Experts in developing outdoor living spaces
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I WANT TO HIRE WAYSIDE LANDSCAPE SERVICES, INC. HOW DO I PROCEED?
If, after thoroughly reviewing this web site (especially the FAQs on
this page), you like what you see, and want to hire Wayside Landscape
Services, Inc. to help you develop your landscape, then this is how you
should proceed.
1. Complete the Design Analysis Questionnaire
and e-mail back to Wayside. Begin assembling pertinent documents and information,
such as surveys, house plans, pictures, etc., that will be useful to our
designers.
2. Call and schedule an initial consultation at
Wayside's office to discuss your project. 828-298-4599
3. Hold initial consultation at our office to discuss your project; remember
to bring pertinent documents and information. There is no charge for this
meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to make a final decision with
regard to hiring Wayside to help you design and develop your landscape.
4. Sign Landscape Design / Consultation
Contract; pay the retainer.
5. Begin the design process.
6. Eventually settle on final plan.
7. Accept Proposal to do the work; make prepayment.
8. Begin construction and installation.
9. Finish project - Enjoy!
10. Maintain what you have. Wayside will help if you want us to.
WHAT IS LANDSCAPE DESIGN?*
The process of building a good landscape involves three
distinct steps: design; installation; maintenance. Failure to consider
any one facet can affect the success of a landscaping project. An extremely
well conceived landscape cannot succeed if it is poorly installed, nor
can a poorly designed landscape be redeemed by good installation procedures.
Development of the landscape throughout its history requires high maintenance
standards.
The design process begins with a thorough design analysis, consisting
of a site analysis and an analysis of people's needs. Until the needs
of the property and the people using it are known, they cannot be met.
As a part of the site analysis, the land itself must be studied to determine
if alterations are necessary to provide drainage, usable areas, and
a more comfortable environment. A general study of these beneficial
land features, as well as those requiring alteration is best; they are
refined later, as plans are completed.
After all factors surrounding the land and its occupants have been studied,
the designer can start to formulate specific design concepts. The property
is divided into usable portions for the functions indicated in the design
analysis, and necessary terrain alterations are planned. Shade, wind
protection, screening, and enclosure can then be provided. At this stage
of the design process, it is best to make general choices, not choosing
specific materials until all design criteria have been evaluated.
All circulation routes are also considered during this design stage.
Again, it is best to determine the general size and shape of sidewalks,
drives, patios, and so forth, without specifically determining the surfacing
to be used. Aesthetic decisions come later.
After all general determinations have been made about area sizes and
shapes, environmental requirements, and circulation routes, the aesthetic
design factors can be considered. The design becomes more specific at
this point. Choices are made: a trellis or a tree for shade; a wall,
fence, hedge, or mass planting for a screen; and so forth. Ground-surface
patterns take form as surfacing materials are chosen and lines of demarcation
are determined. All elements in the landscape can be tied together effectively
in a unified design that is aesthetically pleasing. Textures, colors,
and forms are blended together to form a functioning landscape that
is pleasant to view. Materials selection climaxes the design process.
The experienced designer will mull the separate parts of the design
process over simultaneously as he proceeds. The designer continually
shifts his attention from one factor to another, ensuring that the final
design will be unified in all phases.
Those ideas that have been conceived in the designer's mind during the
design process are recorded on paper in such away that others can read
and understand them: this is the landscape plan. The plan must communicate
those ideas to the property owner as well as to any potential installer.
Maybe most importantly, the landscape designer uses the plan to communicate
ideas to himself throughout the design process. Recording the various
design concepts on paper during the design process allows the designer
to relate one area to another, comparing concepts for compatibility.
*excerpts from Landscape Design by Leroy Hannebaum.
HOW TO BUY A LANDSCAPE: THE RIGHT WAY!
It is relatively easy for consumers to compare price and value in the retail marketplace where most vendors carry exactly the same or very similar products. Comparing price and value among service oriented companies is more difficult and requires a consumer to first establish a well defined "conceptual" product that all service companies can use as a basis for establishing their prices. In the landscape industry this conceptual product is the landscape plan with its accompanying specifications. All competing service companies must use the same conceptual product to arrive at their prices in order for the consumer to make valid comparisons.
The first step in buying a landscape is to select a 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 estimating with designing: one task is done for free, the other is not. You can expect a good landscape designer to charge at least $75.00 per hour, plus expenses, to produce a plan: total design costs are directly related to the size and complexity of the job. Some design-build companies, such as Wayside Landscape Services, Inc., offer design-purchase rebates where some or all of the design fee is rebated when their crews complete the project: this can be a decided advantage over companies which only offer design services.
After reviewing all proposals, the customer then contracts with a company to do the work, and the project begins. A customer should expect to pay 25% - 50% of the estimated project cost prior to initiation of work: this is called the deposit, or prepayment. Other payments (i.e., draws) are made at predetermined intervals if the project is of long duration, or the balance is made upon completion if the project takes less than a month.
- Select a qualified designer;
- Initiate the landscape design process;
- Settle on a "plan";
- Review the proposal(s);
- Award a contract;
- Begin the project;
- Complete the project; and
- Begin to enjoy the new landscape.
DO WE GIVE FREE ESTIMATES?
Before answering this question, let's first define "estimate." An estimate
is an approximate price for completing a well-defined job.
If we receive a complete and accurate set of landscape plans, detailed
construction documents, and project specifications for a project that
we are interested in and qualified to work on, then "yes" we will sometimes
provide an estimated price for completion of the project at no cost
to the customer. We only provide such services to existing and potential
clients who have expressed a genuine interest in wanting to use Wayside
as their landscape contractor, and who are located within our serviceable
business territory. We also only provide such estimates on projects
for which we can realistically schedule commencement of work in a timely
fashion. In general, we do not seek to "bid" on work in which we are
unfamiliar with the project designer, the customer, or some other aspect
of the project; Wayside does not get involved in this type of "free
estimating."
Most of the time when people ask us if we give free estimates, what
they really mean is do we design landscapes for free. Our estimate,
or price, must be based on a plan and a detailed set of specifications,
which are the end product of the design process. It is impossible for
us, or anyone for that matter, to give a meaningful price without a
plan that was generated through the design process. To do so would be
merely guessing. At Wayside, we charge for our assistance in conducting
the design process and in generating plans and specifications needed
to develop the landscape (see LANDSCAPE
DESIGN / CONSULTATION CONTRACT for details).
So, the usual answer to the above question is "no" for the same reasons
other professionals (e.g., doctors, lawyers, architects, webmasters,
financial planners, consultants, etc.) do not provide their services
for free. A qualified landscape designer has many years of concentrated
education and experience behind his/her counsel. The landscape design
process (see WHAT IS LANDSCAPE DESIGN?)
is both time consuming and exacting. It requires skill, creativity,
and the ability to communicate effectively with others using several
different types of media. In order to be effective, designers must form
a partnership with their clients; all parties must be committed to the
project, and trust each other. Such commitment and trust is easier when
the designer is formally working (i.e., under contract) for the client.
Free plans generally do not have the client's best interests at heart;
they are usually at best a guess as to what the salesperson thinks they
can get the potential client to buy - this is salesmanship, not design.
DO WE CHARGE FOR TRAVEL TIME?
Yes. Travel time is considered a necessary part of the design / consultation (D/C) process and is billed at the same rate as all other D/C time (see LANDSCAPE DESIGN / CONSULTATION CONTRACT for details). If we did not charge for travel time, then our rates would have to go up to compensate for this expense. We think it is fairer and easier to bill all time at the same rate. Whenever possible, we hold D/C meetings with clients at our offices; this cuts down on some of the travel expenses.
WHY DO I NEED A DESIGN? I ALREADY KNOW WHAT I WANT.
Before answering this question, let's 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 (see WHAT
IS LANDSCAPE DESIGN?). A landscape PLAN
is a communication device (it can be written, verbal, graphic, computer
generated, etc.), 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
don't 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 won't
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 don't 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 don't 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 end result is usually a very well developed landscape.
A professional landscape designer asks questions about the site and the
client 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 Wayside Landscape Services, Inc. operates.
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, etc.
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.
As a general rule, small projects are considerably more expensive per
applicable unit of measurement than larger projects. Small spaces do present
big challenges!
WHAT GEOGRAPHICAL AREA DO YOU SERVE?
Most of Wayside's work is carried out in Buncombe County, N.C. At least
ninety-five percent of our job sites are located within a twenty-mile
radius of our headquarters in east Asheville. See map
for exact location (map is located at bottom of home page). Our work sometimes
takes us into the fringes of northern Henderson and Transylvania Counties,
and eastern Haywood County. Beyond twenty miles, mobilization costs can
become excessive.
Occasionally, we do take on distant projects (having ranged as far as
100 miles), but only under certain circumstances. Such circumstances include
a customer who, for whatever reason, wants only Wayside to design and
build their project, and is willing to pay the extra costs associated
with distant travel. Furthermore, the project has to be large enough in
scope to allow for some economy of scale; this generally precludes projects
of less than about $75,000.00. The more distant the project, the larger
it has to be, for economic reasons. The project site should be such that
we can set up and maintain a remote project headquarters; this helps to
maximize productivity and minimize mobilization costs. Access to equipment
suppliers, product vendors, and reliable subcontractors local to the job
site also help to make distant work more practical and cost effective.
WE DECIDED TO TERMINATE THE DESIGN PROCESS BEFORE COMPLETION.
DO WE STILL HAVE TO PAY DESIGN FEES EVEN THOUGH WE DON'T HAVE (OR NEED)
A PLAN?
The design process can be terminated before completion for any number
of reasons. Such reasons can include: a sudden job transfer necessitating
an unexpected sale of the home; a client's eventual realization that their
wants and needs exceed their budget; discovery of a site problem or other
situation for which there is no practical or economically feasible solution;
etc. When a client enters into a design or consultation
contract with Wayside, they are agreeing to pay for the designer's time
and expenses (see LANDSCAPE
DESIGN / CONSULTATION CONTRACT for details). If the
contract is terminated during the design process, the client is still
obligated to pay for the designer's time and incurred expenses at the
previously agreed upon rates. Depending on when the design process is
terminated, there may be little or much meaningful documentation to reflect
the designer's effort to that point. If terminated early (i.e., during
or after the initial client interviews and site analyses, photography),
there may be very little meaningful data or documentation to reflect the
efforts of the designer. The later the design process is terminated, the
more a designer will have to show for his/her effort. Such is the nature
of the design process (see WHAT IS LANDSCAPE
DESIGN?). It is not until the end of the process that the designer
brings everything together and formulates a meaningful plan of attack.
Up to that point, information, data, and ideas are still mostly disjunct
and of limited value when considered separately.
It is important to repeat that, at Wayside, the client agrees to pay for
the designer's time and expenses, regardless of whether a plan is generated.
The landscape plan (together with its unique set of specifications) is
the culmination of the landscape design process; it is the vehicle used
by contractors to estimate the cost of the project and drive it to completion.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST FOR LANDSCAPE DESIGN WORK?
HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS TAKE? WHAT IS INVOLVED?
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; the quality of input from the client; the involvement and
commitment of the client; unusual site problems; local or regional restrictions
and ordinances; quality of communication between designer and client;
etc. Because of all these variables, Wayside
charges for its design / consultation services by the hour
(see LANDSCAPE DESIGN / CONSULTATION
CONTRACT for details).
Basically, not much can be accomplished in less than eight to ten hours
and even this would be unusually fast. Between sixteen and twenty-four
hours of design time would be more typical for our average projects. 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
(see LANDSCAPE DESIGN / CONSULTATION
CONTRACT for details). 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 employ a professional landscape designer.
The normal procedure and course of events at Wayside is for the designer
to accumulate as much information from the client as possible before visiting
the site. Such information would include a completed landscape design
questionnaire (see LANDSCAPE
DESIGN QUESTIONNAIRE) and relevant information about the site,
such as surveys, house plans, neighborhood restrictions, etc. The designer
would then visit the site with the purpose of interviewing the client
and examining the proposed work area. 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.
This usually takes several meetings with the client and several site visits
to be thorough. Rushing the design process can have negative consequences;
it is prudent to emphasize accuracy and completeness rather than speed.
Once the site has been thoroughly analyzed, a base map is produced. The
base map is simply an accurate recording of all, or at least the most
important, details of the site. Once the base map is produced, it is used
in conjunction with all other previously gathered information to begin
developing preliminary drawings. We usually prepare two or three preliminary
drawings for the customer using the same design theory; this gives them
many options, all of which will work together, so they can pick and choose.
The preliminary drawings are then presented to the clients for their input.
Revisions, if necessary, are made, and a final plan is produced incorporating
the results of all the efforts made to-date. Specifications for completing
the project are produced. At Wayside, we usually include the specifications
in our proposal for doing the job. Our proposal also includes our price,
or estimate, for doing the job.
Although the total amount of billable design time for a project may be
the equivalent of several days of work, it is rarely spent in a continuous
fashion. The design work for a project can take weeks, or even months,
to complete. This is generally how long it takes for proper collection,
coordination, and assimilation of multifaceted information originating
from many different sources.
WHO OWNS THE PLANS,
IDEAS, AND INFORMATION GENERATED DURING THE DESIGN PROCESS?
All plans, ideas, and information generated or discussed during the design process, whether written, oral, graphically represented, or electronically recorded or transmitted, are solely the property of Wayside Landscape Services, Inc. until such time as all design fees are paid in full. Any use or implementation prior to payment in full is a breach of the LANDSCAPE DESIGN / CONSULTATION CONTRACT. Any publication, reproduction, or revision prior to payment in full is a violation of copyright laws and subject to prosecution. The landscape design and consultation services provided by Wayside Landscape Services, Inc. are understood to be improvements to real property under North Carolina law, regardless of whether or not Wayside Landscape Services, Inc. actually provides construction labor or materials to implement the plan.
WHY DO YOU HOLD YOUR INITIAL CONSULTATION AT YOUR OFFICE
RATHER THAN AT MY HOUSE, OR BUSINESS?
We do this for several reasons. First, and foremost, we do it for time-management
purposes. It is simply not possible for us to make a site visit to every
potential client who calls us; there is just not enough time in the day.
We can help more people by reducing our travel time.
Second, many of the calls we receive are from people who are shopping
around for the lowest price. By making the effort to come to our office
and discuss their landscape situation, potential clients are demonstrating
to us that they have made a serious commitment to fulfilling one of their
needs. We are looking for that level of commitment in our clients, because
without it the design process cannot be successful.
Third, we feel it is important for potential clients to check us out (and
vice-versa) without obligation before entering into any type of contractual
agreement. At our office, we have many resources that are invaluable in
helping potential clients make decisions; most of these resources would
be impossible to take on a sales call. Through videos and photographs
we can demonstrate how we solved other problems similar to that of the
potential client. That's basically all we can do at this point. The potential
client is usually going to leave this meeting without any doubt as to
whether or not Wayside is the company they want to work with.
Fourth, we have a beautiful office and landscape. It is a fun and enjoyable
place to visit. As you can imagine, our landscape is in a constant state
of improvement as we test and explore new ideas and materials. It would
be difficult to leave without taking at least one new idea home with you.
WHAT IF I DON'T LIKE YOUR PLAN - DO I STILL HAVE TO PAY YOUR FEE?
At Wayside, it is practically impossible to go through the entire design
process and produce a plan that the customer does not like. The reason
for this is that the design process cannot go forward without constant
input and effective communication between the designer and the client.
The preliminary drawings/plans produced during the design process are
based on existing site conditions and information given to the designer
by the client. The design process would never get beyond the preliminary
plan stage without the approval of the client. The preliminary plan stage
is where any remaining problems are resolved. The final plan is based
on preliminary plans (modified, or not) which have been approved by the
client.
Wayside charges an hourly rate for its design services (see LANDSCAPE
DESIGN / CONSULTATION CONTRACT for details). If an impasse developed
between one of our designers and a client, then the client would be expected
to compensate Wayside for the designer's time and expenses, if the client
were the cause of the impasse. However, if Wayside's designer were solely
responsible for the impasse, then the customer would not be expected to
pay for services from which they did not benefit.
I WANT TO INSTALL THE LANDSCAPE MYSELF. WILL YOU DO THE DESIGN WORK?
Generally, no. We believe that the best landscapes are designed and built by the same responsible party. We think this continuity is important. Our entire company is set up to manage a project from beginning to end.
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST OF A LANDSCAPE?
There is no such thing. Landscaping is personal. Some people invest nothing in their landscape while others invest great amounts. However, from a real estate point of view, if a homeowner invests less than five percent of the value of their home (property included) on landscape development, then they are probably not doing it justice. A landscape investment will probably not significantly affect the resale value of a home unless it approaches ten percent of its value. Landscapes involving hardscapes and the development of outdoor living areas, water features, seasonal gardens, and various other construction elements obviously represent much greater investments by their owners, usually in the range of twenty to fifty percent or more of a home's value. Our landscape development projects average twenty-five to thirty percent of a home's value.
WHY DO YOU COLLECT A RETAINER FOR DESIGN SERVICES?
We collect a retainer to cover the initial costs of our design services. We feel it represents a solid commitment to the design process on the part of the client, and this is necessary for success of the project. Furthermore, it shows that the client has confidence in us and our abilities, which is also important for success. If the retainer were ever to exceed the cost of the design fees, then the excess would be credited towards completion of the project, or returned to the client.
WHY DO I NEED A LANDSCAPE DESIGNER? CAN'T I DO THIS ON MY OWN?
Most people can do anything they put their minds to. The reason we are not all experts at everything is because of limited time. We tend to be good at those things that interest us, because this is where we spend most of our time. A qualified landscape designer has many years of concentrated education, training, and experience behind his/her counsel. The landscape design process (see WHAT IS LANDSCAPE DESIGN?) is both time consuming and exacting. It requires skill, creativity, and the ability to communicate effectively with others using several different types of media. A professional landscape designer asks questions about the site and the client that an untrained person might not think to ask. These questions are the basis of the design process, and the key to the development of a good landscape is the design process. 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 don't need to hire a landscape designer; they can and should design and build their own landscape.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DESIGN AND CONSULTATION?
DESIGN is an information gathering
and problem solving "process" which is intended to culminate in a plan
of attack for completing a project (see WHAT
IS LANDSCAPE DESIGN?).
CONSULTATION is the act or process
of giving expert or professional advice.
The primary distinction between design work and consultation lies with
the intended outcome or objectives of the endeavor. The objective of the
design process is to arrive at a plan of attack for completing a desired
project. The objective of consultation is simply to provide expertise
and advice on specific issues.
The main difference between a designer and a consultant is the degree
to which they are involved in a project. The designer has overall responsibility
for conducting the entire design process. A consultant only provides expertise
and advice on specific issues. A consultant can give valuable advice throughout
a project without fully understanding the overall scope and objectives
of the project. Such is not the case with a designer. The designer must
understand everything about the project; how everything fits together.
By definition, a designer is a consultant, but a consultant is not necessarily
a designer.
At Wayside, we normally rebate design fees when our crews complete a project
(see LANDSCAPE DESIGN / CONSULTATION
CONTRACT for details). However, consultation fees are usually not
rebated, because there is rarely any crew work associated with advice
given outside of the design process.
WHAT IF I LIKE THE PLAN, BUT INSTALLATION COSTS FAR EXCEED MY BUDGET,
DO I STILL OWE YOU FOR THE PLAN EVEN IF I'M NOT GOING TO USE IT?
Sometimes a landscape plan is produced that a client cannot afford to
install. This can happen for a number of reasons. The client may have
withheld accurate budgetary information from the designer. The designer
may not have paid attention to the budgetary information provided by the
client. The client may have requested, or demanded, specific features
which were inherently expensive and beyond their means. The client may
have wanted a designer to put together a "dream" landscape regardless
of cost just to see if it's affordable. Since pricing a project is about
the last step in the design process, it is very easy to be over budget
without knowing it until the very end. Such a situation does not negate
the honest efforts of the designer any more than a dry well would negate
the efforts of well drillers.
Obviously, one of the objectives of the design process is to try to develop
a landscape that the customer can afford. Sometimes this is not possible.
Unfortunately, some people want more than they can afford. The good news
is that the design process eventually points this out, and can prevent
a customer from starting a project they cannot complete. The design fee
is a small price to pay to avoid a much bigger problem.
When a client enters into a design or consultation
contract with Wayside, they are agreeing to pay for the designer's time
and expenses? (see LANDSCAPE
DESIGN / CONSULTATION CONTRACT). If the designer produces a plan in
accordance with the needs and wants of the client, then the client is
obligated to pay for the designer's time and incurred expenses at the
previously agreed upon rates. If the designer fails to pay attention to
the desires of the client, then the client is not obligated to pay for
design services.
The important thing to note is that the client must be honest and up front
with the designer about their finances. It is often uncomfortable or awkward
discussing budgets early in the design process. For some it's like putting
the cart before the horse. But a successful landscape plan demands realistic
budgetary figures from the clients early on. Many clients give mixed signals.
For instance, a client may request a swimming pool, gardens, deck extension,
and a split-rail fence around their yard and then tell the designer they
have a ten thousand dollar budget. This is unrealistic; they know it and
the designer knows it. If the design process moves beyond this point it
is with the understanding that such a project will cost far more than
ten thousand dollars.
There are other ways to handle over-budget projects. One way is to phase
the project. Most projects can be separated into distinct parts. These
parts can be completed when the client can afford to do so. Another way
to handle an over-budget project is to change it. Sometimes this can be
as simple as using smaller plants or less expensive varieties. Less expensive
construction elements can also be substituted for those originally specified.
Rarely is a project so far out of line that it can't be salvaged; the
design process simply won't allow it.
WHEN THE LANDSCAPE PROJECT IS COMPLETED, WILL I GET A FINISHED PLAN DRAWN
ON PAPER?
Before answering this question, let's define a few terms. A landscape
PLAN is a communication device (it can be
written, verbal, graphic, computer generated, etc.), which attempts to
translate the results of the design process into a set of instructions
for completing a project. A DRAWING is an
assemblage of lines on some type of surface; the surface can be almost
anything, including paper, sand, blackboard, stone, leather, etc. It is
important to note that although paper drawings are common components of
contemporary landscape plans, they don't have to be components at all.
Many excellent landscapes have been developed using other forms of communication.
Normally, at the end of the design process, we submit a proposal to the
client for development of the landscape. This proposal contains whatever
written specifications and drawings are necessary for completion of the
work by one of our crews. These can
be extensive or minimal depending on the nature and size of the job, and
the instructions of the client. Usually, however, in an effort to keep
design costs as low as possible, we only generate documents in the number
and quality necessary for completion of a project by
one of our crews. If we were preparing plans for unknown parties,
they would have to be much more detailed than those we would prepare for
our own crews. As a general rule we do not get involved in design-only
situations.
During the course of most projects, changes are made to the original plans;
these are made for a multitude of reasons and always with the knowledge
and consent of the client. Original drawings are almost never completely
revised at the end of a project to reflect all of the changes that were
made. This would be time-consuming for a designer and therefore costly
for the client. About the only time we completely revise original drawings
is when we submit a project for award consideration, and the drawings
must match up exactly with our finished photographs. Nevertheless, if
a client wants a finished plan drawn on paper we will provide it. The
cost would be based on the designer's time to produce it at normal design
/ consultation rates (see LANDSCAPE
DESIGN / CONSULTATION CONTRACT).
CAN I HIRE SUBCONTRACTORS TO DO SOME OF THE WORK INSTEAD OF YOUR COMPANY?
It depends. We are a licensed General Contractor, and usually insist
on hiring our own subcontractors, if needed, so we can control the overall
quality of the project. However, there are times when we welcome a client's
help and participation in the role of contractor. This might happen if
the client has a previously established relationship with a particular
subcontractor, or is for some reason in a better position than we are
to coordinate the work of a subcontractor. Such instances are rare, but
they do happen.
Wayside is a design / build landscape company. We believe that the best
landscapes are designed and built by the same responsible party. We think
this continuity is important. Our entire company is set up to manage a
project from beginning to end. We generally do not provide design-only
services for people who want to complete the project themselves, or with
the help of subcontractors.
CAN I VISIT PREVIOUS CLIENTS TO LOOK AT YOUR WORK FIRSTHAND?
If, after thoroughly visiting our Internet web site and meeting with
us at our office and facilities, you still need convincing that we are
the landscape contractor for you, then we can arrange visits to some of
our job sites.
However, our Internet web site and office landscape have been carefully
designed to make it easy for potential customers to evaluate our work
without the need for lengthy and inconvenient field trips. The Internet
and modern photography allow us to bring our jobs to you in your own home,
or in the pleasant surroundings of our office.
HOW DOES YOUR DESIGN-PURCHASE REBATE WORK? WHY DO YOU GIVE A REBATE?
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 employ a professional landscape designer.
Details of the DESIGN-PURCHASE REBATE are spelled out in the LANDSCAPE
DESIGN / CONSULTATION CONTRACT, which is available on this web site.
After thoroughly reading this contract, the following example will make
things clearer.
Example: Mr. and Mrs. John Doe hire Wayside to help them design their
landscape. They do this by signing a LANDSCAPE DESIGN / CONSULTATION CONTRACT
and paying a $700.00 retainer. One of Wayside's designers spends twenty
hours working for the Does; it is an average size job for Wayside. The
designer has outside expenses totaling thirty dollars related to the work.
The total design bill for the Doe project is $1,730.00 (20 hours @ $85.00
= $1,700.00, plus $30.00 for outside expenses); this bill is due at the
conclusion of the design work. Of the total design bill, $1,700.00 is
eligible for rebate, because outside expenses
are not rebated. Wayside's price for completing the Doe landscape
project is $35,000.00. Wayside intends to use a subcontractor for $10,000.00
of the work; Wayside crews will do the rest of the work. Because the
rebate is not applied to subcontractor fees, only $25,000.00
of the total project cost is used as the basis for calculating the rebate.
The maximum rebate the Does are eligible for is $1,250.00 (5% of $25,000.00).
The Does want to phase the work, doing half this year and the other half
two years later. Wayside invoices the Does for $17,500.00 after completing
phase one of the project. Of this amount, $10,000.00 was subcontracted.
This leaves $7,500.00 as the base amount to be used for calculating the
rebate. $375.00 (5% of $7,500.00) of the $1,500.00 design
fee is rebated in the form of a credit on the last invoice
for Phase One. Because the Does are not going to complete the project
within the next twelve months, they will not be eligible for any further
design-purchase rebates on this project. If, however, they change their
minds and want to complete the project during the first year, then they
will be eligible for an additional $875.00 rebate (5% of $17,500.00) in
the form of a credit on the final project invoice. In this case, 82% of
all design fees would be rebated. As you can see, the amount of the rebate
depends on many factors. For many, if not most, of our projects, the design
fee is completely rebated.
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CAN YOU DO THE WORK IN STAGES / PHASES IF I AM UNABLE TO AFFORD IT ALL
AT ONE TIME? WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE FIRST?
Phasing the work is a great way to develop a landscape, especially the
larger, more complex and expensive projects. At Wayside, we are glad to
phase projects for those customers that request it; in fact, we often
encourage customers to phase their projects. However, phasing does add
to the overall cost of a project due to extra mobilization costs and other
work related inefficiencies. Depending upon the phasing time frame, it
can also affect the eligibility for a DESIGN-PURCHASE REBATE (see answer
to question HOW
DOES YOUR DESIGN-PURCHASE REBATE WORK?). Despite the extra costs,
sometimes phasing a project is the only way a client can afford it, much
the same as a car loan makes it possible to purchase a new vehicle.
Phasing a project cannot be done haphazardly. It must be done in such
a manner that work completed in an earlier phase is not affected by work
done in later phases. Compare the phasing of a landscape with painting
the floor of a room having only one exit; you must start at the furthest
point and work towards the exit, otherwise you will be trapped, or ruin
your work trying to get out. In general, construction work (i.e., hardscapes)
must be done before planting work.
Each project is unique and has its own logical phasing scheme. Once a
landscape plan is developed, it is easy for the designer to define a phasing
plan to suit the needs of the client. It is important to note that often
the landscape element the client wants most, or that is the main focal
point, cannot be included in the first phase, because doing so would make
completion of later phases impossible or prohibitively expensive. Phasing
requires patience.
WHY DO I NEED TO SIGN A CONTRACT BEFORE YOU WILL VISIT MY HOME OR BUSINESS?
Although every landscape project is unique, the process (i.e., design
process) used to develop landscape plans is the same for all. For a more
complete discussion of the landscape design process, see the answer to
the question, WHAT IS LANDSCAPE DESIGN?
One of the most important parts of the design process is the initial site
visit by the designer. The designer's first impressions are most important.
In order for the designer to take advantage of these first impressions,
he/she must be mentally and physically prepared when they visit the site
for the first time. Part of the mental preparedness is knowing that their
time and efforts will not be wasted. This is accomplished by means of
the LANDSCAPE DESIGN / CONSULTATION
CONTRACT.
Many people think that a designer has to visit their site as the first
step in the development of their landscape. This is not the case. Many
very important questions need to be asked and answered before the designer
makes the initial site visit (see
LANDSCAPE DESIGN QUESTIONNAIRE). These
questions and answers are the backbone of the design process. A good designer
will gather a great deal of information about the client's needs and wants,
as well as the site, before the first visit. This information makes the
initial visit all the more productive. The information the designer collects
must come from the client for the most part, and the willingness and cooperation
of the client in providing this information is crucial to the success
of the design process. The client must be confident in the designer's
abilities before they begin working together. At Wayside, we try to instill
this confidence by showing potential clients how we have developed other,
perhaps similar, landscapes. We do this best by holding a free consultation
at our office where we have abundant resources available for this purpose.
This consultation takes place before we make our initial site visit. By
showing how we have successfully handled other landscape challenges, we
feel the potential client receives the best information for making a hiring
decision. Once we are hired, then we can confidently put a total effort
into the project.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO CONTACT WAYSIDE REGARDING A LANDSCAPE PROJECT
IN ORDER FOR IT TO BE COMPLETED BY A DESIRED DATE?
It is never too soon to begin the design process; the earlier, the better. The problem is not starting too early, it is starting too late. The design process takes time, usually from weeks to months. If you would like work to begin in the spring, contact us the prior fall or early winter at the latest; if you would like work to begin in the fall, contact us the prior spring or early summer. If you contact us during the busy seasons (spring and fall), it may be difficult for us to give you immediate attention. Sometimes we can accommodate last minute projects, but it would be wise not to count on it.
For more information:
Please E-mail us at: info@waysidelandscape.com
Or call us at 828-298-4599
Fax Number: 828-298-0248
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