The area I want to landscape is small. Can I assume the design work will take less time, and therefore cost less?

 

There is a correlation between design fees and project size/complexity. The design process takes longer for larger, more complex projects, because there is more work to do: more information to gather, more measurements to take, more problems to solve, ECT.

 

Small spaces, however, frequently present bigger challenges on a per-unit-of-area basis. Many people think that since the space they are dealing with is small, it must be simple and easy to deal with. The fact is, small spaces present complex and challenging problems for designers. When space is at a premium, there is little room for error. Larger spaces, on the other hand, can absorb more flaws without being severely handicapped, and, in many cases, the flaws are not even recognized except by the most trained observers. Most designers consider small spaces to be far more challenging, than larger spaces. The size of the task is usually inversely related to the size of the space. Do not confuse small with simple, where simple is equated with less expensive. Generally, small projects are considerably more expensive per applicable unit of measurement than larger projects. Small spaces do present big challenges!

 

How much does it cost for a landscape design? How long does the process take?

 

This is a difficult question to answer, because there are so many variables that can affect the amount of time it takes for a designer to conduct the design process and arrive at a plan of attack for developing the landscape. Such variables can include the intended size, scope and complexity of the project, unusual site problems; local or regional restrictions and ordinances, ect. Because of all these variables, Bold City irrigation & Landscaping, Inc. will determine the fee for its design at the initial consultation. (This fee will vary depending on project size).

 

 Basically, not much can be accomplished in less than four to eight hours, depending on the complexity of the project. We feel so strongly about the importance of the design process in the development of a landscape that we rebate our design fees when we complete the job. This is a win-win situation for the customer and us, and is done to remove the concern over  design fees from the decision whether or not to hire Bold City Irrigation & Landscaping, Inc. as your professional landscape designer.

 

The normal procedure and course of events at Bold City Irrigation & Landscaping, Inc. is for the designer to accumulate as much information from the client on the initial site visit. Such information would include a completed landscape design questionnaire (see LANDSCAPE DESIGN QUESTIONAIRE) and relevant information about the site, such as surveys, house plans, neighborhood restrictions, etc. During this initial site visit, the designer may begin collecting site data, measurements, and visual images (i.e., photographs), or he/she may want to come back and do this at a later date, depending upon the circumstances. Sometimes it is best to allow some time for assimilation of first impressions and new information before proceeding. Eventually, the client is thoroughly interviewed as to their needs and wants, and the site is thoroughly measured and photographed. Once the site has been thoroughly analyzed, a base drawing is produced. The preliminary drawings are then presented to the clients for their input. Revisions, if necessary, are made, and a final plan and proposal for doing the job is produced incorporating the results of all the efforts made to-date.

 

 

 

 

 

How to buy landscape:

 

The first step in buying a landscape is to select a reputable company or designer qualified to handle the size and scope of the intended project. The design process then begins, producing at some point a “plan” (i.e., Master Plan) and specifications. If the designer is also a landscape contractor, then a proposal to complete the project is usually submitted along with the plan. If desired, the plan can also be sent to competing landscape companies for their bids (i.e., prices to do the job as specified).

 

For all practical purposes bids, prices, estimates, and proposals are the same things. An estimate should be free (i.e., “free estimate”) because it is merely a price to do a previously defined job. Do not confuse estimation with designing: one task is done for free, the other is not. You can expect a good landscape designer to charge at least $65.00 per hour, to produce a plan: total design costs are directly related to the size and complexity of the job. Some design-build companies, such as Bold City Irrigation & Landscaping, Inc. offer design-purchase rebated where some or the entire design fee is rebated when the project is completed; this can be a decided advantage over companies which only offer design services.

 

The following is a review of the proper manner and sequence for buying a landscape

Select a qualified designer

Initiate the landscape design process

Settle on a “plan”

Review the proposal

Award a contract

Begin the project

Complete the project

Begin to enjoy the new landscape

 

 

Why do I need a design? I already know what I want.

 

Before answering this question, let us define a few terms. DESIGN is an information gathering and problem solving “process” which is intended to culminate in a plan of attack for completing a project. A landscape PLAN is a communication device (it can be written, verbal, graphic, computer generated, ect.), which attempts to translate the results of the design process into a set of instructions for completing a project. The terms design and plan are not synonymous, nor are they interchangeable.

 

Our experience is that many people who ask this question, in fact, really do not know what they want. They may think they do, but in going through the design process, come to understand that many of their ideas just will not work on their site. Others may say they Know what they want, hoping to shorten the design process, and thus reduce their design fees. Ironically, design fees for this type of client are usually higher because they try to skip vital steps in the design process, which leads to many time-consuming dead ends. They do not realize that good landscape design does not cost-it pays. The bottom line is that if a person has the education, experience, talent, and creativity of a professional landscape designer combined with the installation, construction, and maintenance experience of a veteran field supervisor, then they do not need our services; they can and should develop their own landscape. When told this many people realize they really do need our professional help. At this point, we have a client who is committed to working honestly through the design process with us, and the result is usually a very well developed landscape.

 

A professional landscape designer asks questions about the site that the client might not think to ask. These questions are the basis of the design process. The key to the development of a good landscape is the design process; this is the basic and founding premise on which Bold City