With the warmer weather upon us, homeowners begin to take the opportunity to relax, play, and entertain family and friends outdoors.
It also gives them an opportunity to work on the aesthetic of their home’s exterior, improving its usability and visual appeal through planting a walk-through garden, building a deck, or completely making over their outdoor living space.
Beautiful landscaping adds functionality and interest to the home’s exterior, contributes to the beauty of the neighbourhood, and increases property value.
Most designers can recommend solutions that turn your vision into something buildable, sustainable, and in accordance with local bylaws.
They also provide guidance on budget, ensuring that you get the best value for your money.
But choosing the right designer for your project often comes down to one thing: the plan.
Without a proper design plan, or if design measurements aren’t accurately drawn or measured, problems can occur that will lead to homeowner disappointment, frustration, or, even worse, legal action.
A proper design plan serves as a roadmap to your outdoor living space, putting your concepts on paper so that you can actually visualize your dream.
It should organize your goals, style requirements, and location into concepts that are measured and drawn to scale, forming the basis of everyone’s expectations of the project’s outcome.
The design also lists materials, sizing specifications, and often construction techniques in a format that qualified landscape contractors understand.
This information allows contractors to formulate an accurate quote, and ultimately make the actual installation smoother, faster, and more cost efficient.
The design plan is initially based on information the designer gathers at your first meeting, including:
How you will use the outdoor space
Materials you would like to build with, and those you want to avoid
Which colours best suit the aesthetic of your home and surroundings
Particular style needs that match your lifestyle
When work can begin, and when you need it completed
Ideas on maximizing your budget without compromising quality
After a few weeks of research, measuring, and drawing, you will meet with your designer to review the plan. At this time, you will have the opportunity to make any necessary changes to the overall design and materials to be used.
With the final drawings in hand, you’re ready to approach contractors for quotes on installing your new landscape.
If your designer’s company also offers landscaping services, be sure to ask them for a quote as well.
Since your designer is already familiar with the project, they would be well suited to manage your installation, and serve as a trusted advisor if you have any questions during construction.
But remember: it all starts with a proper design plan.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.