Outdoor Living Questions Answered

Frequently Asked Questions

Start Here Right Time?Who to Trust?How much to Invest?Quailfy Your Builder Our Process Project Expectations Warrenty & Support Get Started

Start Here

Is this the right time for our family?

If you're asking this question, you're probably closer than you think. The best time is when you're actually using your backyard but wishing it worked better, and when your kids are old enough to make memories but young enough to still want family time.

How do you know who to trust?

Ask for local references from the last year, drive by their recent projects, and watch for red flags like pressure to "sign today" or reluctance to show you their work. We'll give you addresses of projects to see and families to talk to.

What should we really expect to invest?

Quality outdoor living spaces for families like yours typically range from $50,000-$150,000+, depending on size and features. We don't play the "starting at" game - you deserve honest numbers upfront.

Is This the Right Time for Your Family?

Should we wait until the kids are older?

Most families wait longer than they should. Your kids will get more summers of memories if you build it now, and outdoor spaces actually work better when kids are involved in the planning process.

Should we finish indoor projects first?

Not necessarily. Outdoor spaces often provide better value per square foot and can be enjoyed immediately by the whole family, while indoor renovations can drag on for months.

What if we're planning to move in a few years?

If you're staying less than 5 years, focus on simple improvements. If you're staying 5+ years, quality outdoor living typically adds significant value and gives you years of family enjoyment.

How do we know if we'll actually use the space?

Look at how you currently use your backyard. If you're already spending time outside but wishing it worked better, you'll definitely use a well-designed space.

What's the best season to start a project?

Spring and fall are ideal for construction, but we plan projects year-round. Starting in winter means you're ready for the next outdoor season, and you often get better scheduling flexibility.

Should we wait until we have more saved up?

Quality outdoor living is a long-term investment that your family enjoys immediately. We work with several financing partners, and many families find the daily quality of life improvement worth the investment.

What if we're not sure exactly what we want?

That's completely normal. Most families start with a general vision, and we help you refine it through our design process. It's better to start the conversation than wait for perfect clarity.

How do we know if our space is even suitable?

Almost every backyard has potential. We've worked with small lots, slopes, poor drainage, and challenging access. The consultation will tell us what's possible for your specific space.

How Do You Know Who to Trust with Your Family's Space?

What red flags should we watch for?

Contractors who give prices before understanding your family, pressure to "sign today," no local references, reluctance to show recent work, or crews that change from sale to installation.

What questions should we ask any contractor?

Ask to talk to three families they built for in the last year, who exactly will do the work, what happens if you're not happy, and how they handle changes during the project.

What makes Ember & Stone different?

We're luxury home builders who specialize in outdoor living, so we approach your backyard with the same standards we'd use for a custom home addition. We're not just outdoor contractors.

How can we check you out?

We'll give you addresses of recent projects to drive by, families to talk to, and details about our craftsmen's backgrounds. We want you to feel completely confident before moving forward.

Should we get multiple quotes?

Absolutely. But compare the full value, not just price - materials, craftsmanship, timeline, warranty, and ongoing support all matter as much as the initial investment.

How do we know if a contractor is properly licensed and insured?

Ask to see their New Jersey contractor license, general liability insurance, and workers' compensation coverage. We carry all required insurance and can provide documentation immediately.

What if the contractor seems too good to be true?

They probably are. Extremely low bids often mean corners will be cut on materials, labor, or both. Quality outdoor living requires skilled craftsmen and premium materials.

How important are local references?

Critical. You want to talk to families in your area who had similar projects completed within the last year. Local references also mean we'll be around if you need us later.

What about contractors who knock on doors or call unsolicited?

We'd avoid them. Reputable contractors get business through referrals and reputation, not cold calls. Quality builders are usually booked weeks or months in advance.

Should we worry about contractors who ask for large upfront payments?

Yes! Legitimate contractors tie payments to project milestones and don't need large sums upfront. Never pay more than 10% down until work begins.

What Should You Really Expect to Invest?

What's the typical range for families like ours?

$50,000-$75,000 for intimate gathering spaces, $75,000-$125,000 for full family entertainment areas, and $125,000+ for luxury resort-style spaces. Your investment depends on your family's size and entertaining style.

What drives the cost up or down?

Size of your family and entertaining style, material choices, complexity of your site, level of customization, and which features matter most to your family's daily life.

Do you require large upfront payments?

No. Our payment schedule is tied to project milestones, protecting both your investment and our quality standards. We also work with several financing partners.

How do costs compare to indoor renovations?

Outdoor spaces usually provide better value per square foot and can be enjoyed immediately by the whole family, while indoor renovations often cost more and disrupt daily life for months.

What's included in your pricing?

All materials, professional installation, permits, cleanup, and warranty. We don't surprise you with "extras" that should have been included from the start.

How do you handle cost overruns?

We provide detailed estimates and get your approval before any changes. Most cost variations come from changes you request, not surprises we should have caught.

Is financing available?

Yes, we work with several financing partners offering competitive rates. Many families find that financing allows them to build what they really want rather than compromising.

What affects the timeline and cost?

Site complexity, material choices, permit requirements, weather, and change requests. We'll discuss all these factors during your consultation.

How do we know if we're getting good value?

Compare the full package - materials quality, craftsmanship, timeline, warranty, and ongoing support. The lowest bid often costs more in the long run.

What if we want to add features later?

We design with future additions in mind when possible. Adding later is usually more expensive than building it all at once, but we can often accommodate growth.

How does size affect the investment?

Larger spaces cost more in materials and labor, but the cost per square foot often decreases. Sometimes a slightly larger space provides significantly more value.

What about seasonal pricing?

Our pricing is consistent year-round, but scheduling flexibility in off-peak seasons can sometimes allow for better project coordination and timing.

What Questions Should You Ask Any Builder?

What should I ask about materials?

Ask what grade of materials they use and why, where materials come from, their policy on material defects, and how they handle material price changes during the project.

What should I ask about their crew?

Ask who exactly will do the work, their crew's experience level, how they ensure quality control, and what happens if you're not satisfied with the work.

What should I ask about timeline?

Ask for a realistic timeline, what could cause delays, how they communicate progress, and their policy on project overruns.

How do I protect my investment?

Ask about their warranty, how they handle warranty claims, what insurance they carry, and how they handle change orders during the project.

What should I ask about their business stability?

Ask how long they've been in business, for local references, to see their business license, and about their physical business location. Fly-by-night contractors disappear when problems arise.

How do I evaluate their design capabilities?

Ask to see photos of completed projects similar to yours, whether they do custom design or just install standard packages, and how they handle site-specific challenges.

What about permits and inspections?

Ask who pulls permits, what inspections are required, how they handle permit delays, and what happens if work doesn't pass inspection.

How should I evaluate their communication?

Pay attention to how quickly they respond, whether they listen to your concerns, if they explain things clearly, and how they handle questions during the sales process.

What questions reveal their experience level?

Ask about challenging projects they've completed, how they handle unexpected site conditions, what their biggest project challenges have been, and how they solved them.

How do I know if they're the right fit for my family?

Ask about similar family situations they've worked with, how they handle pets and children during construction, and their approach to minimizing disruption to daily life.

Our Family-Centered Process

How do you start with families?

We begin with a vision conversation at your home, walking your space together and helping you "speak your vision into existence." This isn't a sales call - it's us understanding your family's story.

How do you handle different family needs?

We balance everyone's needs from toddlers to grandparents because we understand multigenerational families. We've been there and know how to create spaces that work for different generations.

What happens during the design phase?

This is where we shift from experts to partners, developing your custom plan together and making sure every detail serves your family's unique gathering style.

How long does the whole process take?

From initial consultation to project completion, most families are enjoying their new space within 2-3 months, depending on project complexity and scheduling.

What makes your consultation different?

We spend 60-90 minutes really understanding your family's lifestyle, not just measuring and giving you a price. We want to know how you live, entertain, and what would make your life better.

How do you handle families who aren't sure what they want?

We guide you through imagining the possibilities, asking questions about your family's routines, dreams, and challenges. Most families discover what they want through our conversation process.

What if we have very specific cultural or family traditions?

We understand that every family gathers differently. Our own cultural background helps us appreciate that outdoor spaces need to honor your family's unique traditions and gathering style.

How involved can we be in the design process?

As involved as you want to be. Some families want to see every detail, others prefer to trust our expertise. We adapt to your preferred level of involvement.

What if we change our minds about something?

We expect some changes during the design process - that's normal. We work with you to refine the plan until it's exactly right for your family.

How do you ensure the final result matches our vision?

We use detailed plans, material samples, and regular check-ins throughout the process. You'll see and approve everything before we build it.

What to Expect During Your Project

How long will construction take?

Most projects take 4-8 weeks depending on complexity. Weather can affect outdoor work, and we'll communicate any delays immediately with updated timelines.

Will we be able to use our backyard during construction?

We coordinate with your family's needs and clean up daily. Your kids still need to play and you still need to live - we plan around your family's routines.

How messy will it be?

We clean up daily and don't leave messes for your family. We also protect your existing landscaping and home with detailed protection plans.

How do you communicate progress?

Weekly progress and photo updates via client portal and direct access to your project manager. You'll never wonder what's happening with your project.

What about our pets during construction?

We're all pet owners and understand the concerns. We'll discuss your pet's needs and create a plan that keeps them safe and comfortable during construction.

How do you handle weather delays?

New Jersey weather is unpredictable. We build weather contingencies into our timeline and communicate immediately about any delays with revised schedules.

What if we need to make changes during construction?

We handle change orders professionally with written documentation and cost estimates. Small changes are often easy to accommodate, larger ones may affect timeline.

How do you ensure quality during the build?

Daily quality checks, experienced craftsmen who take pride in their work, and regular progress reviews. We fix any issues immediately rather than waiting until the end.

What about deliveries and equipment access?

We coordinate all deliveries and equipment access with you in advance. We protect your driveway and landscaping and restore anything that gets damaged.

How do you handle neighbors and noise?

We work standard hours, communicate with neighbors when appropriate, and keep noise to reasonable levels. We're representing your family in your neighborhood.

What safety measures do you take?

We secure the work area daily, keep tools and materials organized, and ensure the site is safe for your family every evening when we leave.

How do we know when the project is complete?

We do a detailed walkthrough with you, address any final items, and ensure you're completely satisfied before we consider the project finished.

Warranty & Ongoing Support

What's covered under warranty?

A decade on all workmanship, manufacturer warranties on materials, immediate response to any issues, and annual check-ins to ensure everything's performing well.

What happens if something goes wrong?

Call or text us directly, we respond within 24 hours, assess and fix warranty issues at no cost. We stand behind our work completely.

Do you provide ongoing support?

Yes - annual maintenance reminders, priority scheduling for additions, advice on care and maintenance, and connections to trusted partners for related services.

Why does this matter?

Your investment should give you peace of mind, not ongoing worry. We're here to make sure your family gets years of enjoyment from your space.

What's not covered under warranty?

Normal wear and tear, damage from misuse or extreme weather events, and changes you want to make to the original design. We'll explain what's reasonable to expect.

How do you handle warranty claims?

We respond quickly, assess the issue professionally, and fix legitimate warranty items at no cost. We don't make you jump through hoops or argue about coverage.

What if we want to expand or modify our space later?

We design with future additions in mind when possible and offer priority scheduling for existing clients. We know your space and can expand it seamlessly.

Do you help with seasonal maintenance?

We provide guidance on seasonal care and can connect you with trusted partners for services like power washing, sealing, or plant care if needed.

What happens if your company changes or grows?

Our warranty commitments transfer with the business. We're building a long-term company and reputation, not looking for quick profits.

How do you handle issues that arise years later?

We maintain detailed records of every project and stand behind our work even after the warranty period. Our reputation depends on long-term client satisfaction.

Getting Started & Next Steps

What areas do you serve?

We serve families in Burlington, Ocean, Monmouth, and Mercer counties, with primary focus on Mt. Laurel area and growing presence in the Holmdel/shore area.

How much does a consultation cost?

Free. We believe in earning your trust through expertise and genuine care for your family's needs, not charging for the opportunity to help you.

What happens at the consultation?

60-90 minutes at your home discussing your family's needs, site assessment and basic measurements, overview of process and next steps. No pressure, no obligation.

How soon can you come out?

We typically book consultations 2-3 weeks out. If you're in the shore area, we can often accommodate sooner due to our growing focus there.

What should we prepare for the consultation?

Think about how your family currently uses outdoor space, what your ideal timeline looks like, and what features you know you want. We'll guide you through the rest.

Do we need to have a specific budget in mind?

It's helpful to know your general investment comfort zone, but we can also help you understand what different investment levels provide for your family.

What if we're not ready to commit to a project?

That's completely fine. We'd rather you feel confident about the decision than rush into something. We're here when you're ready.

How do we schedule a consultation?

Call us or fill out our contact form. We'll have a brief phone conversation first to make sure we're aligned before scheduling your site visit.

What if our project is smaller or larger than typical?

We work with a wide range of project sizes and investment levels. During the consultation, we'll discuss what makes sense for your family and space.

Can you work with our existing landscaping or structures?

Often yes. We're experienced at integrating new outdoor living spaces with existing landscaping, pools, decks, and other structures.

What makes you different from other contractors we might talk to?

We're luxury home builders who specialize in outdoor living, we understand multigenerational families, and we approach every project as an extension of your home rather than just a backyard addition.

YOU HAVE QUESTIONS?,WE GOT ANSWERS