It depends on what you want to play and how much room you have. A compact half-court or pickle-only layout can fit in many suburban Southern NH backyards, while full combo courts need more width and clearances. During a consult, we’ll measure your usable area, consider setbacks, trees, and slopes, then recommend a footprint that feels generous without overwhelming the yard.

Sometimes. Each Southern NH town has its own rules around setbacks, impervious surfaces, and accessory structures. In some neighborhoods a court is treated like a patio; in others you may need a simple zoning check or building permit for the base, fencing, or lighting. We’ll talk through your town, pull example requirements, and help you understand what approvals, if any, are likely before you commit.

Usually, yes. Many Southern NH backyards are sloped, wooded, or a mix of lawn and ledge. The amount of grading or retaining needed depends on how much elevation change there is and how big a court you want. Sometimes we can tuck a smaller court into the flattest part of the yard; other times we’ll recommend modest earthwork or a stepped design. Part of our walkthrough is figuring out whether the existing grades are a good match for the court you have in mind.

Timing depends on your scope, the time of year, and how much prep the site needs. A straightforward project on a ready-to-go pad can move quickly once scheduled, while a new slab, drainage, or tree clearing adds steps. Most families can plan on a few weeks from design approval to finished court once we’re on the calendar, but we’ll always talk through realistic timing for your specific project.

The exact base depends on your yard and the surface system we choose. Some projects use concrete or asphalt as a long-term slab; others use compacted stone under modular tiles. In Southern NH, drainage and freeze–thaw behavior are critical, so we pay attention to base depth, compaction, and water movement rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all solution.

Outdoor sport courts are designed to provide traction when used as intended, but they can still be slick when covered in water, leaves, pollen, or ice. The surface system, texture, and slope all play a role. In New Hampshire winters, you’ll want to clear snow and ice before play and follow the care guidelines we provide so the court stays safe and performs as expected.

Durability comes down to the base, drainage, materials, and maintenance. A well-built court in Southern NH is designed with freeze–thaw cycles in mind so it can handle snow, plows, and temperature swings. That said, different surfaces and coatings age differently. During design we’ll talk about how each option behaves over time so you understand the trade-offs before choosing a system.

Yes, that’s one of the most popular requests we see. Combo courts use a shared footprint with carefully planned line work so basketball and pickleball both feel natural to play. The exact layout depends on your space, the primary sport, and how often you expect each game to be played. We’ll show you example combos and mock up a layout that balances both without feeling cluttered.

There is no single price because every yard and design is different. Site access, grading, base type, surface system, artwork, lighting, and fencing all move the number up or down. Instead of guessing, we start with your wish list and your yard, then outline a realistic range for your project and show how different choices affect the budget. That way you can decide what feels right instead of chasing a generic “per square foot” number.

Most residential courts are fairly low-maintenance compared to a lawn or pool, but they’re not maintenance-free. You’ll want to keep the surface clear of debris, address standing water, and follow any recoating or tile-care suggestions for the system you choose. We’ll review what’s recommended for your specific court and climate so you know what to expect over the first few seasons and beyond.