If your home is completely furnished and decorated, you may want to consider landscaping for your next home improvement project. This would be an ideal time for you to turn your outdoor space into the property of your dreams, now that you are able to turn your focus elsewhere. Considering it is a large investment, you want to make sure that it is done correctly the first time around. This is where a landscape designer comes in. Once you have chosen a landscape company, a designer will be sent to your home, to help you come up with a design that is tailored to your needs.
Prior to the meeting, you want to have a comprehensive understanding of what you intend on doing with your outdoor space. You want to give the designer as much information as possible to help lead them in the right direction.
If you are having trouble with this, ask yourself the following questions:
1. How will you be using the space? What do you invision when you picture yourself enjoying your space? Will you be relaxing, entertaining, cooking, enjoying family recreation, or perhaps dining?
2. How many people will the space need to cater to? Do you have a large family or is it just for two?
3. Who will use the space? Are there children or animals which require their own spaces? Do you wish to have a lawn for recreational purposes?
4. What problems have you encountered with your space? Is there erosion, flooding issues, or diminished grass? Are there any permanent structures you want to hide?
5. Do you want privacy from your neighbors or the streets?
6. Do you want native adaptive plants?
7. Do you want sustainability features?
8. What areas of your yard receive sunlight and shade? This will help designers know which plants are appropriate for designated spots.
9. Know your likes and dislikes. Do you like stone or brick hardscape? Do you like lots of colors or a little color?
10. Do you want to use your space at night
11. Are you and your significant other on the same page with ideas?
12. Do you have a copy of the plat for your house? A plat includes a survey, property line, and closing documents when you buy a house.
13. What is your budget? You want to keep a budget in mind, that way designers will not exceed your limits. Having a budget in mind will save you and your designer time.