What to Expect From a Landscape Designer
When you are looking for a professional landscape designer in the Los Angeles County area, our team at Green Advisor will have trained experts visit with you to explain and walk you through the entire process. Whether you are renovating your entire backyard, installing a new driveway, or upgrading your space, it is vital that you work with someone that you can trust. Here is a brief overview of what you can expect when you hire a landscape designer to work on your home or commercial property.
How Much Will it Cost?
When you are considering working with a landscape designer for your exterior home project, you most likely will want to know the average cost to hire a landscape designer. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost is around $4,300. That doesn't mean that you will always spend that amount, the rate will really depend on a number of factors including the type of design you are looking for, the amount of time the project will likely take, materials that will be used, as well as the type of outdoor space you are looking to be designed. The more details you are looking to add to your project, the more your project is likely to cost. Things like adding an outdoor fire pit or outdoor kitchen will increase the cost of the project, for example.
As long as you hire a landscape designer with the relevant licenses and experience, you will get value for your money.
First Part of the Design Process
A Los Angeles landscape design company will most likely agree to meet you for free to give you a quote and give you a better idea of the tasks and fees associated with your landscaping project. A free consultation typically begins where the design expert comes to your property to take a look at the space. We will typically walk around your property and get a better idea of what ideas you have for the space. We might make some suggestions and tell you how we would go about accomplishing some of these design ideas. This is also the time where we will discuss the budget for the project. We want to get a sense of what your budget is and how it aligns with the vision you have for the property. We may make suggestions that will better help you stay within your allotted budget. In addition, we will take a look at your property's natural resources, the design and architecture of your home and look around the surrounding neighborhood.
Have Your Design Ideas Ready to Discuss
It will be important for you to discuss with the landscape design team what you imagine your landscaping project will look like. Is there a certain type flower or shurb that you have fallen in love with? Have you always envisioned a certain look and vibe for your yard? The designer will want to ensure that they are on the same page as you in terms of the amenities and features you would like to see for the project. They will also need to understand the functionality and purpose behind your project. Are you planning on entertaining frequently? Or would you like a private, exclusive retreat?
Landscape Design Architecture
After your first meeting, your landscape designer will come up with an inital design for your space. This may include a
3d architectural drawing. The plan will include a layout, flow of beds including where placement of perennials, trees and shrubs may go. Hardscaping elements will also be included in the plan. Will there be a
fire pit, deck, patio? This landscape design will ensure that your vision is vewing brought to life by your landscape architect team. It will also give you the opportunity to make any changes to the plan.
Next Steps in the Landscape Design Process
After the first draft of the landscape design, plans may be modified and more questions may be asked concerning things like the exact materials that will be used, pavers and grass types, colors and even textures of the landscape. This is where you will start to see your project come to life.
Time to Schedule the Crews
Once you have agreed on the design you would like to see for your landscape renovation and the contract has been signed - it's time to bring in the crews. This can sometimes take a few weeks depending on the weather and the scope of the project. You will ideally want temperatures that are fair and days that there is no snow or rain. However, depending on the project, many contractors will work year round and in many different types of elements. Be sure to discuss this so you know what will preclude your team from working on the project.
Completion
Finally, the time you have been waiting for. Once your landscaping project is complete, all that is left is for you to sit back and relax and enjoy your stunning scenery.