Step 1: Know Your "Why"
Every great backyard starts with clarity. Ask:
- What’s the core purpose? Relaxation, entertaining, fitness, ROI?
- Who will use the space—and how? Design without clarity = wasted money. Define your outcome before picking features.
Step 2: Map Your Space
You don’t need to survey your own yard—but you should know what makes it usable or limited. If you’re in an upscale neighborhood in North Atlanta, odds are your lot is already primed for transformation.
Instead of pulling measurements, focus on:
- How you currently move through the space
- What parts of the yard feel underutilized
- Areas where you want privacy vs openness
- Where the best sunlight hits during entertaining hours
This gives your designer a functional and emotional blueprint to create around.
Step 3: Define Your Budget Range
Think beyond just the pool. Include:
- Landscaping, hardscaping, lighting
- Custom features (kitchen, spa, fire pit)
- Furniture + finishing touches Pro tip: Reserve 10–15% of budget for adjustments or upgrades.
This gives your designer a functional and emotional blueprint to create around.
Step 4: Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves
You don’t need everything to make a jaw-dropping space. Separate your wishlist: Must-Haves
- Saltwater system
- Built-in spa Nice-to-Haves
- Pergola
- Glass tile waterline This will help you phase if needed.
Step 5: Choose a Design Direction
What mood do you want the space to evoke?
- Modern minimalism
- Natural oasis
- Tuscan elegance Use sites like Houzz or our Artistix portfolio to gather inspiration.
Step 6: Plan the Timeline
Start to finish, luxury pool builds can take 3–6 months:
- Consult → Design → Permit → Build → Finish Back into your deadline from a target “ready by” date.
