Landscpes By Design:
Plan First, Then Build

Consider this scenario. You are a homeowner looking to renovate your landscape. You have some vague idea of what you want – a new patio, some walkways, a small pond, some new plantings – but don’t have any specific plans other than maybe a crude hand-drawn sketch and a photo out of a gardening magazine.
You call three landscape contractors, discuss your ideas and ask for a design proposal and quotation.

Two weeks later, you are staring in utter confusion at three starkly different proposals. Each contractor has come up with a price based on their own plan, one of which may look like it was drawn on the hood of a pickup truck, and none of which may necessarily appeal to you. They have quoted on different materials, plant species and sizes, area measurements and quantities. One price may be significantly lower, but you’re not sure if its because the contractor is more competitive, uses lower grade stone, installs smaller plants, or has less experience and works to lower quality standards.

At that point, you realize you are comparing apples and oranges and that its impossible to determine the best value for your money. Frustration sets in, and you decide to do nothing.

The best way to avoid this scenario is to prepare a landscape design before you solicit quotes.

Yes, designs cost money; professional fees for a licensed landscape architect or certified designer could run you anywhere from say 3% to 10% or more of the total construction budget, depending on the project scope, size and complexity. However, the benefits of a good design are well worth the cost.

A competent designer will tailor the landscape plan to your specific needs, preferences and tastes, not the contractor’s. Using their knowledge of plants, ecology, structural design, aesthetics and human behaviour, the designer will bring your vision into focus, integrating your outdoor living areas, plantings, and pathways in a creative, well-proportioned design. The end product may be as simple as a single scaled landscape plan. Or, it may entail a more elaborate masterplan for larger projects staged over several years, and may also include construction details and planting, grading, layout and lighting plans to ensure the contractor build it right. Perhaps most importantly, the design must be realistic and in line with your long-term construction budget, so that you do not end up trying to build a Taj Mahal on a pauper’s budget.

Once you have a final design, you can solicit quotes from contractors, and when it comes time to evaluate their proposals, you’ll be comparing apples to apples. Sure, you may still have some tough decisions if there are wide price discrepancies, but at
least you’ll know its due to different rates, not different designs. As an aside, here’s an oft-neglected word of advice: be wary of low bids, unless you have seen examples of the contractor’s work, are comfortable with their experience and quality standards, and are certain they understand the scope of work.

When looking for a designer or landscape architect, consider that many landscape contractors offer design services to varying levels of skill and expertise. Some will offer designs at discounted rates if they are awarded the construction. Or, you can seek
the services of a professional designer. In either case, always ask to see a portfolio of their work. On smaller scale projects, you should at least insist on a CNTA certified landscape designer, while a licensed Landscape Architect may be better equipped to deal with larger, more complex projects. Either way, by planning before building, you are more likely to enjoy a seamless transition from landscape vision to reality.