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Testimonials
Expert Outdoor Living Designers in New Haven County, CT
Excellence Masonry and Contracting offers expert outdoor living design throughout New Haven County. Whether you're envisioning a new patio in Milford or a full backyard makeover in Southbury, our 3D design process brings your ideas to life.
Our design process is an in-depth, functional analysis of your property and lifestyle. We move beyond aesthetics to solve practical challenges, using the design to manage circulation patterns, create privacy, screen undesirable views, and define distinct "rooms" for different activities like cooking, dining, and relaxing. We create scaled drawings and 3D models that allow you to visualize the space and understand how the sun will move across the patio at different times of day. This level of detailed, functional planning is what ensures the final built space not only looks beautiful but also perfectly supports the way you want to live outdoors.
Why Choose Us?
There are many construction, landscaping, outdoor living, and design companies to choose from- here is what makes us different.
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Our Approach is Thorough and Integrated- no stone is left unturned, and as a design-build company, we have an unmatched ability to assess, plan, and execute projects efficiently.
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The Team We Have is Experienced and Robust- our construction team is comprised of experts who are our family, friends, as well as long-time employees and subcontractors. Our company sprouted from a family business started 25+ years ago, and some members of our crew have more than 50 years of experience.
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Industry-Leading Warranties and a Client for Life Guarantee- on new installations and applicable repairs, we provide warranties well beyond State minimums, and well beyond what most construction, landscaping, masonry, or other companies offer. Our client for life guarantee means that we intend to stand by you and our work, for the life of our business. Our goal is to provide many services and complete many projects for you and the people you know over time. With this intention, we will always be available to address issues, make repairs, or provide maintenance for completed projects- regardless of warranty terms.
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Transparency and Consistent Communication- with us, all cards are on the table from our first conversation, through the end of the project. We want to provide you with all pertinent details, considerations, and options so you are educated and completely in control of your project and your money. Throughout the project, we uphold this commitment to transparency and communication by providing daily updates and informing you of any changes or new information immediately.
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Commitment to Professional Responsibility and Top-Quality- in our view, it is our responsibility to ensure your project is done to the highest possible standard within your budget and within the parameters of feasibility. You will not feel like it is "on you" to know what's best or to manage the project when you work with us, which is a common complaint we hear from clients' past experiences. We also have a commitment to top quality, which we display in our work, our team, our industry partners, and our process.
Our Approach to Projects
Of course, every project and every situation is different, and so is our approach.. Below is a general and simplified outline of our process. We can also bid and build to your preexisting plan or design.
1.
Discovery/Consultation
We start with a conversation to understand your intent for the project, assess your property, and determine the best next step- usually a rough estimate, quote or design agreement. Rough pricing, options, and preliminary considerations are discussed. Email, call or fill the form below to get in touch!
2.
Design / Planning
The design and planning phase is where we value engineer your project- and establish the scope of work, project pricing, and our installation/construction plan. This phase will look a bit different for each project and each scenario, with some requiring more design and pre-construction work than others.
3.
Construction
This is when the proposed plan comes to life! Expect a stress-free, transparent, and efficient construction experience due to our thorough design and planning process and consistent communication. Our team respects you, your project, and your property.
4.
Walk-Thru & Clean-Up
After the project is completed, we will walk through the project to go over any pertinent information and maintenance information, as well as to confirm that the project is completed as expected.
FAQ's
What is considered an 'outdoor living space'?
An outdoor living space is an area of your property designed for recreation and relaxation, essentially acting as an 'outdoor room'. It can be a single element like a patio or a combination of features like a deck with a connected kitchen, a pool area with a fire pit, or a covered porch.
How do you start the design process?
Our process always begins with a detailed consultation at your home. We listen to your ideas, understand how you want to use the space, analyze your property's unique characteristics (like sun, shade, and slope), and discuss your budget to create a plan that meets all your goals.
Why is a 3D design so important for my project?
A 3D design allows you to see a realistic representation of your project before construction begins. It helps you visualize the scale, layout, materials, and flow of the space, allowing for changes to be made on the screen instead of during the costly construction phase.
How do you create 'flow' between indoor and outdoor spaces?
We create a seamless transition by using complementary materials, matching floor elevations where possible, and using large doors or windows to connect the spaces. A well-designed outdoor space should feel like a natural extension of your home.
Can you design a multi-functional space for both dining and relaxing?
Absolutely. Creating distinct 'zones' for different activities is a core part of good outdoor living design. We can design a space with a dedicated area for a dining table, a separate conversational area around a fire pit, and a lounging space for relaxing, all within one cohesive patio or deck.
How do you start the design process?
Our process always begins with a detailed consultation at your home. We listen to your ideas, understand how you want to use the space, analyze your property's unique characteristics (like sun, shade, and slope), and discuss your budget to create a plan that meets all your goals.
Can you design a multi-functional space for both dining and relaxing?
Absolutely. Creating distinct 'zones' for different activities is a core part of good outdoor living design. We can design a space with a dedicated area for a dining table, a separate conversational area around a fire pit, and a lounging space for relaxing, all within one cohesive patio or deck.
Why is a 3D design so important for my project?
A 3D design allows you to see a realistic representation of your project before construction begins. It helps you visualize the scale, layout, materials, and flow of the space, allowing for changes to be made on the screen instead of during the costly construction phase.
How do you create 'flow' between indoor and outdoor spaces?
We create a seamless transition by using complementary materials, matching floor elevations where possible, and using large doors or windows to connect the spaces. A well-designed outdoor space should feel like a natural extension of your home.
What is considered an 'outdoor living space'?
An outdoor living space is an area of your property designed for recreation and relaxation, essentially acting as an 'outdoor room'. It can be a single element like a patio or a combination of features like a deck with a connected kitchen, a pool area with a fire pit, or a covered porch.