Landscape Designer Check List.
1. Education- Qualifications?
1. Education- Qualifications?
Black Forest is proud of our passion for plants and knowledge of Design in Colorado
2. Who is your Designer working for?
When working with a design-build company your designer is “Selling” landscape products not designs, whether or not they charge for the design. We are different and work for our clients and have No Vested interest in how much you spend on your landscape. We just want you to have the best design possible that fits your needs and budget!
3. Do you know what you are getting?
During our Design Process we will work to educate you on the Plants and Materials that we are recommending. We have worked for many years to create our “Plant Data Sheets” with picture of actual plants in the Denver Area.
4. What to look for in a Landscape Plan?
The plan should be a document that clearly states all of the changes that are proposed. It should be readable by the client and contractors. Plans should include; the location of existing plant materials, Doors, windows, and Downspouts. Must be Drawn to scale (typically 1”=10’), have a plant list with sizes and quantities. It should also include enough details and notes to ensure that contactors will bid apples to apples.
5. Flexibility, will your designer give you a Master plan and a Phasing plan?
We often work with our clients designing ultimate outdoor spaces, but not everyone can install the project all at once. We will be happy to coach you through making a phasing plan that will allow the installation over several years.
6. How base plans Prepared?
At Black Forest we never rely on Plot plans or Aerial Photographs. We will hand measure each project including windows doors and downspouts to ensure a Buildable design and accurate cost analysis. A plan that is not accurate can cost thousands to fix in the field.
Landscape Contractor Check List.
1. How to Choose a Contractor?
We have several Landscape Contractors that we recommend that you work with to install any part or all of you project. Most of these companies we have worked with for over 10 years. We always recommend that you check with the Better Business Bureau whenever you are doing home improvements. You can also check to Colorado Secretary of State to for further information.
2. Is your contactor biding off of a plan?
If you do not have a landscape plan how do you know what you are getting? The landscape plan should be part of the installation contract and will include a plant list with sizes and quantity of plants. It should also have specific details to materials and installation.
3. If you are asking for several bids are they biding Apples to Apples?
With a Landscape Plan your contractors should be biding the same end product. Not all landscape contractors will install the same quality of materials, so having specific materials called for on the landscape plans you can hold the contractor to a level of quality.
4. What to ask References?
Did the Company show up on time? Did they maintain a clean job site? Were you able to communicate with the crew? And did they explain any changes and costs upfront?
5. Do they have insurance?
Make sure that all insurance is up-to-date.
