Before demolition and new construction begin, it’s essential that your contractor and you align on your family’s goals for the landscape remodel. Be open to the professional designer’s suggestions, which may not always match what you originally envisioned.
Your design will include a layout of the hardscape, including structures, paths and pavings. It will also be a plan for the plantings with a theme.
Design
Landscape Design is the process of organizing natural and man-made elements to create an aesthetic outdoor environment. It includes the hardscape (the nonliving things, such as paving) and softscape (the living things, such as plants). Landscape architecture is a broad field that addresses all aspects of creating public and private outdoor spaces, including structures, water bodies, and plantings.
The most important part of the landscape design & remodeling process is to develop a plan. This step will save you time and money and will ensure that your project is successful. There are several factors to consider when creating a landscape plan, including the intended purpose of the outdoor space and the environmental conditions of your property.
A good landscape designer will be able to make your vision a reality. They will understand your needs and will provide you with options that fit within your budget. They will also be able to identify any potential issues that may arise during the construction process.
Whether you want to relax on your patio with a book, entertain guests, or play games with family and friends, a professionally designed landscape will be an asset to your home. Not only will it increase your property value, but it will also enhance your quality of life. Unlike vacations, which can be expensive and time-consuming, your new landscape will offer you and your loved ones a retreat right at home.
Planning
During the planning and budgeting stages it is important to consider what you want to accomplish and how it will be done. It is also the time to identify any elements that will likely cause problems during construction. Some examples are a wetland permit, structural issues or a need to work around existing structures. These will need to be addressed early in the design process and should be discussed with your landscape professional.
It is a good idea to establish a budget range for the landscape construction cost and share this with your designer. This will help them design within your range. It is also helpful to remember that landscaping is often more expensive than expected. This is why it is a good idea to include a 10 to 15% buffer in the overall budget.
A properly detailed landscape design plan includes a scaled drawing with dimensions, plant material lists, spacing dimensions and container sizes. This will allow you to take the plan to contractors for estimates and bids. It will also make it easy to compare different options.
Your landscape project may require the services of a Landscape Architect, Licensed Landscape Contractor or a Design-Build firm. Each has its own strengths and focus. When choosing a pro, be sure to research their experience and read reviews.
Budget
Some homeowners consider a landscape remodel to be too expensive but the value that well-designed landscaping adds to your home far exceeds any initial investment. Landscape remodeling is also a long-term investment that benefits you with increased use of outdoor spaces and reduced maintenance costs over the years.
During the design process, landscape architects will provide you with ideas and solutions that meet your personal needs and preferences. They will create designs based on your site, existing vegetation and local climate, architectural and natural features. They may include themes, focal points and spatial organization as well as color, texture and style.
They will then develop creative and practical ideas for the project, considering the function of the spaces, phasing of construction and the budget. They will suggest plantings based on their adaptability and sustainability, including native plant species. They will incorporate hardscape elements like pathways, patios, decks, pergolas and retaining walls to enhance functionality and define space.
When discussing your budget range, it’s important to be upfront with your designer about how much you intend to spend on the project. It is helpful if you have a specific figure in mind as this will help them to keep their designs within that range. If you are working with a design-build firm, it’s common for them to provide a proposal and construction cost before starting the design process. This will allow you to compare bid prices to make an informed decision when selecting a contractor for your project.
Installation
After the design is complete, it’s time to turn the dream into a reality. A professional landscape construction company has a team that will take your project from the initial phase of clearing the property to final plantings and outdoor amenities. They are familiar with the best installation methods to create a beautiful and long-lasting landscape for your home or business. They also know the best materials to use and can provide you with an accurate proposal of your project cost.
A good project manager will meet with the client and landscape architect to flush out all of the details of the landscaping to ensure that everything is being implemented correctly. This will include specific plant species, quantities, spacing dimensions and container sizes. This will allow another contractor to come in for an estimate and bid on your project with a clear understanding of the scope of work.
A well-maintained landscape is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it can also save you money. For example, trees provide natural shade, reducing the burden on your air conditioner during the summer. Plus, they reduce the amount of runoff from your property during rainstorms. Research shows that a professionally designed and maintained landscape can increase the value of your home by 5%-15%. So don’t delay – contact us today to get started on your next landscape remodeling project.