Post by chickens987 on Oct 20, 2014 10:31:43 GMT -5
We're in the middle of a whole-house gut reno, but are starting to think about the outside. We're DIYers mostly; my dad is an architect so we've never had to deal with hiring an "expert" to guide us, but I think we need that for the landscaping. We have a large, mostly flat backyard but when we bought the house it was a bamboo forest. We brought in some heavy equipment to dig it all up and it's mostly gone, but the yard is basically overrun with other weeds now, with a few mature trees.
I think what we're interested in is having someone draw up plans for the yard, give us advice, and then do the work ourselves. Is that something that's pretty normal or do most people expect to be hired for the whole project? Has anyone done this/had experience with this?
What you're describing is what we did. We had a LA design our backyard (the front was already landscaped) and then we are in the process of implementing it in stages. We did make some modifications to the design after the fact, but nothing major. I think it cost us roughly $600 for the designs.
I'd look around on apld.org/ to find someone in your area.
Post by treedimensional on Oct 20, 2014 14:12:10 GMT -5
Ditto 2curlydogs. A landscape designer or landscape architect does not *have* to install the plan. Some of them don't even offer construction services. Many times, the plan is installed by the homeowner (DIY) or by a separate landscape contractor hired by the homeowner or brought in as a subcontractor by the landscape designer. Some companies are design-build firms, and do everything; some (like me) have no permanent landscape crew (I only hire labor as needed). Just be clear on what you want and don't want when you hire. Remember that it is YOUR project, and YOU are in charge, so don't be bullied into something you don't want.
I do this. It's just as common for people want design only as it is for me to source plants & install. Some clients want design plus plants but install themselves.
What you're describing is what we did. We had a LA design our backyard (the front was already landscaped) and then we are in the process of implementing it in stages. We did make some modifications to the design after the fact, but nothing major. I think it cost us roughly $600 for the designs.
I'd look around on apld.org/ to find someone in your area.
Thanks. How did you choose your LA? Did you meet with multiple people?
I do this. It's just as common for people want design only as it is for me to source plants & install. Some clients want design plus plants but install themselves.
I do this. It's just as common for people want design only as it is for me to source plants & install. Some clients want design plus plants but install themselves.
You're in the DC area right?
Yes I am...in MD.
If you PM me your email, I could rec some designers in your area.
What you're describing is what we did. We had a LA design our backyard (the front was already landscaped) and then we are in the process of implementing it in stages. We did make some modifications to the design after the fact, but nothing major. I think it cost us roughly $600 for the designs.
I'd look around on apld.org/ to find someone in your area.
Thanks. How did you choose your LA? Did you meet with multiple people?
We shopped around on our own and asked family for recommendations. Met with probably a half dozen. Brought two on-site to walk thru the property to explain problem areas, restrictions, etc.
The Adult School in my town has a landscaping class for $99 for six weeks. The class is taught by a local landscape architect. He's fantastic! On the first class ou bring him photos and sketches of the area you want to landscape. Over the 6 weeks he covers everything you need to know to DIY - prep work, maintenance, etc.
At the last class you receive a professional plan from him specific to your home.
My DH and I ripped all our old stuff out, prepped, bought and planted everything over two weekends. We spent $900 total for all the plantings, soil, random supplies and of course the $99 class fee. It came out awesome and considering my neighbor did something similar two years ago and paid $7500 for the project we were thrilled.
I may take the class again in the future and have him do a plan for our backyard.