We survived the brutal heat of the summer and are now heading into the fall.
Are you wishing you would have hired a landscape designer to create a beautiful environment that turns your back yard into an instant vacation retreat?
This is an ideal time to make this happen. Why?
Autumn is a time for reflection and change. Children are back in school, businesses have started their planning for the coming year.
How about you? Are you ready for a change?
Drive around different neighborhoods and check out what others have created that you appreciate. Then envision your perfect paradise.
You may be surprised at what is possible. We are, here at RYCO. Our capabilities for constructing water features, outdoor kitchens, entertainment spaces, and even meditation gardens is beyond what we could have imagined in the beginning.
Dream big.
The rest is just details when you find the right designer.
Here’s what to look for.
#1 – Practical Experience
A great landscape designer will have great ideas and a portfolio of successful projects with testimonials to prove it. RYCO Landscaping has more than 16 years experience and a team of collaborative designers. We are quite familiar with what works and what doesn’t – and that can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
Visit the properties you admire. Friends are happy to share, and so are those who are proud of what they have accomplished. Seriously, ring doorbells and you will be amazed at how strangers will open their doors.
Speak to other homeowners. Ask about the designer/company and how well they carried out the work. Did they adhere to the budgets?
Was the process enjoyable? It should be. You won’t know unless you ask.
An experienced landscape designer will have a grasp of the big picture – as well as the details. They will provide you with a written agreement that clearly lays out a process for realizing your dream.
#2 – A Multi-Disciplinary Team
To maximize the potential of your project work with a company that has the resources for handling any challenge.
RYCO employs a process that integrates artful design skills with practical construction methods. This is the benefit of working with a design-build company. Nothing is lost in translation from design to construction because everyone is on the same team.
When designs are implemented by construction companies that bid on the work, the responsibilities can be compromised. We’ve seen it happen.
A designer with limited construction experience may specify a feature that is not viable or sustainable. To ensure the integrity of your investment for years to come, consider a multi-disiplinary team.
It comes down to this. What is built rarely matches the design because unforeseen circumstances inevitably arise. Work with a team with the experience to manage the unexpected.
A design-build process that has been refined over time takes a beautiful design and makes it better via the skills of the construction professionals that bring their experience to it.
That is not to be underestimated.
#3 – A Graphic Design Preview
In these times of multi-media technological capabilities you should be able to see your design before you write the check.
How can you buy something if you don’t know what it will look like? Make sure your design professional can at least provide a colorfully rendered drawing.
Better yet is to expect a simulated 3-dimensional preview of the finished work.
#4 – A Comfortable Relationship
You want to work with a company that wants to work with you.
Do they show respect for you and your property? Do they show attention to detail?
Do you get the feeling that they really want your business?
When a client is happy, that means more than expectations were met. It usually means they were exceeded, and that only happens when there is an intense focus on the customer.
This is possible only if there is a bond between you and your designer and the company behind them. Get to know the principals in the company. Are they involved?
RYCO is a family business. Our culture permeates every aspect of sales, marketing, and customer service.
You will not have to ask if we care. You will know it from the first phone call.
#5 – The Process is Fun
Make sure the design company you choose is one you are comfortable working with.
Designing and building a landscape can be an emotional process that tests your patience.
Your project should be an exciting journey that leads to something more than you expected. This is not possible if the company you have chosen has not earned your trust. Trust your intuition.
This may be the most important consideration in choosing a landscape professional.
If you follow these guidelines when choosing a landscape designer, you are much more likely to end up with beautifully designed and installed landscape, and despite the challenges, it will be worth it.
When your project is complete and you are enjoying your new paradise, you will remember the journey that was integral to its accomplishment.
Make it count.
Now for the good news. To celebrate our 16 years in business RYCO Landscaping is giving away 16 FREE designs.
If you are interested in receiving a free design click here and fill out request for estimate and one of our designers will contact you.
Don’t hesitate because – This offer is only good from Sunday, August 26, 2012 to September 10th, 2012.
We hope to hear from you soon, but whatever you decide we wish you the best for achieving your dream landscape.
Our dream is to build more beautiful landscapes – what’s yours?
