Getting Started

Once you are ready to move forward with the design, we will need the following:

• signed design agreement with your initial deposit
• copy of your house location survey
• an over-lot grading plan, if available

Designing Phase

After the initial design meeting, we will do an on-site analysis to gather measurements and elevations of the site and existing elements and also take some photographs. We will produce one or two concepts for your review. This is the time to make revisions and comments which we implement into the master plan with greater detail. We will also give you probable construction costs based on the design features in your drawings. If your wish list exceeds your budget, we can help you prioritize design features to be done in phases. The design process can take four to eight weeks varying on factors such as the project size and the time to review the designs.

Construction Drawing Phase

Once you have approved the master plan and construction budget, we can provide you a proposal to prepare your construction drawings and specifications. This last set of plans shows all the hardscape elements of the design and material choices which we can assist you by making suggestions. The construction drawings are the plans used to build your project and are considered the final phase of the design process. The construction drawing phase can take one to two weeks.

Bidding Phase

When the construction details are completed, we can act as your liaison and help you bid the construction installation among several qualified contractors, or we can provide you with names of builders with outstanding skills from whom you can solicit competitive bids. The bidding phase can take up to three weeks.

Project Overview Phase

We have experience with both design and construction of hardscapes and can be involved in the process from design to installation. We can make site visits during construction to make sure the plans are carried out and make any necessary adjustment to the design. We are interested in achieving a successful project for you and will guide and help you to execute your vision.

Time Frame

The entire process, from the initial phone call to installation, takes six-months to a year. The time frame of completion depends on the complexity, size, and scope of your project. Winter months usually take longer due to inclement weather, but an advantage is contractor availability. Also keep in mind some county governmental agencies can take weeks to months to approve your project for building. We can give you a timetable and work with your target date for completion.

Design Fees

Many variables will determine the design fee such as the difficulty of the site, size of the area, and the scope of your project. We can quote you a design fee at the time of our initial meeting.

Budgeting

To help you budget your project, estimate that our services—from design to build—will be approximately 10 to 15 percent of your overall project cost depending on our involvement and the complexity of your project. Fees on larger projects, $1 million and higher, would be at the lower percentage. Be flexible about your budget, and plan more in terms of a price range instead of a fixed amount. With our many years of experience in design and project management and our builder contacts, our fees are easily recouped in your realized savings from the competitive bids.