Running a better hardscaping project

By Emma Peterson.

From surface profiles and weather to product compatibility and site logistics, Jeffrey Wells goes over the issues contractors should address before work begins.

Installing patios or pathways, whether they're made of concrete, tile or some other hardscaping material, is a deceptively challenging process. From the logistics like leveling the ground to the customer service of making sure a vision becomes a reality, there’s a lot to manage. To learn about how outdoor contractors can create high-quality surfaces, Karol Weyman spoke with Jeffrey Wells from Super-Krete during an episode of OutdoorTalk.

Jeffrey, who has over 30 years of experience in the outdoor industry, said there were five main factors that he sees contractors overlook or struggle with when it comes to their hardscaping projects.

First, surface prep. In his words, “Failures or issues are not usually because of the products. The most common compromising factor is surface prep.” He went on, “I’ve seen it all, from situations where it’s not achieving the correct surface profile to situations where contractors try to do installations when the weather’s too hot, so it doesn’t set properly.”

Second, site management. Jeffrey emphasized how important preparation is to project success. He elaborated, “I've seen people get to a place and they didn't think about what their exit strategy was and they literally, if you will, hardscape themselves into a corner.” Other site management considerations include finding electrical and water sources.

Third, he highlighted system thinking. What does this mean? Jeffrey explained:

Lots of contractors have favorite products and want to incorporate them into their projects. But not all products work together, even if they should be in theory. Best practice is to stick with the manufacturer's recommended system to avoid any of those types of surprises.

Fourth, communication is key. You have to make sure everyone is on the same page, no matter what part of the process they are working on. This is easy when the crew is installing; what’s harder is keeping that communication going after they leave the site. As Jeffrey put it, “You want to make sure that you're talking to the people on site as well as the people who are not going to be on site.” He continued, “I’ve seen that same issue happen over and over. Everyone installing the products was on the same page, but then the people that came in the evening or super early in the morning were not on the same page. Next thing you know, somebody thought it was dry and there's footprints in your project.”

Fifth and final, Jeffrey said that client expectations need to be managed. The best way he recommends doing this is through mockups and visualizations. He shared, “A lot of clients have an image in their head, a Pinterest photo of whatever and if you don’t do some type of mock-up, I'd recommend a four-by-four-foot space, they won’t really be able to visualize the end result, their expectations will be off and they won’t be happy with the end work.”

Paying attention to details like the five that Jeffrey pointed out during his and Karol’s conversation is the best way to ensure your projects are installed to the highest degree of quality and you leave your clients satisfied.

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording to learn more about managing successful hardscaping projects.