Choosing the Right Landscape Design-Build Firm in Boulder County: Best Practices for Homeowners
September 2024 | Native Edge Landscapes
When it comes to transforming your outdoor space, choosing the right landscape design-build firm is crucial. Boulder County, with its unique climate, diverse terrain, and focus on sustainable living, requires careful consideration of which firm you entrust with your landscape project. Here are some best practices to follow when selecting a landscape design-build firm in Boulder County.
Look for Local Expertise
Boulder County’s weather patterns, climate, and soil conditions present specific challenges and opportunities for landscape design. A local firm will have more intimate knowledge of these factors and better understand how to design and install a landscapes that will thrive in our unique environment.
Evaluate Their Design Process
When Regardless of your aesthetic preferences – modern, rustic, Japanese, English, xeriscape, etc – a good design-build firm should be able to create designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also practical for both your budget and lifestyle. Doing this successfully requires not only time, professional expertise and excellent communication skills, but perhaps more importantly a clear design development and review process that allows for several iterations and design review meetings that are in response to your feedback.
The best landscape design-build firms charge for their designs and don’t rush the process to make a quick sale. Beware of quick turnaround complimentary designs that lack sufficient detail and often lead to headaches and surprise’s when it comes construction and budget realities.
Also , be cautious if told your design fees will be credited toward the cost of installation. Good design is never free, and when working with the right firm a well thought out design is worth every penny spent.
Red Flags: Poor responsiveness, vague answers, or unwillingness to answer detailed questions may indicate future communication issues.
Questions to ask:
- What does your design process look like?
- What do typical design fees look like?
- What are the design deliverables included in your design fees?
- Will I own the design and have the option to use it for getting alternate quotes for installation?
Check for Comprehensive Services
Ideally the design-build firm you choose offers a complete suite of services from design to installation and establishment, to ongoing care and maintenance services. This not only eliminates the need to hire multiple contractors over time, but should result in a more successful design at the beginning due to the close working relationships and multidisciplinary expertise working together on one team. Look for firms that handle:
- Landscape design
- Hardscaping (patios, walkways, retaining walls, kitchens, fire places, water features, and shade structures)
- Softscaping (plant selection and installation)
- Irrigation systems and outdoor lighting
- Landscape Maintenance & Plant Health Care
Questions to ask:
- What services do you self-perform with your own staff verses outsource / subcontract?
- When the design is complete who will manage the installation? Who will be my contact person?
Assess Portfolio and Testimonials
Review the firm’s portfolio to get a sense of their capacity and versatility. Look for projects that are similar to what you envision for your space, whether that’s a contemporary outdoor living area, a serene native garden, or a functional family-friendly yard. Key considerations might include:
- Do their designs look custom and well-thought-out, or are they repetitive?
- Do testimonials appear genuine, reflecting a real customer’s actual experience?
Additionally, read client reviews and testimonials as they can provide valuable insight into the firm’s reliability, quality of work, and communication skills. Note, online review scores can sometimes be artificially high as some companies will actually pay people to post for fake positive reviews. If the firm you are interviewing is newer in the market, asking for referrals may be a good idea. However, with more established companies, it can be a waste of time since they have a large customer base to selectively choose from.
Discuss Budget and Payment Process
A reputable design-build firm should be upfront and clear about costs, their payment process and expected completion timeline. Transparency about these things are essential to a successful project.
- Project Budget: Open and honest budget conversations should be a an important ongoing conversation from the very early stages of the design process. A good design-build firm should have a good understanding of cost implications related to design choices and should be able to communicate expected budget impacts relatively quickly during the design process. (Before signing your name on the dotted line for the installation project, be sure you have a clear understanding and are comfortable with the fixed verses any variable costs, and exactly what is included or not included in the scope of work.)
- Project Payment Process: Payment processes may vary depending upon the size and scope of your project. Payment processes should be fair to both sides of the relationship, helping to ensure that neither side is is overly financially burdened or assuming unreasonable risk along the way. A typical payment process will include non-refundable scheduling deposit, a project start payment, progress payments along the way that align with measurable percentages of completion, and a final payment that is not due until after a final punch-list/walkthrough.
Questions to ask
- How do they handle unexpected costs or changes?
- What is the typical timeframe for completing a project like yours?
Verify Licenses and Insurance
Ensure the firm is properly licensed and insured. This protects you from potential liabilities and guarantees that the team working on your property is qualified.
Take the First Step
Investing in your outdoor space is a big decision, but with the right landscape design-build firm, you can create a beautiful, functional, and sustainable yard that enhances your home and lifestyle. By following these best practices you can avoid unnecessary surprises, stress, and headaches and you’ll set your project up for success!
Get In Touch
To schedule a consultation or request services please call 303-245-9166, send an email to information@nativeedgelandscapes.com or Get In Touch through our website. One of our Customer Care Representatives will be happy to help.