While it may be freezing cold outside today here in Chicago, I am not letting that bother me. In fact, I am more looking towards the spring when I will once again get out and plant annuals and flowers to brighten up my home. But what about the bigger projects like brick paver patios and retaining stone faced walls? Well, it may be time to outsource those bigger landscape jobs to a professional contractor. Here's what I recommend.
Here are some good ideas and things to consider if you are looking at revamping your lawn or landscape this year in 2009.
Before you do anything, you should bring out a professional landscape architect or two and have them draw up a detailed landscape plan for you. These guys can anticipate problems such as drainage or grading, as well as let you know about local codes and regulations. This way, you are saved a few hassles. This process may cost you a little money, but it is well worth it.
Next comes the fun part. I say "fun" because I am a major do-it-yourself-er and I like to take the plan and pick out the parts of it that I am going to get done all on my own. You should do this too because doing parts of the plan on your own can save you big money. Just be sure you don't take on pieces of the project that are over your head. If you get stuck, you can hire your landscaper to fix it for you, but that will cost more money in the long run, so choose wisely.
The next step is to actually bring in a few landscape contractors and share with them the plans you had drawn up in step one. I would try to interview at least 3 contractors and see what they say. Compare their prices and also their optimism and realism. If a guy tells you he can get the whole project done in a month, yet another guy says it will take 6 months, then you need to reconsider what you are being told. In addition, ask to see some properties he has completed and take a field trip to check them out.
In the end, we want to aim to be able to use and enjoy the new landscape by the summer of 2009. With that goal in mind, you need to talk to your landscaper and see how long the project will take. Always remember that weather issues will hamper a lot of the project, especially if it is a bigger construction job. That's why we need to get started now so we can be out this summer enjoying the work!
Keep in mind that landscaping projects dont have to be difficult. You should get excited now so when spring arrives, you are ready to go. Remember: first get a design completed, next decide what parts you can do on your own, and finally, look for, and hire a contractor to complete the job. Youll be drinking iced tea on your new back patio before you know it!
Here are some good ideas and things to consider if you are looking at revamping your lawn or landscape this year in 2009.
Before you do anything, you should bring out a professional landscape architect or two and have them draw up a detailed landscape plan for you. These guys can anticipate problems such as drainage or grading, as well as let you know about local codes and regulations. This way, you are saved a few hassles. This process may cost you a little money, but it is well worth it.
Next comes the fun part. I say "fun" because I am a major do-it-yourself-er and I like to take the plan and pick out the parts of it that I am going to get done all on my own. You should do this too because doing parts of the plan on your own can save you big money. Just be sure you don't take on pieces of the project that are over your head. If you get stuck, you can hire your landscaper to fix it for you, but that will cost more money in the long run, so choose wisely.
The next step is to actually bring in a few landscape contractors and share with them the plans you had drawn up in step one. I would try to interview at least 3 contractors and see what they say. Compare their prices and also their optimism and realism. If a guy tells you he can get the whole project done in a month, yet another guy says it will take 6 months, then you need to reconsider what you are being told. In addition, ask to see some properties he has completed and take a field trip to check them out.
In the end, we want to aim to be able to use and enjoy the new landscape by the summer of 2009. With that goal in mind, you need to talk to your landscaper and see how long the project will take. Always remember that weather issues will hamper a lot of the project, especially if it is a bigger construction job. That's why we need to get started now so we can be out this summer enjoying the work!
Keep in mind that landscaping projects dont have to be difficult. You should get excited now so when spring arrives, you are ready to go. Remember: first get a design completed, next decide what parts you can do on your own, and finally, look for, and hire a contractor to complete the job. Youll be drinking iced tea on your new back patio before you know it!
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