With so many Landscape Architecture Company around, how do you know which landscape architecture company is the right one for the job? To help simplify the process and eliminate stress and hassles, ask any potential landscape architecture company the questions below – Landscape Architecture Company
- What services do you offer?
First and foremost, determine what services a landscape architecture company offers Generally speaking, landscape designers fall into one of three categories, depending on the services they offer:
Design only. Some designers specialize only in the design process. This typically includes a site analysis and discussion of a client’s needs, a preliminary design, revisions based on your feedback, and a final detailed master plan.
Design-build. Others offer the design service described above, as well as overseeing plant purchase and all installation. Contractors are needed for permitting and hardscape installation — sometimes the landscape designer is also a registered contractor, and other times they have landscape contractors on their team or ones to recommend and oversee.
Full service — design-build and maintenance program. For the highest-touch service, some landscape designers will offer all the above, plus oversee ongoing maintenance of the garden.
- How long has your business been open?
Another key question to ask any Landscape Architecture Company is how long they have been in business. You don’t want someone who is just starting out in the field. You want someone who knows what they are doing and can provide you with the results you desire in your new landscaping project. Longevity means the company must be doing something right to keep going year after year.
- Can I see examples of your past work?
Go through their previous works. Have a look on their style of the design in relation to design you want. If you want a modern, clean-lined city garden, have they designed any before? Or if you are looking for a cottage-style garden, do they have the plant knowledge to deliver?
Alternatively, if a designer’s portfolio doesn’t include the particular style you’re looking for, check out his or her credentials for evidence of the training to make the vision of your garden a reality. Also go through their educational qualification. Degrees from accredited landscape design colleges and memberships in professional organizations are both good indicators.
- How many people do you have working for your company?
You need to know that the people you hire actually work for the company at hand. You don’t want to have a bunch of subcontractors coming in and doing the job for you. This can make the whole process confusing and more stressful.
- What is the estimated cost?
Clear communication regarding the estimated cost of the project and your budget is essential. Ask your designer for a range of cost for both the design. Unanticipated design changes often come up mid-project, it’s important to be clear on whether a designer will charge additional fees for the time it takes to change the design plan or installation.
- Are there any ways to reduce cost?
Don’t feel hesitant about discussing the ways to reduce the cost of the landscape to stay on budget. The designer will have ideas about where you can save money without compromising style and quality, and what elements are worth a splurge.
- Can you provide me with a copy of your landscaping plans?
While hiring any Landscape Architecture Company make sure they know what they are doing and where everything is going to be placed. This is why you want the company to provide you with landscape design so you can choose which one you want to go with around your home. By having multiple options, you can get an idea of which one you like the best. It also prevents you from being restricted to just one or two options.
Regardless of service you want to get done, you want to make sure the job is done right. By asking the right questions, you can make sure you get everything you need in a Landscape Architecture Company.
