1. Reputation and references – Working with a qualified and established company is the single most important factor in getting the results you want. Trust me – I started renovating my master bathroom as a Mother’s Day gift for my wife, and 11 months later, it’s still under construction. What can I say, I’m a landscaper, not a plumber! Landscaping is not rocket science, but trusting anyone with a truck and shovel can leave your tranquil patio looking like a pile of rocks.
2. Portfolio – Check out the company’s pictures, especially noting work your designer has directly influenced. If you don’t like their ‘best of the best’ pictures, you should not be the next addition to their album.
3. Wish list – Take some time prior to meeting with your designer to write down ideas of how you would like the project to look. Every yard presents a unique set of challenges that can limit some wishes, but often a creative solution can be found.
4. Budget – Hardscapes, water features, irrigation and fresh plant material are all great additions to your home, but they can start to add up. Discussing your budget with your landscape designer can save a lot of time and help get the project started sooner. Setting a budget allows your designer to create a plan that fits your home, addresses your wish list and does not empty your wallet.
5. Questions – What type of material will be used for the patio? What color of roses are available? What type of warranty do you offer? Ask tons of questions; your designer is there to help and guide you through the process.
6. Trust your instincts – If your designer does not have answers, respect your budget, or seem concerned with making your wish list work, trust your gut and find another contractor.
7. Let your designer do their job – Once you have selected a reputable contractor and talked about the results you want, the fun begins. Trust your designer to help make your vision a reality by striking a balance of creativity and practicality with your design. Keep an open mind to new ideas you may have never considered.
8. Subcontractors – Ask if subcontractors will be used. If so, the company you just interviewed is not the company that is performing the work. Subs can result in scheduling and quality issues.
9. Schedule – Be sure to ask how long the installation will take. Set a realistic start and end date and continue to communicate with your contractor as the installation progresses. Keep in mind that weather and other items may arise that are out of the contractor’s control.
Choosing a qualified landscape designer and reputable company is the first step in obtaining the landscape you have always wanted for your home or business.
This post was written by;
Adam Davis
Landscape Design Coordinator – Denison Landscaping Inc.