Our Process

We begin all outdoor living projects with our complimentary 10-Point Landscape & Site Inspection. This inspection, valued at $300, provides you with important information to help you maintain your landscape investment. It also gives us insight into aspects of your property that need to be considered during the design phase. We include the following items in our assessment and inspection:

10-Point Landscape & Site Inspection

  1. HEALTH OF EXISTING PLANT LIFE. We check for disease and that existing plants are pruned correctly and not competing with each other for sunlight and water.
  2. LAWN ANALYSIS. We evaluate the general condition of your lawn.
  3. DRAINAGE EVALUATION. We check your property for erosion and proper drainage away from home and patio foundations.
  4. IRRIGATION EVALUATION. We check existing irrigation and water system for possible over or under watering situations.
  5. TREES. We identify trees that may be at risk or have disease and fungus.
  6. ENTERTAINING AREA. We explore your entertaining style and assess the site for proper area configuration, traffic flow, and access points.
  7. OUTDOOR STRUCTURES. We check decks, patios and fixed seating for warping, wear, rot, cracking and misplacement.
  8. OUTDOOR LIGHTING. We assess outdoor lighting for landscape accents and home security.
  9. SEASONAL COLOR. We identify areas for seasonal color accents to enhance the curb appeal of your home.
  10. COMPLIMENTARY DESIGN SKETCH. We will provide new ideas on-site with the homeowner.

 

Creative Design

After the initial consultation, you and our designer can take it to the next phase by using the checklist below:

  1. Provide us with a copy of your home's Plat of Survey that details property lines and lot measurements. This can also be faxed or scanned and emailed to us.
  2. A design fee is required to begin the design phase and is established based on the scope of the work requested. This fee will be credited back to you upon completion of the project installation and final invoicing.
  3. Establish a budget! A good estimate for a complete outdoor living project is roughly 10% to 20% of your home's value. Keep in mind if you are replacing an existing deck, patio, or driveway, your budget should incorporate tear-out and disposal costs of the existing materials.
  4. We want your input! We believe that open communication is one of the most important elements of a successful project. If you have certain shrubs and plants or colors that you love, let us know. Likewise, if there are some you don′t care for, tell us that, too! Your landscape should reflect your personality, style and color preferences.
  5. If you have cut out pictures from magazines, books, or the internet of landscaping styles or outdoor projects you like, let us know. Many homeowners don't know what they want or what would work in their space. That's where our expertise comes in! We can give you many creative ideas that are unique to your property.
  6. Allow the designer approximately 2 weeks to complete the design. All of our designs are custom and we do not like to rush the creative process. This ensures that all of the elements you desire are included in the design.
  7. Meet with our designer to review the design and quote. The design fee allows for 1 revision to incorporate any additions or deletions of scope you would like. Any changes thereafter will be charged on an hourly basis.
  8. Review the revised design and get out your calendar to book your outdoor paradise!

 

Booking, Installing, and Completion of Your Project

Once you have completed your research and determined that Great Scapes Outdoor Living, Inc. is the best fit for you, we ask for the following:

  • A non-refundable retainer will reserve a spot on the project calendar while we make any final changes / adjustments to your project design.
  • A signed contract specifying the work to be done, price, payment schedule, start date and estimated completion date.
  • Initial down payment of 50% is due with the signed contract.


What you can expect from us:

  • Top-notch, professional service in both design and installation of your outdoor living space.
  • Upon completion of your project, our designer will conduct a walk-through of the property with you to ensure your complete satisfaction.  Any changes in scope will be reviewed with you so there are no surprises on your final invoice.
  • Upon final payment for your project, we leave you with:
    • A rendering of your landscape design, complete with plant names.
    • Custom Plant Care Guide
      This guide includes pictures and care instructions for everything that was installed in your yard.  This guide is a wonderful resource to help you maintain your investment.   If you decide to sell your house, new homeowners will be thrilled to have this plant care guide to help them enjoy and maintain their new investment!