How to Read a Bid
A line-by-line walkthrough of what a real outdoor-living proposal should include — and what vague language is hiding.
Read the guideBuyer Education
Learn enough to evaluate any outdoor-living proposal — including ours.
A more informed homeowner makes a better decision. These tools and guides exist so any buyer can read a bid, score a scope, compare materials, and verify a contractor — whether or not they ever work with AE.
Why this exists
The best contracts are signed by educated buyers.
Outdoor living is one of the largest home investments most families make. The industry rarely teaches buyers how to evaluate a proposal. We do — even when it costs us deals.
- —Teach before selling. A more informed homeowner makes a better customer for any thoughtful contractor — including AE.
- —Honest comparisons. We compare AE to alternatives accurately. Where another approach fits better, we say so.
- —Real numbers. We publish what things actually cost in Arizona and what drives the variance. No 'call for pricing.'
- —Customer-owned decisions. The buyer should be able to walk into any contractor's office and ask the right questions.
The toolkit
Six tools to evaluate any outdoor-living proposal
Scope Completeness Scorecard
Run any proposal — from any contractor — through the AE Open-Book Scope Standard. Personal results stay in your browser.
Score a proposalBrand & Material Reviews
Honest reviews of the brands and materials that show up most often in Arizona proposals — pavers, turf, pool equipment, lighting, grills.
Compare brandsComparison Guides
Side-by-side guides for the decisions homeowners actually face — pavers vs. concrete, gunite vs. fiberglass, glass vs. mesh fencing, and more.
Browse comparisonsEducation Hub
Long-form guides on Arizona-specific topics — base depths, drainage, monsoon prep, plant choices, permits, HOA submittal, and more.
Open the guidesHire a Licensed Contractor (AZ)
The Arizona ROC threshold, why uninsured workers expose the homeowner, and the verification steps to take before signing.
Verify before you signReady to start with AE?
Every AE project begins with a mutual Project Fit & Vision Review — lifestyle, function, property, timing, investment preparation, and whether AE's integrated approach is the right match.