurface infiltration basin or permeable pavement. 30% impervious coverage is typically the maximum allowed, even with an engineered stormwater system.

This can be overwhelming for homeowners to manage on their own, which is why selecting a design-build firm with in-depth knowledge of these processes is essential. Kennedy Design Build takes care of these details, working closely with township officials to ensure that your project complies with all local codes.

Additionally, zoning regulations can determine how large your deck or patio can be, how close it can be built to your property line, and even what types of structures are allowed. A knowledgeable firm will help you navigate these regulations and ensure your design adheres to the township’s guidelines while maximizing your property’s potential. By choosing a company that understands both the regulatory landscape and your vision, you can feel confident knowing that your project will not only look great but also meet all required standards, keeping everything on schedule and within budget. At Kennedy Design Build, our goal is to seamlessly guide you through these complexities, ensuring that every detail—from permits to material selection—works in harmony to bring your dream outdoor space to life.