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.
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