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the Process...There are several steps we take before completing your new vision. These major steps are covered by Pre-design, Development, Installation, Aftercare and Billing. You can use this outline as a guideline of the path we will follow on your project. Designer/Client Interview: When you contact me, I will ask you to schedule an extended telephone interview, where we can initially discuss your project, goals and ideas in greater detail. This allows us to get to know each other, and provides me with the initial information I need to begin the design process. At the conclusion of our phone interview, we can schedule an on site consultation, where I will evaluate your particular space. My fee for this initial 2-hour on site consultation is $400. Before we meet for the on site consultation, I will ask you to take some time to write down an outline of all the uses and activities that your garden must accommodate. A garden site review document will be mailed to you to assist in this process. Consider how you want the landscape to function and what you want it to do. This is the time where anything is possible. Don’t be afraid to dream big. Write everything down.
On Site Consultation: When we meet for the on site consultation, I will present a detailed explanation of the entire design process from concept to finished product. We will explore other designs I have created, and discuss some of my initial ideas about your space. We will talk about your history and lifestyle, and your plans for your garden. At this time a working design budget will be estimated. Your garden is an extension of your home. As such, the budget that you would allocate for the design should be comparable to that set aside for any important upgrade to the house, such as a bathroom remodel, or a new kitchen. After this initial on site consultation, a contract will be mailed to you for your review and signature. An initial down payment of $1,000-$3,000 is required when you contract to begin design development.
Base Map & Conceptual Design: When we have agreed on a direction for your site, I will begin the detailed analysis and information gathering required for the diagramming and creation of a base map. Concepts will be developed and we will meet to discuss and review your preferences. Depending on the scope of the project, this conceptual design will display possible alternative suggestions, or future objectives.
Working Drawings: When the design has been decided to your satisfaction, I will then create working drawings. These drawings are used to communicate to the installation contractor the necessary information that will be used to begin the bidding process. Competitive bids from contractors are then sought on the project’s installation and completion.
Final Product: Two design plans will be produced. One plan will address the style, structure and overall design of the space, and will include an estimated budget. The other will be a “planting intent” plan, showing the quantities, sizes and species of plants to be used. The cost of the plants varies depending on the site and the availability and desired maturity of the plants. Planting occurs after the hardscape has been installed.
Revisions/ Budget Assessment: This will be the time to review contractor bids and reassess the budget. Since the initial hardscape phase is the lion’s share of the landscape budget it is often difficult to set a firm budget at the beginning of a project.
Selecting a Contractor: At the appropriate point in the design development phase, we will begin the interview process to select a qualified landscape contractor. A certified contractor is responsible for the construction of all hardscape details, irrigation and electrical systems, as well as soil preparation, construction of the garden beds and plant installation.
Construction of Your Garden: Revisions may be made to the design during construction. Clients can expect me to review the work carried out by the contractor to assure design integrity. The installation process varies, and it is common for it to be staged over a period of time.
Caring For Your Garden: A garden will take about three years to become fully established. During this time, you can expect some revisions and improvements to be made to the garden. Often, desired plants may be unavailable during the installation of the garden and must be purchased as they become available. This is normal. In addition, we may choose to augment the garden planting with bulbs or annuals. For an additional fee, a Plant Maintenance Manual can be developed to assist you in the care and maintenance of your garden. An alternative option is to hire a member of Garden Diva Designs to provide a “hands-on” garden care demonstration for the primary gardeners. Services: Services will be billed on an hourly basis. Each month you will receive an invoice for services rendered and balance due.
Expenses: Reimbursable expenses, such as specialist consultations, CAD plotting, blue prints and other reproduction or presentation materials, faxes, long distance telephone charges, travel time and mileage will be billed at cost, and are additional to service fees.
Hourly Rates: Billings are based on the following hourly rates: Principal $85/hr Associate Designer $55/hr Administration $40/hr Travel $75/hr
Flat Fees/Down Payments: Initial on site consultation fee $400 Initial design development $1,000-$3,000 |
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