Is drainage supposed to puddle like that from a landscape contractor?

No — standing water usually signals a grading or drainage issue. In Salt Lake and Davis Counties, clay-heavy soils hold water, but a well-designed yard should slope away from the house at least 2% (about 1/4 inch per foot). Puddling near patios, lawns, or beds often means the contractor didn’t grade correctly or failed to install drainage solutions like French drains or catch basins. While brief puddles after heavy rain are normal, water that lingers more than 24 hours needs correction. A reputable contractor will regrade or add drainage features to fix the problem.