How do you know the person you’re trusting with your backyard – your relaxation space, your cookout headquarters, your family gathering spot – is actually the right patio builder for you? A beautiful patio can transform an ordinary yard into an outdoor room, but if you choose the wrong contractor, you can end up with delays, surprise costs, and a space that never quite feels right. Choosing a patio builder is not just about price or pretty pictures online; it’s about finding a professional who understands your goals, your home, and the particular climate and soil conditions around Sherman, TX.
Many homeowners start with a rough idea: “We want a covered patio,” or “We’d love a space for grilling and a fire pit.” Then they start calling around, only to discover that builders speak in different terms, offer wildly different quotes, and suggest materials they’ve never heard of. This is where a structured approach to choosing the right patio builder makes all the difference. When you know what to ask, what to look for, and what to avoid, you can move forward with confidence instead of guesswork.
For homeowners in and around Sherman, TX, companies like Lowery Fence & Patio specialize in outdoor living projects that fit the local lifestyle and weather. But even when you’re considering a reputable local builder, you still want to make sure they’re the right fit for your specific project, budget, and expectations. Let’s break down how to evaluate patio builders so you end up with a finished space you’ll enjoy for years, not headaches you’ll regret for just as long.
Clarify Your Patio Vision
Before you ever pick up the phone or fill out a contact form, it helps to get very clear on what you actually want from your patio. Are you dreaming of a simple concrete slab with room for a table and chairs, or a fully realized outdoor living area with a roof, lighting, fans, and maybe even an outdoor kitchen? The more specific you are about your goals, the easier it will be to find a patio builder who regularly designs and installs the type of project you’re envisioning.
Start by thinking about how you’ll use the space most days, not just on special occasions. Will it mostly be for quiet morning coffee and reading? Big family barbecues? A place for kids or pets to play without tearing up the yard? In Sherman’s hot summers and mild winters, you might want shade structures, ceiling fans, and strategic placement for breezes. A good patio builder should be able to take these everyday lifestyle details and translate them into design elements such as orientation, roof style, and material choices.
It also helps to define your “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves.” Maybe a solid roof and durable flooring are non-negotiable, while built-in seating or a fire feature can wait for a later phase. When you share these priorities with a builder like Lowery Fence & Patio, they can tailor their recommendations and pricing to your actual needs instead of guessing. Builders appreciate clients who have thought through their goals, and you’ll get more accurate proposals in return.
Evaluate Local Experience
One of the most important factors in choosing a patio builder is local experience. Patios in Sherman, TX face specific challenges: clay-heavy soils, temperature swings, heavy rains at certain times of year, and plenty of sun exposure. A builder who has been working in the area for years understands how these conditions affect foundations, drainage, and material performance. They know which concrete mixes hold up best, how to slope surfaces to prevent pooling, and what roof designs stand up to North Texas storms.
Ask any potential builder for examples of projects completed in or near Sherman. A company like Lowery Fence & Patio should be able to point you to patios in local neighborhoods that you can drive by or view in a portfolio. Pay attention not just to how the patio looks, but how it fits with the style of the home and yard. Local experience often shows in the little details: matching roof lines, transitions from house to patio, and how the structure handles shade and sunlight throughout the day.
Permits and codes are another area where local expertise matters. Different cities and counties in the Texoma region can have varying requirements for patio covers, electrical work, and structural footings. A seasoned local builder will already know what’s required, how long approvals typically take, and how to design a project that complies with codes from the start. This saves you from surprises, delays, or having to redo work that wasn’t done to standard.
Compare Design Approach And Communication
Two patio builders can take the same basic idea – for example, a 16×20 covered patio – and produce completely different designs. That’s why it’s important to pay attention not just to what they build, but how they approach the design process. Do they ask detailed questions about how you plan to use the space, or do they jump straight to standard layouts? Do they provide drawings or renderings so you can visualize the final result, or do they rely on vague descriptions?
During your initial consultation, notice how the builder communicates. A company like Lowery Fence & Patio should be willing to explain options in clear, everyday language instead of overwhelming you with technical terms. They should walk you through material choices – such as concrete, pavers, flagstone, or composite decking – and explain the pros and cons of each for your specific situation. Good communication means they listen when you express concerns about maintenance, budget, or style, and they adjust their suggestions accordingly.
Also pay attention to how quickly they respond to calls or messages and how thorough their follow-up is. If a builder is slow to return your first inquiry or sends a vague, incomplete estimate, that pattern often continues once the project begins. On the other hand, if they provide a detailed proposal, clear timelines, and thoughtful answers to your questions, it’s a good sign that they take both design and client service seriously.
Understand Materials, Craftsmanship, And Warranty
The quality of your patio depends heavily on the materials used and the craftsmanship behind the installation. In a climate like Sherman’s, you want surfaces and structures that can handle sun, rain, and temperature changes without quickly cracking, fading, or warping. Ask each builder exactly what materials they recommend and why. A knowledgeable builder will explain not just the appearance, but the performance and maintenance requirements over time.
For example, concrete can be finished in many ways: broom-finished for traction, stamped for decorative patterns, or stained for color. Each option has different costs and lifespans. Pavers and stone can create a more custom look and can be easier to repair in small sections, but they require proper base preparation to avoid settling. A builder like Lowery Fence & Patio should be able to show you real samples, not just pictures, and discuss which materials suit your home’s style and your long-term expectations.
Don’t overlook warranties and workmanship guarantees. A reputable patio builder will stand behind their work with written assurances, not just verbal promises. Ask what is covered, for how long, and what would happen if you noticed issues like cracking, shifting, or leaks in a patio cover. This is where established companies with a track record in the Sherman area have an advantage; they’re more likely to be around to honor their commitments years down the road.
Review References, Portfolios, And Reputation
In the age of online reviews, it’s easier than ever to get a sense of a patio builder’s reputation, but you still want to look beyond star ratings. Read the actual comments, especially those that mention communication, timeliness, and how the company handled any problems that came up. A builder that consistently finishes projects on schedule and keeps clients informed is worth paying attention to, even if a few reviews mention minor issues that were resolved.
Ask potential builders for references from recent clients, ideally with projects similar to yours. When you talk to those homeowners, ask what they wish they had known before starting, how the crew treated their property, and whether the final cost matched the original estimate. A company like Lowery Fence & Patio should be comfortable connecting you with past customers who can speak honestly about their experience.
Portfolios are another powerful tool. Look for variety in the projects shown: different sizes, shapes, roof styles, and materials. This suggests the builder can customize to your needs rather than pushing a one-size-fits-all design. Pay attention to finishing details like trim, transitions to the yard, and integrated lighting. These are often the elements that separate a basic patio from a space that truly feels like an extension of your home.
Compare Proposals, Not Just Prices
Once you’ve talked with a few builders, you’ll likely receive multiple proposals. It’s tempting to glance at the bottom line and gravitate to the lowest price, but that can be a costly mistake. The key is to compare what’s actually included. Does each proposal specify the size of the patio, the exact materials, the thickness of the concrete, the type of footings for a cover, and whether permits and cleanup are included?
A detailed proposal from a company like Lowery Fence & Patio should outline the scope of work step by step. It may include demolition of existing slabs, grading, base preparation, framing, pouring or laying materials, structure construction, and finishing touches. If one proposal is significantly cheaper, look for what might be missing: reinforcement in the concrete, proper drainage solutions, or quality hardware for posts and beams. Saving a little up front can lead to bigger repair costs later if corners are cut.
Also ask about payment schedules and timelines. Reputable patio builders typically require a deposit and then progress payments tied to milestones, not the full amount up front. They should give you a realistic start date and estimated completion time, with some allowance for weather. When you evaluate proposals, you’re not just choosing a price; you’re choosing a partner for several weeks of work at your home, so reliability and clarity are worth every bit of attention you can give them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it usually take to build a patio in Sherman, TX? The timeline depends on the size and complexity of the project, as well as weather and permitting. A simple concrete patio without a cover might take a few days of on-site work once everything is scheduled. A larger covered patio with electrical, lighting, and custom features can take several weeks from start to finish. Companies like Lowery Fence & Patio typically provide a projected schedule during the proposal phase and update you if rain or material delays affect the timeline.
What should I ask a patio builder before hiring them? Start with questions about experience and licensing: how long they’ve been building patios in the Sherman area, whether they handle permits, and what kind of insurance they carry. Then ask about design and materials: what they recommend for your goals, how they handle drainage, and what kind of foundation or footings they use. Finally, ask about warranties, references, and how they manage changes during the project. A good builder will welcome these questions and answer them clearly.
How do I know if a patio quote is fair? A fair quote reflects the actual materials, labor, and expertise required for your specific project. To judge fairness, compare at least two or three detailed proposals that describe the same scope of work. If one price is much lower, look for missing details like reinforcement, thickness, or finishing. In Sherman, TX, local builders like Lowery Fence & Patio can explain how soil conditions, access to your yard, and design choices affect cost. Transparency in pricing is often a better sign of fairness than simply being the cheapest.
Can I phase my patio project to fit my budget? Yes, many homeowners choose to build their patio in stages. For example, you might start with the patio foundation and basic cover, then add features like an outdoor kitchen, fire pit, or additional seating later. When you discuss your budget with a builder, ask them to help you prioritize elements so that the first phase is structurally sound and future additions can be integrated smoothly. A thoughtful company will design with your long-term plan in mind, not just the immediate project.
Does a patio builder need to understand other outdoor structures too? It can be very helpful if your patio builder is experienced with other outdoor features, such as fencing, gates, or even services like Chain link fence repair. Outdoor spaces function best when all elements work together – the patio, the yard, and the perimeter of your property. A company like Lowery Fence & Patio that understands both patios and fencing can create a cohesive plan that looks good, functions well, and respects property lines, drainage patterns, and privacy needs.