What happens after you hit "Start a project"
Hiring someone to build something you've never bought before is a little uncomfortable. You don't know what to send, what it'll cost, or how long it takes. Here's the whole process, so there are no surprises.
1. Inquire
You fill out the form. The more you send, the faster we can be useful, but none of it needs to be perfect.
Helpful: a few photos of the spot from where you'd normally see it, a rough measurement of the space (paces are fine), anything you've saved that looks like what you want, and a budget range. If there's a date you're aiming for, like a party or a planting season, say so up front.
Not needed: drawings, exact dimensions, or knowing what the thing is called.
We reply within 24 hours with questions, a first read on whether what you're picturing fits your budget, and a rough timeline.
2. Design
This is the part that makes it custom. We sketch the piece, size it to your yard, and send it over. You tell us what's off. We revise. Most projects take two or three rounds; some take one.
For local projects, we'll usually come see the space before the sketch is final. There's always something a photo doesn't show: a slope, a downspout, where the sun actually hits.
When the design is right, we send a written quote with a firm price and a build window. A deposit holds your spot in the shop. We don't cut a board until the design is signed off.
3. Build
Your piece gets built in our shop in Weymouth, Massachusetts, by Ross. Lumber gets selected by hand, joints get cut, everything gets dry-fit before it's glued and pinned. If a board doesn't look right, it doesn't go in.
Reach out for current lead time from deposit to finished piece. Spring is our busiest season, so that number stretches from March through May. If you're planning for spring, there's a post on why to order in winter: [link].
We'll send a photo when it's done.
4. Deliver
South Shore and Cape Cod: we bring it to you and install it. Posts get set, the piece gets leveled and squared, and we walk through it with you before we leave. Most installs take a day; larger pergolas take two.
Everywhere else: the piece ships freight, crated, with instructions written by Ross. Larger structures ship in sections designed to go together with basic tools. We'll walk you through it by phone if anything's unclear. You're responsible for setting posts and final assembly, and we'll tell you exactly what that involves before you commit.
After
Cedar can be left to weather or oiled once a year to hold its color. We'll tell you which we'd do for your piece. If anything ever settles or shifts, call us. We'd rather come adjust a gate than have you live with one that drags.
That's it. Four steps, no mystery. Start a project.
