Today we will take a look at how to choose a landscape design Miami. I think the first thing you really need to understand is what landscape designers do. If you ever watch The Landscape Show on HGTV, then you might get an idea that all they do is plant flowers and trees or other plants. That’s simply not true. A good landscape designer knows far more than just planting things (although many times this is part of it). They can be responsible for designing an entire project from beginning to end; including installation, construction and maintenance issues. Before we begin looking at some tips on how to choose a landscape designer in Miami let me make something clear:
It’s your yard, and you should have the final say on what goes in it.
Now that we understand what landscape designers do, let’s look at some tips on how to choose one:
- First of all, think about what you want your yard to look like. Do you want a lush tropical garden? A modern minimalist design? Something in between? The landscape designer you choose should be able to give you ideas and suggestions, but ultimately it will be up to you to decide what you want.
- Make a list of your “must haves.” Maybe you want a patio with a fire pit, or a playground for the kids. Whatever it is, make sure the landscape designer knows about it and can incorporate it into the design.
- After you make a list of your “must haves” make a list of things you would never want in your yard, or at least not in this project. For example, maybe you don’t want palm trees because they are hard to maintain or invasive plants because they’re too expensive to care for. Make sure the designer knows about any restrictions before he designs something that won’t work with how you plan on using the area.
- Word of mouth is always a great starting point when looking for a reputable landscape designer. Ask friends, family and neighbors if they have any recommendations.
- Look for designers who have experience with the type of project you are looking to do. If you are wanting to redesign your entire yard, make sure the designer has lots of experience doing that type of project.
- Ask for examples of their work. Even something as simple as a portfolio can be helpful so you can see the designer’s past work and how it might be a good fit for your project. Some designers have websites or portfolios available, so take advantage of these resources to get an idea if they will be a good fit for your job.
- Make sure all contacts and contracts are in writing, especially when it comes to price quotes and how long the project should take. This way everyone is on the same page from day one and there are no surprises later on down the line that could cost you more then originally planned.
- Think about your budget and discuss it with the landscape designer early on so there are no surprises later down the road. Remember, these guys charge by the hour so if one has to spend 10 hours designing something that goes over budget by $100, then every future minute will be $10 more expensive.
- Get references from friends, family or neighbors who have had a good experience working with a landscape designer. Check out their work online or in person, and make sure to ask about the cost and timeframe of the project.
- Meet with at least three different landscape designers before you make your decision. This will give you a good idea of what’s available in Miami and what each one has to offer.
- Ask the designer lots of questions! The more you know, the better informed decisions you’ll be able to make. Questions could include: how long have they been in business? Do they have any references? What is their design process like? How often do they visit the job site? What happens if you’re not happy with the design? What’s included in their fees? How long does it take to install the project once he or she designs it?
- Once you’ve found a landscape designer you like, ask yourself if your personalities will mesh well together. To be clear, this is NO TIME TO BE SHY! If there’s anything that comes up that you feel uncomfortable talking about then now is the time to mention it. You’ll be spending a lot of time working closely with each other so communication issues should never arise. Remember, communication is key!
If your personality meshes well and all goes according to plan, you will soon have the beautiful yard of your dreams without having to lift a finger!
When it comes to landscaping, you want to make sure you choose the right designer to help create your perfect outdoor space. Not all landscape designers are created equal, so it’s important to do your research and find one that fits your specific needs. Here are a few tips on how to choose the top landscape designer for your project:
