Landscape Blog

How do you choose the right landscape architect for your project?  You’ve decided to overhaul your entire outdoor living space, and you want it done right. You know this is a large investment in time and money.

Let’s assume that you’ve been scouting out landscape designers in your area, looking at their completed projects and getting recommendations from friends whose landscape work you admire. You’ve found several home landscaping companies whose work you think is a good match aesthetically for your property. Now, consider these seven points before signing a contract.

1. Are You Licensed?

Protect your investment by ensuring your chosen landscape architect is licensed, fully insured and bonded, and that the landscape design company also covers the work of subcontractors. Any type of construction work can be dangerous, and you don’t want to be held responsible for accidents on your property.

2. What Is Your Background and Experience?

Working with plants and outdoor materials requires a deep understanding of your local climate and terrain. Find out if the architect has studied and worked locally, and for how long. Get referrals or request photos of finished projects, preferably ones that have been in place for a number of years so you can see how the plantings have grown in and the hardscapes have held up.

3. Will I Deal Directly With the Landscape Architect?

Find out how the architect works. Does the landscaping firm have different people dealing with various aspects of a project, or does the architect oversee everything from start to finish? Having one point person who can guide you through every step makes the whole process run more smoothly. It might also be important to you that the person who develops the design oversees its implementation. Then, when something unforeseen crops up, the problem can be solved quickly, and the integrity of the design is not compromised.

4. What Is Your Design Process?

Ask if the architect provides detailed drawings of the proposed design and explains why each element was chosen specifically for your site. The design should blend organically with your house and its location and fit perfectly with your lifestyle. Make sure the designer explains what maintenance will be required to care for and grow the landscaping over the coming years.

5. What Is Your Installation Process?

Also, find out how long the work is expected to take, how disruptive it will be, and whether the landscaping company requires anything from you before the work starts, for example, removing all lawn furniture, kids’ play equipment and so on. If the landscape designer uses subcontractors, ask if the firm oversees and guarantees their work.

6. Do You Provide a Guarantee?

Look for a minimum of two, and preferably, five years guarantee on the hardscapes such as walls, patios and pools. Ask about a separate warranty on the plants, as these can be quite expensive to replace if they don’t thrive in your environment.

7. What Is Your Payment Schedule?

Inquire as to how the firm wants to be paid. It’s best if fees can be broken down and attached to the completion of specific steps in the plan. Finalize the fee payment upfront so that you aren’t hit with unexpected costs later.

When you follow these steps before embarking on a landscaping project, you can rest assured that your redesigned outdoor living space will look beautiful and give you hours of pleasure for years to come.

Need more answers?  Contact Scarlett’s Landscape today and we will be happy to assist you.