The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted and is continuing to impact the Central Kentucky community. At H2O Designs, Inc. we value each customer relationship and see no reason, at the present time, to suspend our sales and design operations or otherwise cancel scheduled work. At the same time, we value the health and well-being of all individuals and want to do what we can to protect our employees, customers, and everyone with whom we do business. At this time, we are taking the following measures to keep safety as our top priority:

1. Our employees will refrain from shaking hands or other close personal contact with each other and with customers, and will keep an appropriate safe distance during conversations (6 feet is the recommendation)
   
2. Employees have been advised to stay home if they feel ill in any way. While onsite, crews will continue to bring our own lunch onsite rather than eating at public facilities. Sales representatives are sanitizing their hands before and after client visits.
   
3. If the timeline on a project that is scheduled or waiting to be scheduled needs to change due to reduction in employee availability or other presently unforeseen circumstances, you will be contacted, and we will work with you to reschedule. We appreciate your understanding and patience. We are monitoring the situation closely by staying informed with the most up-to-date information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local Public Health authorities

​The question of when the best time is to install a pond, waterfall or outdoor Living project (Patio, Deck, Firepit, Outdoor Kitchen, etc) comes up every year as Fall approaches here in the Lexington / Central KY area. Quite honestly this question is a no brainer for me as a business owner. Many people are of the mindset that when it comes to a pond or outdoor living installation projects, that spring or summer are the ideal times of year to perform these improvements in the Lexington / Central KY area. However, this could not be farther from the truth. Fall & and even during mild winter weather conditions, can definitely be the perfect time to install a new pond, patio, deck or outdoor living area.​You see, any type of Pond, patio or Deck project that you take on is going to come with some amount of damage to your property. This is just the nature of outdoor living construction. Having your pond or outdoor living project installed in the late Fall or Winter is less invasive to you as a homeowner. Below are just a few benefits of having your pond or outdoor living project installed in the Fall & Winter that come to mind.

If you are considering a pond, outdoor living, patio, deck, outdoor kitchen or any outdoor project this Fall & Winter and live in the Lexington / Central Kentucky area. Fill out the form below and our designer will contact  you to start the planning stages ASAP…

The number one question / hesitation we receive from new customers here in the Lexington Ky area is related to cost in one way or another. In general a lot of people think that a patio or deck renovation is simply out of their budget. While this is sometimes the case, if you are serious about wanting a new outdoor living area planning is the first step to the process. After all how do you know you can't afford something when you don't know the cost?

Planning your patio or deck renovation is much more than having a design / drawing created. The first step to planning your renovation should start with a brainstorming conversation with you and your family. This is the fun part so be sure to consider all ideas  regardless of how far fetched they may be. Utilize online resources such as Houzz and Pinterest for ideas.

Questions to consider:

• How many people do we typically entertain? Answering this question will help you determine the size of your new patio or deck or even if enlarging your existing space is even necessary. 
• How do we / will we use our new outdoor living area? This question will help you determine what amenities you want to consider. For example, do you usually cook for your guests (Outdoor Kitchen/BBQ Island)? Do your guests hang around well into the evening hours (Fire Pit or Outdoor Fireplace)
• What is our budget? You do not need to know how much things cost at this point to know your budget. The question I always ask m customers is "What are you willing and able to invest into your project at this time?" Keep in mind that many patio or deck renovations can be designed in phases so your initial budget should not determine your overall design (wish list).
• Are we willing to finance some or all of the project? Financing can be a very useful tool if utilized properly. Most companies nowadays offer low interest or even 0% interest financing options. This can be useful when your overall wish list exceeds your initial budget.  I always recommend to finance responsibly. For example if  you are confident you will have the money for phase 2 saved in a year and a company offers "18 months Same as Cash", it may be a good opportunity to include phase 2 in the initial project phase.

Spring is by far our busiest time of  the year for customer phone calls. It seems that everyone has cabin fever and is excited about getting their new patio or deck renovated in the Spring / Early Summer. The harsh truth is that most quality companies are already scheduled through mid Summer / Early Fall by the time April showers arrive. Imagine the frustration that many customers experience when they find out they have to wait another 6 weeks to have the patio/deck that they have planned and dreamed about all Winter..

Fall & Winter is the best time to begin planning and contacting / interviewing potential contractors for your deck / patio renovation project! Please pause and read the previous statement again! By beginning your project planning in the Fall and Winter you can accomplish many things.

• You will be higher up on the installation list come Spring.  
• More attention to your project design. 
• Possible Incentives / Discounts.
• In some cases your project can even be installed in the January/February timeline so you have your new deck or patio ready to use when the weather breaks.

There are numerous resources on the internet about how to hire a professional. My advice is to do your own research. Make sure that you research every company you will be inviting to your home before calling them. Research their online reviews, website, etc. For your convenience we have provided a list of questions you should ask potential contractors, Click here to review these questions.

Also, keep in mind that listing companies such as Home Advisor, Angies List, etc make money off of the contractors they refer. Just because a company is listed on a referral site  does not mean that they are the right company for you and your project.

Whether you just need a couple of amenities such as a new deck bench, outdoor kitchen  or patio fire pit or you will be considering a complete renovation of your Central Ky patio or deck start planning now and do your research. By beginning your planning in the Fall and Winter you will ensure a timely and wonderful backyard renovation you can enjoy all year long beginning in the Spring.