We have gathered and explained eight essentials for successful landscaping.
1) What is the objective of your development project?
1- Your use of the land
2- Transition zones
3- Maintenance
4- Practical needs
2) It’s time to dream about your project!
3) Use Info-excavation
4) What will be the budget?
5) The layout plan
1- Do you make your own layout plan?
2- Do you contract a landscape expert?
6) Once the plan is established
Why hire a landscape contractor?
How do I know if a contractor is competent and will meet my needs?
7) Coordination of development work
8) What time of the year should I start thinking about it?
Conclusion
What is the key to success in designing a dreamy landscape? First of all, take the time to plan your layout correctly. It’s a bit of a contradiction in terms, but before you call a landscape architect or do your own landscaping plan, here are a few points that may help you save time and money.
1) What is the objective of your development project?
First, you need to define your goals and how you will use the space.
- Are you preparing the house for sale?
- Do you need urgent repair work?
- Do you want to create new activity areas or change existing ones?
- Do you want to receive friends and family regularly or occasionally?
- Are you doing the work for your primary or secondary residence?
1- Your use of the land:
Are you pool or spa, fire with friends or more of an epicurean gourmet? Will you always be outdoors or do you like to spend a lot of time growing a vegetable garden?
2- Transition zones:
Which door will lead to the backyard? Is it convenient, well located? The layout can involve installing a patio door, modifying the stairs, etc., and at the same time, give even more value to your property.
3- Maintenance:
In general, the maintenance required for a garden tends to be underestimated. Sometimes it is better to entrust this service to a trusted team, which will leave you much more time to enjoy your development.
4- Practical needs:
You’ll have to think about the necessary parking (sometimes families get bigger…), create privacy zones, find the best location for garbage cans, compost, shed… Your landscaper will be able to offer you excellent solutions, both elegant and practical, according to your budget.
2) It’s time to dream about your project!
Next, you need to gather the necessary documents for the design plan and find inspiration for your layout on websites such as Houzz or Pinterest or in magazines. This work of clearing will be beneficial at the stage of creation.
3) Use Info-excavation
You must first locate the passage of the various underground service networks (gas lines, cable television wires, etc.). Even your own underground wires connecting the house to your shed, for example. You will avoid being responsible for any equipment breakage. It may also be appropriate to take out your certificate of location if you have it on hand. When dealing with a contractor, the contractor will ensure that these details are taken care of. But make sure it’s clear to each other, so you don’t end up with the unpleasant surprise that he’ll disengage if something goes wrong.
4) What will be the budget?
Once you have a good idea of what you want, you need to set a realistic budget and determine how much you are willing to pay for your project. This is the amount that the landscape architect or garden designer will use to create your personalized plan. Although complicated to establish when one is not familiar with this type of project, budgeting is a crucial step. Remember that quality landscaping increases the value of your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers.
5) The layout plan
At this stage, you will be able to make a big decision for the realization of your project.
1- Do you make your own layout plan?
Design your project according to your needs, inspirations and budget. At this stage, it is suggested that you take the time to check the municipal by-laws that will give specific guidelines to be respected in the design (height of fences and privacy signs, the distance of the pool from the limits of your property, accepted materials, etc.). Also take a few minutes to plan surface water management and drainage, if necessary properly.
2- Do you contract a landscape expert?
A trustworthy contractor will take the time to meet with you and understand your every wish and the issues involved in your property. Its team of architects and landscape masters will create your landscaping plan and realize the execution of your work, taking into account the type of soil, sunlight, your particular needs and the range of products you have selected. The delivery of your management plan will include a complete document on the project’s finances, plant and materials guide.
6) Once the plan is established
Entrust your project to a team of professionals who will ensure that the project is carried out to your complete satisfaction and on schedule.
Why hire a landscape contractor?
Experts who are members of a professional association are required to have a formal contract signed, clearly specifying the responsibilities of the parties, the nature of the work, the schedule, the information to be provided by the client, the duration of the guarantees and the terms of payment.
The guarantees cover both plants (generally 1 year from the end of planting) and inert materials (2 years) and labour.
How do I know if a contractor is competent and will meet my needs?
You find out what he’s already done. Visit his website, and by seeing his work, you will get a glimpse of the design styles he can conceive. Look at the number of comments or stars you’ll find on Google about it, or on Houzz and Pinterest. Has the contractor won any awards or commendations lately?
You can ask for references… Is he a member of a professional association? This is not a foolproof guarantee, but these associations have specific requirements for their members, including experience, financial stability and liability insurance.
A right contractor is also one who will respect your neighbourhood. The whole team will be friendly, and at night, your property will not look like an open-air quarry. You will appreciate a contractor who keeps the premises clean, safe for pets or children. Details that often make the difference during construction.
7) Coordination of development work
Finally, prepare your work schedule, coordinate the various parties involved (pool builder, fence installer, electrician, etc.) and apply for a permit to carry out the work.
8) What time of the year should I start thinking about it?
Ideally, in the fall. Getting started early allows you to consider several scenarios with the help of your landscape architect and to specify the costs. It is preferable to reserve your time slot with your contractor as soon as possible if you want the work to be done early in the season. If you call in June, the chances are that the availability of the most reputable companies has already been booked months in advance.
In conclusion
Everything is in the planning, as mentioned from the outset. Whether it is done by yourself or by a specialized contractor, we recommend that you hire a landscape architect to provide you with the information you need. It will help you make the right choices, and you may even receive advice on how to correct some aspects of your layout. Afterwards, you will be able to decide to do your project yourself, develop it in phases or have peace of mind in the shortest possible time, according to your budget.
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