After participating in forum with local contractors and garden designers, the subject of client wants and budget planning was a key part of the discussion. As the client going into a new landscape project (and major investment of time and money), the more informed you are, the better off you are in terms of creating a successful project. A successful project is not only one where when people step into the back yard and there is a jaw drop and wow factor. A successful project is also one that is done on time and on budget, with a good contractor and\/or designer, with high quality craftsmanship that delivers on your needs.<\/p>\n
To achieve a successful landscape project there are a couple of key elements that require some thought(preferably prior to starting the process):<\/p>\n
1- Wants:<\/strong> What do you want for your new landscape\/garden? Do you want the English Country Garden that you have been brainstorming about with cutouts from Sunset Magazine? Do you want a utilitarian space that solves some of your yard’s problems and makes the space more usable- a place to play, to barbecue, to entertain, to store? At a minimum, develop a general overview of your wants and write them down- share them with your contractor and designer.<\/p>\n 2- Budget:<\/strong> How much do you want to spend? This is a tough question, you may not know anything about the cost of landscape projects. Can I get my landscape project done for $10,000, for $50,000, more? Do research in magazines, with friends and neighbors, call local contractors, relate experience from past home improvement projects.<\/p>\n Once these first planning steps have been accomplished now its time to put together a great team to design and build the project. Key factors are finding professionals that are going to be easy to work with, provide good service, and deliver a quality project. Interview contractors and designers through consultations to find a good fit. Nothing can sidetrack your project faster than getting a contractor who doesn’t respond to phone calls, doesn’t follow-up on promises and doesn’t perform quality work.<\/p>\n Next Steps:<\/strong> Read our past articles on budget and selecting a contractor- “Hiring a Contractor- The 1st Meeting”<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" After participating in forum with local contractors and garden designers, the subject of client wants and budget planning was a key part of the discussion. As the client going into a new landscape project (and major investment of time and money), the more informed you are, the better off you are in terms of creating … Continue reading Know Thy Project (Wants & Budget)<\/span>
\n“How Much Does it Cost- Budget and Landscape Projects” <\/a><\/p>\n