Our Difference

Landscape Design and Construction is a broad and diverse field. There are many companies, some good, some bad, and some in between. Everyone has their own methods for construction, pricing, budgeting, coordinating, and so on. Unfortunately with these economic times, many companies are looking to survive by cutting corners any way they can. A great "deal" can sound good in theory but when it comes down to it, homeowners are actually losing. We have a strong interest in educating our clients as well as cleaning up our industry. It is unfortunate that we even have to explain these facts but people are fooled everyday. The more we can do to protect our clients the better off they will be, as well as, the industry as a whole.

THE FREE ESTIMATE

This is the perfect example of "you get what you pay for". An estimate is a best GUESS. Unless your project consists of one isolated element such as a 300 square foot patio, an estimate is useless. A typical "contractor tactic" is to "low-ball" a general estimate and then begin charging extras once the project begins. This is a very easy way for them to get their foot in the door and by the end of the project you have spent more money than you originally would have if you had a well defined design and proposal. This is the easiest way to start off on the wrong foot and people fall for it everyday.

VAGUE PROPOSALS

When we provide our clients with a proposal, it is a comprehensive breakdown of the entire project with all elements included. Most importantly, the construction techniques and materials are specified so that you know exactly what you are getting. Many times other contractors will offer general terms such as "Pool Patio - $XXX. What does that include??? If it is not stated in the proposal or contract, you are not getting it no matter what they verbally tell you. This is another "contractor tactic". To reduce the price of the job, they will eliminate certain elements that you typically wouldn't ask for. Once you realize that they are necessary, you will have to include them with an up charge or it might be too late. This is discussed next.

HIDDEN FEES OR WORSE!

As explained above, contractors specifically leave items out to make sure their prices are low. What happens is, you realize what's missing and need to add it into the job ($$$) or it's too late in the project. Many times you have to remove much of what was done to correct the problem which "skyrockets" costs. It is more expensive to throw the contractor off the job so homeowners give the ok but leave with a much lighter purse and a bad taste in their mouth.

MANAGEMENT

A mason is someone who lays brick. A pool installer is someone who installs a pool. A landscaper is someone who maintains grounds. None of these people are qualified to design, build, and manage your project no matter if they have the word "Design" in their company name. But many times, they offer the right "deal" to entice a homeowner. The next thing you know, you are coordinating the entire project yourself while your property is in shambles and you are trying to run your own life. This leads to stress, confusion, anger, more potential money loss, and an unprofessional finished product. You need to make sure that your project is being managed by someone who has the skills and education necessary to handle it. Management is a key factor that most "contractors" cannot supply adequately.

THE BOTTOM LINE

We can go on and on forever. There are so many things to watch out for as a homeowner. We want you to be well informed but also want you to know the potential pitfalls. Unfortunately we've seen too many people go down the wrong road and come back to us for help. We don't want to see that happen to our clients.

We know construction, we know our pricing, and we know how to manage your project from start to finish. This way you can actually go to work everyday knowing you are in good hands and never wonder when the next hidden fee will spring up or wonder what is happening at your home that needs your attention. You have your own job to do. We do not want our job to become yours!

If you are serious about your project and doing things ONCE the right way, we are the company for you. This is not a sales pitch, this is the truth!