Landscape designers are artists. They have a creative vision and see your property’s potential to turn it into an outdoor oasis. You must choose the right landscape designer for your home. Here are seven tips to help you.
1. Do your Research
The first step is to do your research and compile a list of potential candidates. Look for landscape professionals who have experience working in Howard County, MD.
This is important because they will be familiar with the climate and the type of plants that grow well here. They will also be familiar with the building codes and restrictions in place so that they can design a beautiful and compliant space.
You can find this information on their website or by reading online reviews. Here are just a few of ours:
Drive around and look
One way to get a feel for a landscape designer’s work is to drive around and look at some of their previous projects. This will give you an idea of their style and what they are capable of. If you see something you like, make a note of it and bring it up when you meet with them.
Take note of photos in the newspaper.
Yes, some people still get the newspaper delivered to their homes. If you are one of those people, take note of any landscape design photos in the paper. If a designer’s work is good enough to be featured in the paper, they are good enough to work on your property.
Look at photos online.
This step you can do from the comfort of your own home. Simply do a Google search for landscape designers in your area and look at their websites. Take note of other landscaping projects that they have designed and installed. This is a great way to get an idea of their portfolio and capabilities.
Here are some photos from our portfolio:
2. Set up a Consultation
Once you have compiled a list of potential candidates, set up consultations with each one. This is your chance to get to know them and their work better. Some things to ask when consulting with a landscape designer include:
How long have you been in business?
Landscape designers seem to come and go. You want to choose someone who has been in business for a while and has a good track record. This shows that they are doing something right and that their customers are happy with their work.
What is your design process?
This is important to know so that you can be sure that the designer understands your vision and can execute it properly. It’s best to find a designer who takes the time to get to know you and your property before starting the design process.
What is your fee structure?
This is an important question because you must be sure you can afford the designer’s services. Some designers charge by the hour, while others charge a flat fee. Ultimately, you want to find someone whose fee structure works for you and your budget.
Do you have any references?
Any good landscape designer will have a list of references you can contact. This is your chance to hear from other customers about their experience working with the designer.
Do you have any questions for me?
At the end of the consultation, be sure to ask the designer if they have any questions for you. This shows that you are interested in their services and that you are taking the time to get to know them. It also lets them see if they are a good fit for your project.
It shows you that they are genuinely passionate about their work and want to ensure they do an excellent job for you.
3. Ask for a Quote
After the consultation, ask the designer for a quote. This should include an estimate of how much time the project will take and a breakdown of the costs. Be sure to get this in writing, so there are no misunderstandings later.
Need a quote now? Complete the form below, and we’ll get started!
4. Review the Contract
Once you have received the quote, review the contract carefully. This is a critical step because it will outline the scope of work and the terms of your agreement. Be sure that you understand everything in the contract before signing it.
5. Ask for a Detailed Proposal
Once you have chosen a landscape designer, ask them for a detailed proposal outlining the work they will be doing. This should include a timeline for the project as well as a breakdown of the costs involved. Be sure to read over the proposal carefully before signing anything to understand what you are agreeing to – attention to detail is critical!
6. Trust Your Gut
In the end, it is important to trust your gut feeling when choosing a landscape designer for your home. If something doesn’t feel right or you have any doubts, move on to someone else. There are plenty of qualified professionals out there who would love to take on your project.
Great American Landscapes is a full-service design, build, and maintenance landscape contracting company. We have been serving residential, commercial, and institutional clients in the greater Washington, DC, area since 1984.
7. Or You Could Hire Great American Landscapes
If you want to skip all the hassles of finding a qualified landscape designer, you could always hire Great American Landscapes.
We are a professional landscaping company that has been in business for over 30 years. We have a team of experienced designers who will work with you to create the perfect landscape for your home. Contact us today to click the link to learn more about our services.
