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A professional landscape designer begins
with a property review and walks the property with the homeowner
to discuss the potential of the property as well as the
likes and dislikes of the homeowners. At this time the
homeowner should provide the landscaper with a mortgage
survey with plot measurements. The landscape designer
will take additional measurements along with photos that
the designer can review during the drawing process. The
drawing and quote process generally requires 5 to 10 days.
Once the design and quote are completed a meeting is scheduled with
the homeowner to review the design, quote and adjoining
material. The quote provided with the design should be
detailed with each landscape item described in detail, including square
feet for patios and walk, plant sizes for all plant material, and an
individual price for each item. You should not be satisfied with a quote
that has only a bottom line and does not provide specific line item
pricing.
How to save money...
If the quote is higher than you anticipated
or higher than your budget allows you need to prioritize
which parts of the landscape you would like to have completed.
You should include, as a minimum, a complete irrigation
system, construction of the (beds) planting areas, and
the lawn material. If you have green thumbs you may consider installing
the plant material yourself, but I strongly encourage you hire the landscaper
to do all the work that requires heavy machinery or involves
extensive labor.
Once
you have decided which items the landscaper will complete
and which items you will install, allow the landscaper to revise the
original quote and provide you with a lower quote for the items discussed
How to fit your budget...
In addition to the previous method, another
way to accomplish this is to have your landscape installed over a period
of two or three years. There are many variables when implementing this
method; however a professional landscaper will inform you in which order
to best complete your landscape that will also provide you with the
most cost savings. Generally, installing your landscape over a period
of several years is more expensive than installing everything at once,
however if you desire a more lavish landscape than your budget currently
allows you can still have the great landscape that your heart desire
in a couple years for a few more dollars.
Review:
1). Find a landscaper that is flexible and willing to
work with your landscape preferences and requirements as well as work
within your budget. 2). Prioritize your landscape preferences, 3).
Install smaller landscape items yourself. 4) Install your landscape
over a period of a few years.
