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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS -

I have tried to answer some of the most common questions that I usually get asked here, but of course, if you have another one that I've not touched on please feel free to contact me - I'd be more than happy to answer any and all concerns you may have!

What exactly do you do?

 

I draw up a master plan - to scale -  so that a landscape "contractor" can then install the design that we have come up with for your property.  I will need to interview you, have you fill out a "quesionaire" for me to work with, and take measurements of your property and where exactly everything is on it in order to begin the plan.  If you think of a building, such as your home, or even a public building, you have an "architect" who draws the plans for the building, and then a contractor who actually builds it, I would be the equivalent of the architect in this scenario.

 

 

How much time is involved in the process from beginning to finish?

 

This varies greatly depending on what you wish done in your yard.  If, for example, you are going to require lots of "hardscaping" - patios, irrigation, or structures, it may take longer.  Some people also decide to do their landscaping in "phases", rather than all at once, in that way they can fit it into their budget better.  Typically, a fairly straightforward plan for a front or backyard takes me a few weeks to finish, that also depends on client changes involved, as well as my schedule. You will receive one or two "preliminary plans" from me for your input and any changes prior to the final plan.  After receiving the final plan from me you will need to get bids from contractor to install it, this could take a few more weeks, and then you have the time it takes to actually install the landscpe - total time, again depending on complexity of design, is usually a few months from hiring me until the contractors done.

How much do you charge for a plan?

 

This varies, depending on the extent of work involved, and which I can only state after talking with you and seeing your property.  I don't have a flat "by the hour" rate - however, if I come out to see your property and speak with you I do charge a "consultation fee" of $50.00/hour, and that fee is applicable to the plan fee, if you decide you would like me to go ahead and draw up a design for you.  A "rough estimate" for a simple design for a  small yard might be around $800, however it could be more depending on how much time is involved.  Another rough estimate might be $1.00/sq.ft., but again it varies depending on the amount of time involved which varies with each unique job. I don't do a cookie cutter design, ever, each plan is "unique" hence my company name.  There are companies who use the same plans, retrofitted, over and over again, and you can consider the amount of time they put into doing that, but I'm not one of those.  Nobody else in town will have the same landscape as you, unless somebody is copying my work!

 

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Do you work with the contractors?

 

Yes and no.  I am available for any issues or questions they may have at any time regarding the installation of your landscape.  I want to make sure that what I specify on the plan they are able to install.  For example, if they have an issue procuring a certain plant I've specified, I would be happy to suggest an alternative for them.   I can recommend a few contractors for you to choose from if you don't already have one in mind yourself.  If a contractor refers you to me for a plan, I consult with them first to see what the both of you have possibly already discussed as far as what you want him to do.   Some people even like to do the work themselves - and, of course, that will save  you some money, but I would recommend this only for planting, possibly for removing old plants, not for hardscaping, unless you happen to be a contractor yourself.

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Why would I need you to design my yard, can't the contractor just do that for me?

 

Probably not.  I am trained as a landscape designer, not a contractor, and most contractors are  not trained as designers  - that is they know how to physically build, plant, remove and add landscaping, irrigation, patios, patio covers, pergolas, etc.  I don't do their job, and they don't do what I do.  I am very well trained on CAD and utilize cutting edge software  to enable you to see exactly what your new landscape will look like before you hire your contractor.  If you don't have a "plan", how do you know that the bids you're getting from contractors are all for the same thing?   I am very knowledgeable on plant varieties, many contractors have never heard of, that do great in our climate, and know how to combine them correctly.    A good design and a good contractor will give you the best results. 

 

Remember - Every great project begins with a great plan!

 

 

 

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MY GOALS:
 
My goal in designing your landscape is to create a "living" room for you to enjoy.  I strive for functionality as well as aesthetics in all my designs, encompassing water efficiency, minimizing lawn when possible, and utilizing drought tolerant plants as much as possible. Just as each client is unique, so are their desires, I respect that, and enjoy the challenges with each new project.  I want you to LOVE your new landscape.   I am a graduate of Mira Costa College Landscape Architect Program.

 

 

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WHAT I DO: 

 

I will meet with you at your home and discuss what you desire as well as make  recommendations - measure the site - sign a contract with you - then start the actual designing of your landscape.  I will email these to you, a "preliminary plan" for approval and make changes as necessary.  You will give the "final plan" to a contractor who will then install the landscaping.  Serving all of SW Riverside County and North San Diego County.

 

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