Why Hire a Landscape Architect?
Design knowledge and training equals a better landscape. Why pay a design fee to a landscape architect when a landscape contractor will do it for free? This isn't true, while the design fee may not be shown in the contractors' price, the design must be performed by one of their employees. Some landscape contractors have a landscape architect on staff or they may be excellent designers themselves. Design training is not a requirement for landscape contractors. Landscape architects are required to have four years of design education as well as 2 years of apprenticeship with an architect. For more information, visit www.latc.ca.gov/. Designing and building a landscape is often a major undertaking The completion of the landscape will cost thousands of dollars. Often the client would rather phase in the project over several years so that it is affordable The master plan achieves this by giving the client a comprehensive conceptual plan of what elements can be built over a number of years. The end result is a harmonious landscape that the client can enjoy.
What are Contract and Construction Documents?
With the master plan completed, the client and landscape architect sit down to discuss what should be installed first. A discussion of the clients' budget and priorities will determine what elements should be installed first. With the scope of work defined, the landscape architect will develop construction documents and specifications. Plans that may be needed include: lighting plans, layout plans, irrigation plans, and planting plans.
With the construction documents in hand, the client solicits ideas from landscape contractors. The comprehensive and specific documents create a level playing field where contractors are bidding on the same materials. Consumers often are misled by contractors that quote a lower price than a competing contractor. The difference is that one contractor has based his price on cheaper inferior material. When two or more bids have been submitted, the landscape architect and client can sit down to compare them. The low bidder should not be automatically selected. The history of the contractor is important. Their experience and work quality need to be examined. References should be obtained and if possible a visit can be scheduled to see past installations.
Once the contractor has been selected, he should provide a contract specifying payment terms. Typically, 25% of the final contract price is paid prior to commencement of work so that materials can be purchased and equipment can be obtained. From here, a payment schedule should be developed. Payments are made after a certain percentage of the job is completed. After job completion, typically 10% is retained until all governmental approvals have been granted and line releases have been submitted.