Beyond The Build w/ Rocky Mountain Outdoor Living

Part 9 of the Beyond the Build series, guiding homeowners step-by-step through the entire outdoor living project process.

What should you expect when designing your dream outdoor space? Darby is joined by Rocky Mountain Outdoor Living founder Nick Liput and designer Jeff Houlihan to explore the differences between 2D and 3D designs, why the details matter, and how thoughtful planning can prevent costly mistakes.

From realistic renderings and sun exposure to functionality, budgets, and revisions, discover why a great design isn't just about how your backyard looks — it's about making sure it works in real life.

Find us at rmlandscape.net. We'd love to answer your questions!

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Part 10 of the Beyond the Build series, guiding homeowners step-by-step through the entire outdoor living project process.

A beautiful 3D design brings your vision to life, but what does your contractor actually use to build it?

Darby is joined by Rocky Mountain Outdoor Living founder Nick Liput and designer Jeff Hoolihan to explain the importance of construction drawings and why they're essential to a successful outdoor project.

From accurate measurements and material specifications to avoiding costly mistakes and unexpected change orders, learn what to look for, what questions to ask, and why understanding your construction drawings before work begins can save time, money, and frustration.

Find us at rmlandscape.net. We'd love to answer your questions!

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Part 8 of the Beyond the Build series, guiding homeowners step-by-step through the entire outdoor living project process.

Good design isn’t about pretty pictures—it’s about making sure your outdoor space actually works.

In this episode, we break down the difference between 2D and 3D designs, why 3D matters more than most people realize, and how a good designer spots problems before they’re built. We also talk about what 3D designs should show, when to ask questions, and why renderings are only the first step before construction drawings and plans take over.

If you’re planning an outdoor project, this episode helps you avoid costly mistakes before they happen.

Find us at rmlandscape.net. We'd love to answer your questions!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Part 7 of the Beyond the Build series, guiding homeowners step-by-step through the entire outdoor living project process.

Darby and RMOL founder Nick Liput walk you through the hardest part of the process: actually choosing your contractor. Once the bids are in and you’ve met with everyone, how do you decide who gets the job? They dig into trust, communication, timelines, company size, and what happens if something goes wrong mid-project. You’ll hear how to vet reviews, ask better questions, spot when you’re dealing with a middleman instead of the actual builder, and why it matters who’s really behind the bid. If you’re down to two or three solid options and feeling stuck, this episode will help you make a confident decision and wraps up this 7 part series.

Find us at rmlandscape.net. We'd love to answer your questions!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Part 6 of the Beyond the Build series, guiding homeowners step-by-step through the entire outdoor living project process.

Darby and RMOL founder Nick Liput walk you through what to do after you receive your bids—and why those numbers are almost always wildly different. They break down how to read a proposal, what real clarity looks like, why materials and allowances matter, and how contractors price projects behind the scenes. If you’ve ever wondered why one bid is triple another or how to compare them fairly, this episode is your guide. Part 6 of our homeowner prep series.

Find us at rmlandscape.net. We'd love to answer your questions!

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Part 5 of the Beyond the Build series, guiding homeowners step-by-step through the entire outdoor living project process.

Darby and RMOL founder Nick Liput break down what really happens after the contractors leave your house. This episode digs into the post-consultation phase—what communication should look like, the positive signals to look for, and the warning signs that someone may not be the right fit. They share how RMOL’s recap process works, why it matters, and how consistent follow-up separates great contractors from the ones who disappear. If you're following the full homeowner prep series, this is the next piece in the roadmap.

Find us at rmlandscape.net. We'd love to answer your questions!

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Part 4 of the Beyond the Build series, guiding homeowners step-by-step through the entire outdoor living project process.

In this episode of Beyond the Build, Nick and Darby break down the design phase—why contractors push it, when you actually need it, and how it protects your budget and your experience. They cover red flags, green flags, real-world change-order horror stories, what good design firms deliver, and how to compare bids apples-to-apples. If you’re about to meet contractors or you’re swimming in conflicting estimates, this one’s a must-listen.

Find us at rmlandscape.net. We'd love to answer your questions!

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Part 3 of the Beyond the Build series, guiding homeowners step-by-step through the entire outdoor living project process.

Darby and Nick walk through what to look for during an in-home consultation with a prospective contractor — the green flags, the red flags, and the signs you’ve found someone who can actually deliver on your project. Perfect for anyone preparing to meet with contractors and wanting to choose the right one with confidence.

Find us at rmlandscape.net. We'd love to answer your questions!

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Part 2 of the Beyond the Build series, guiding homeowners step-by-step through the entire outdoor living project process.

In this episode, Darby and Nick break down how to prepare for a contractor consultation so you don’t waste time or money. They cover why being upfront about your budget, timeline, HOA rules, and how you want to use the space leads to better designs, better bids, and a smoother experience for both you and your contractor.

Find us at rmlandscape.net. We'd love to answer your questions!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first part in our new multi part series, guiding you from choosing the right contractor to kicking off your outdoor living project. Nick Liput joins Darby to answer the question every homeowner faces first: “Where do I even find a contractor?” This episode breaks down where to look, what to avoid, and how to start your project with confidence.

Find us at rmlandscape.net. We'd love to answer your questions!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.