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Deciding to move forward with a new landscape project is exciting. However, the journey itself can be daunting, especially if you don’t know what to expect — leaving you with both feelings of anticipation and apprehension.

Concerns about costs, design, materials, maintenance and navigating regulations are common roadblocks that can make the prospect of starting the construction process a bit nerve-wracking. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through our easy, six-step process to help you navigate the landscape construction journey with confidence and clarity.

Step one — The initial consultation

During this phase, you’ve likely searched your area for landscape professionals to trust with your project and are considering the Landmark Group… so you reach out to us for some more information.

In response, we’ll send you our project planner, which is a short document that helps us get to know more about you, your property and the changes you’re looking for, based on your needs and desires.

It’s important not to skip this step — it helps us (and you!) drill down on what you’re really looking for so we can prepare for the next step. It will ask you for the following information:

• Basic contact information

• Lifestyle considerations, such as who will be using the space and how you see yourself using it

• Why you’re seeking landscape services

• Which landscape design style resonates with you

• A wishlist of features you’d like to include

• The type and colour of plants you enjoy

• The maintenance level you’re comfortable with

• Budget

This initial process is all about you — and about creating a plan that is tailor-made to fit your home and lifestyle. So don't be afraid to dream big!

Step two — An in-person meeting

Once you submit your planner, we’ll reach out to you to set up a time to meet at your property (we can also do this phase over the phone, if necessary).

This step will help determine if we’re a good fit. We’ll slow it down a bit and gather as much info as possible about your project to ensure you’re in our service area and your budget aligns with our level of service. If all goes well, we’ll send you a design proposal.

Step three — The design proposal

The design proposal will include the design fee, which is based on the size and complexity of your project. After paying the fee, we’ll come to your property to take measurements to help develop the site plan.

During this conceptual design phase, you’ll receive drawings that will give you an idea what your new landscape could look like. There won’t be any details — that comes later in our process — but you’ll be presented with options showing where each new feature could go and how well they flow together.

You’ll be presented with 2D images to help you visualize the end result, and even 3D images for more complex projects. The goal is to come up with an initial plan that’s as awesome as possible!

Step four — The design phase

During the design phase you’ll be presented with a rough budget and asked to submit a deposit to move the project forward.

This is the most crucial step of the entire process, as we’ll get into all the fine details of your project, including material selection, utilities and other considerations.

By the time we get to construction we will have spent a couple hundred hours working out the design, leaving nothing to chance. As part of this process, we’ll take you to some of our other clients’ properties so you can see first-hand what various materials look like — in our experience this is much better than trying to decide based on a tiny, six-inch sample.

Step five — Construction

Once every detail has been worked out in the design phase — including the purchase of materials and procurement of any necessary permits — construction can begin.

Before the first shovels hit the dirt, your Project Manager will go over all the details with you. Once you sign-off, we’ll get to work.

This is the step that causes the most anxiety. There’s always a certain amount of mess associated with construction, but rest assured we’ll do everything we can to keep it to a minimum.

There is a night and day difference between a typical construction site and a Landmark construction site. We value professionalism, so our team is very respectful. Everyone you see will be in uniform and you won't be subjected to loud, obnoxious music or colourful language.

You’ll receive daily progress photos and updates throughout the construction phase to keep you up to speed. And don’t be concerned about the impact your construction project will have on your neighbours — we won’t step foot on their property without their approval and written consent. The worst they will experience is some minor dust and noise.

Step six — The payoff!

This is what makes the entire process worth it… the final walkthrough! You’ll walk through the entire property with your Project Manager so you can see the amazing results for yourself and ensure that everything is how you imagined it. If anything is amiss, we’ll make it right.

You’ll receive a final invoice at this point, as well as a detailed overview of our three-year warranty. Finally, you’ll be given the option to sign up for a yearly property care package to protect your investment for years to come.

“It’s time for a change…”

If you’ve been saying this to yourself lately, why not reach out and schedule a consultation? This first step comes without charge or obligation on your part, but it’s a great way to think about your outdoors and start imagining the possibilities.

We look forward to hearing from you!