Getting Started With Your Landscape Project

Are you thinking about the possibilities of a new or refreshed landscape, hardscape, or water feature for your family's enjoyment? Are you wondering about the costs, the process of getting started or which company to choose to help you bring your ideas to life? Here are some insights from our experienced design team that will help to get you headed in the right direction.

How long does it usually take (from proposal to finish) to complete a landscape project?

The easiest answer is, "it depends" on many factors; i.e., is the project rejuvenation or new construction? Do you have definite ideas about what you would like to do, a budget figure in mind, and how available are you to spend some time thinking about what you might like or to meet with our designers as needed to keep the project moving?

Good designers make a client's ideas come to life, and of course you will count on us to add creativity and suggestions of our own. But the more a client understands and communicates the things that are important to their project, the more efficient and pleasing the result will be. Want to get started?

Take photographs of any landscapes that especially appeal to you. Pull pages from magazines, bookmark coffee table books, attend garden shows and makes notes as you daydream about your ideal garden.

You can especially help us to help you by completing one of our "Request a Proposal" forms. It is really a "jump start" to the Design Team to have this information in advance of a first client appointment. Do not feel the need to answer every question. You can complete the form on-line and e-mail it to us, or print it and mail it to the address found on the form. If you would rather discuss your initial ideas in person, the form will give you an idea of the many design possibilities that are available to you, and the types of things we will need to know in order to serve you well.

Typically, the most lengthy and sometimes disappointing timeframe in a project is scheduling of the work once the proposal is signed. The best hint we can give to prospective clients is to contact us in the WINTER. Not only is our design team ready and eager to work on projects, but in our business, the early bird definitely benefits by being built in to our busy Spring schedule.

Can you give me some idea of the cost per square foot for my project?

The variables are endless, depending on the size of the property and the scope of the project. As a rule of thumb, experts suggest planning on an investment that equals approximately 10% of the value of your property for landscape. For new construction, planning ahead can help you budget an appropriate amount into your construction loan. Of course, if you are considering a "show stopper" landscape, then consult with us in advance for a closer approximation of cost.

For landscape rejuvenations, the same rule of thumb applies in respect to overall investment. However, you may choose to refresh targeted areas over time to spread the cost, take advantage of the latest trends, and constantly bring new life to your landscape.

Wise homeowners know there is an excellent Return on Investment (ROI) from any landscaping project designed by a professional firm. In fact, a leading financial magazine reports that landscaping has a return on investment value of 100-200%. But there are other intrinsic benefits that you may not have thought about. Many of our best referrals come from clients taking a cue from their neighbor's great new project who decide to refresh their property as well. Neighborhoods that show their pride with beautiful landscapes become known for their ambiance and charm. And, when it's time to sell your home, the "curb appeal" of your home's exterior will draw potential buyers to take a look inside, while conversely, the most elegant interior will go unnoticed when the landscaping gives an impression of poor taste. But, irrespective of value in dollars and cents, the most important return on investment is the added enjoyment of your home every day, in every season.

Why do you charge for providing a landscape design?

Like most companies, our greatest expense is in hiring and retaining talented people who are committed to doing exceptional work for our clients. The process of putting together a design involves a significant amount of time, beginning with the initial telephone conversation, continuing through one or more client meetings, researching plants and materials, time to accurately estimate costs, preparing full-scale drawings, and ultimately presenting the proposal to the client. Even though we charge for our design services, our costs for creating a design are never fully recovered if the prospect does not proceed with the project.

Why should I choose Grunder Landscaping Company over other companies I've seen in the yellow pages?

Many companies provide "components" of landscaping services. Some sell plants, others mow grass, some install water features and others spread mulch. Granted, some of these companies do a reasonable job on a project basis, but yet it's just a task and then on to the next one. It's not their mission or their lifeblood to envision your landscape at its full potential or to increase the value of your property. And they may or may not be around the next time you call them.

Grunder Landscaping Company is different ... and that's the single reason we have stood the test of time.

Yes, we can work on projects too. But we are uniquely prepared to do much more. We are experts in landscape design, construction and maintenance. We invest in the talent and the equipment to create and maintain landscapes that mirror the lifestyles and unique tastes of discriminating clients Ð while adding distinction and value to their properties. Our landscape designers and horticulturists integrate the natural beauty of plants, stone pavers and walls, water features and illumination with the elevation of your home and the natural terrain of your property. They use color, texture and innovative designs to make your property an expression of your individuality and your good taste.

We heartily recommend that our clients and prospects visit our XX-acre, company-owned facility. We are always proud to introduce our staff, show off our fleet of trucks and our vast amount of equipment, all of which is expertly maintained by our full-time mechanic. There is definitely a difference in landscapers, and you owe it to yourself to investigate the strengths and weaknesses of each.

What are the most important things I should consider when choosing a landscaper for my project?