The Valley Design Build Process: From Dream to Reality

You have an idea. Maybe it's a pool that disappears into the landscape. A pumptrack your kids will ride every day. A backyard transformation that makes your property the destination you've always imagined.
How does that idea become reality?
The gap between vision and completion is where design-build happens. It's not magic, but it is a process that requires experience, communication, and craftsmanship at every stage.
Here's what working with Valley Design Build actually looks like.

Phase 1: Initial Conversation

Every project starts with talking.
What We Ask
Our first conversation explores the basics:

• What do you want to create? (Even vague answers work—"something amazing for the kids" tells us plenty)
• Who will use it? (Ages, abilities, interests)
• What's the property like? (Existing features, constraints, opportunities)
• What's the timeline? (Some projects have hard deadlines; others are open-ended)
• What's the investment range? (We work across budgets, but alignment matters)

What You Should Ask
Questions that help you evaluate us:

• Can you show examples of similar projects?
• Who would be working on our project?
• What's your typical timeline for projects like this?
• How do you handle unexpected issues during construction?
• What makes you different from other contractors?

After the Call
If there's mutual interest, we schedule a site visit. No charge, no obligation. We need to see your property to give you real answers.

Phase 2: Site Visit and Discovery

We come to you.
What We're Evaluating
On-site, we assess:

• Access - How do equipment and materials reach the work area?
• Utilities - Where are electrical, water, and gas lines?
• Drainage - How does water currently move across the property?
• Views - What should be preserved, enhanced, or screened?
• Sun exposure - How do shadows move through the day and seasons?
• Existing features - What stays, what goes, what integrates?
• Neighboring properties - Setbacks, privacy, noise considerations

What We're Listening For
More important than measurements is understanding:

• How does your family actually use outdoor space now?
• What frustrates you about your current backyard?
• What would success look like? How would you describe the finished project to friends?
• Are there features you've seen elsewhere that inspire you?
• What would make you say "this was absolutely worth it"?

The Follow-Up
Within a week, we provide a preliminary scope and rough investment range. This isn't a formal proposal—it's a reality check. Does what's possible align with what you're hoping to invest?
If yes, we move to design.

Phase 3: Design Development

This is where vision takes shape.
Concept Design
We start with possibilities:

• Multiple approaches to your project
• Rough layouts showing options
• Reference images for materials and finishes
• Initial thinking on features and flow

Concept design is exploratory. Some ideas won't work. Others will spark "yes, that" moments. The conversation narrows toward what resonates.
Schematic Design
Focused direction gets detailed:

• Scaled drawings of the preferred approach
• 3D renderings showing the experience (when helpful)
• Material selections and options
• Feature specifications
• Integration with existing landscape

You see what we're building before we build it. Revisions happen now, when they're drawings instead of concrete.
Design Review
We present the design for approval:

• Walking through every element
• Explaining construction approaches
• Discussing alternatives where options exist
• Confirming the vision matches what you imagined

Design approval means we share an understanding of what's being built.

Phase 4: Proposal and Contract

Numbers and commitments.
What's in the Proposal
Our proposals include:

• Detailed scope - Exactly what's included and excluded
• Material specifications - Specific products, not generic descriptions
• Investment breakdown - Costs organized by project phase
• Timeline - Start date, milestone dates, completion target
• Payment schedule - When payments are due and what triggers them
• Warranty information - What's covered and for how long

What's Negotiable
Scope is adjustable. Value engineering finds savings when budgets need trimming. Feature additions increase investment. We work with you to dial the project to where it needs to be.
Contract Execution
Once aligned, we execute a contract that protects everyone. No work begins until agreements are signed and initial payment is received.

Phase 5: Permitting and Preparation

Before shovels move, paperwork moves.
Permit Navigation
Most projects require permits:

• Building permits for structures
• Electrical permits for lighting and equipment
• Plumbing permits for water features
• Grading permits for earthwork

We handle permit applications and coordinate inspections. Utah municipalities have different requirements—we know them.
Material Ordering
Long-lead items get ordered:

• Custom fabrication elements
• Specialty materials
• Equipment with extended delivery times

Planning ahead prevents construction delays.
Site Preparation
Getting your property ready:

• Utility marking and protection
• Access route establishment
• Material staging areas
• Neighbor communication (when appropriate)

Phase 6: Construction

This is where the work happens.
Demolition and Earthwork
Out with the old, reshaping the new:

• Removing existing features
• Excavation for foundations and features
• Grading for drainage and elevation
• Rough utility installation

This phase is messy. Dust, equipment, and noise are temporary but unavoidable.
Structural Work
Building the bones:

• Foundation work
• Structural steel or framing
• Concrete pours for pools, patios, and features
• Plumbing and electrical rough-in

Inspections happen throughout. Building departments verify work before it gets covered.
Feature Installation
Elements take shape:

• Pool shell and finishing
• Water feature construction
• Pumptrack or skatepark surfacing
• Structure completion
• Equipment installation

This phase shows dramatic progress. Patience during earlier phases pays off with rapid visible change.
Finishing
The details that matter:

• Surface treatments and sealers
• Tile and coping installation
• Planting and irrigation
• Lighting fine-tuning
• Equipment startup and programming

Finishing transforms construction into completed spaces.

Phase 7: Quality Review

We inspect before you do.
Internal Walkthrough
Our team reviews everything:

• Workmanship standards met
• All scope items complete
• Systems functioning correctly
• Site cleaned and restored

We don't invite you to see it until it's ready.
Client Walkthrough
Together, we review the project:

• Demonstrating all features and systems
• Explaining operation and maintenance
• Noting any items needing attention
• Creating a punch list if needed

Most walkthroughs are celebrations. Occasionally, items need refinement. We address everything before final completion.

Phase 8: Project Completion

The handoff.
Final Documentation
You receive:

• As-built drawings showing what was constructed
• Equipment manuals and warranty information
• Maintenance guidelines
• Contact information for service needs

Final Payment
Project completion triggers final payment per contract terms.
Warranty Period
Our warranty covers:

• Workmanship defects
• Equipment issues
• Settling and adjustment (where applicable)

We stand behind our work. Problems are addressed promptly.

The Relationship Continues

Completion isn't goodbye.
Seasonal Service
Some features need seasonal attention:

• Pool opening and closing
• Water feature winterization
• Ice rink installation and removal
• Equipment maintenance

We offer ongoing service for clients who want it.
Future Projects
Many clients return for additional work:

• Phase 2 of original plans
• New ideas that emerged
• Updates and additions
• Completely new projects

Once you've worked with us, you know what to expect.

Timeline Reality

How long does all this take?
Design Phase: 4-8 weeks Depends on project complexity and decision speed. Simple projects move faster. Complex designs need more iteration.
Permitting: 2-6 weeks Varies by municipality and project type. Some permits take days; others take months.
Construction: 4-16 weeks A simple pumptrack: 3-4 weeks. A complete backyard transformation with pool, features, and structures: 12-16 weeks.
Total Timeline: 3-6 months typical From first conversation to project completion. Complex projects or permitting delays can extend this.

Investment Expectations

What should you budget?
Projects span a wide range:

• Single feature (pumptrack, mini ramp, water feature): $25,000-$75,000
• Pool with basic landscape: $80,000-$150,000
• Complete backyard transformation: $150,000-$400,000
• Estate-level projects: $400,000+

We work with various budgets. The key is alignment between vision and investment from the start.

Ready to Start?

The process begins with a conversation. No pressure, no obligation—just a discussion about what's possible.
Call Valley Design Build at (801) 510-7142 or reach out through our contact form. Let's talk about turning your vision into the backyard you've always imagined.