A Landscape Designer from Sunrise will begin the process with an initial consultation. It is preferable that all decision makers on the project are available. Prior to this first meeting it may be beneficial to consider some of the following items:
- What area(s) of your property are you interested in developing?
- What do you like or dislike about your existing outdoor space?
- Are you interested in hardscape (patio/walkway, retaining wall, water feature, lighting, etc.), landscape (plant material), or both?
- What types of materials (pavers or manufactured stone, flagstone, wood, natural rock, etc.) do you admire or prefer?
Some other questions that your designer might ask you are:
- How long have you been in your home and how long do you plan to stay?
- Who are the people that will be utilizing the space to be designed?
- What sort of maintenance level are you comfortable with? Are you a gardener?
- Do you have any problem areas, such as drainage?
Budget: It would be helpful to have some idea of the range you have available to spend on the project. This is preferable in order to provide you with an appropriate and well-designed plan and installation.
Finally, it would also be of benefit to have an accurate survey or plat of the property and its contents to give to the designer. If, after the initial consultation, you decide to proceed with the project, you will be asked to sign a design agreement. Once this agreement is in place, our relationship begins and the designer will proceed to phase one.
PHASE ONE – SITE ANALYSIS AND PRELIMINARY DESIGN
During site analysis the designer will begin with the base information that was provided. They will then visit the property to confirm measurements and add any information not already available. The preliminary design will be conceptual in nature and will combine the ideas discussed in the initial consultation with the information gathered during site analysis. If appropriate, a second meeting is possible at this point to discuss the conceptual design and make any desired changes or adjustments.
PHASE TWO – THE LANDSCAPE PLAN
The client will be presented with a scaled landscape plan showing the details of the outdoor space(s) as designed. It will show the basic layout and placement of the hardscape and/or plant material. You will also be provided with a written proposal/contract describing the costs associated with installation of the design. This would be the final opportunity to make any modifications. We can then proceed to phase three.
PHASE THREE – INSTALLATION
Once the proposal/contract has been signed and the down payment arranged for, your designer will offer a tentative start date and installation schedule. Please keep in mind that this can change due to weather conditions, materials procurement, etc. It will also vary seasonally. The designer will then order your materials and call Miss Utility to mark any underground utilities prior to beginning the project. It is also very important that the client inform Sunrise of any other underground lines (electrical, irrigation, lighting, etc.) that could affect the project.
The design will be laid out in the field. Clearing, grading and
proper base work will commence.
Click here for pictures.
Construction progresses with the installation of such features as retaining walls, a patio, natural stone steppers, a water feature, a dry rock creek bed, and new plant material.
The completed project looks fantastic, and the thoroughly satisfied client can't wait to enjoy the new surroundings.
OUR CREWS: An installation crew typically consists of a crew leader and one or two other members. These employees have all received extensive training on any necessary equipment and relevant techniques, both at our facility and in the field. Our crew leaders typically average 5 –10 years experience and are equipped to instantly communicate with the designer or any other Sunrise personnel, should the need occur.
CHANGES IN THE FIELD: One advantage of having your designer as a single point of contact, and having that person supervise the installation, is that field changes can be accomplished quickly and intelligently. Should the field changes necessitate a cost difference, you will be asked to sign a change order to eliminate any uncertainty later on.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Soon after completion of the project, the designer will schedule a walk-thru with the client to ensure your satisfaction with the installation and follow up on any ‘punch list’ items. We will then ask for the balance of the contract, but that is not where our relationship ends. Sunrise offers garden visits if you are interested in keeping your new plants looking their best. Additionally, we will remain available in the coming months and years to take care of any issues that might arise and make sure that you are happy with the final product.