In today’s world of instant gratification, patience is still a virtue. This is especially true when it comes to quality work that is going to be in use for years to come. Creating your own landscape or hardscape design can be a very over whelming process. There is more to it than just picking out the types of plants you want, patio design and stones for a wall.

Calling in a professional is one of the best ways to ensure your outdoor living space is built correctly, has a high level of functionality and is of a quality of materials that will last. They will take into consideration all of the necessary steps and precautions that will create your ideal finished product in the most effective and efficient way possible.

Laying the first stone: Planning

Making sure everything is prepared on paper before breaking ground on the project is essential. There is a list of things that need to be considered before the physical work even begins, all of which will stop the unnecessary headaches that could be caused when creating something of this nature.

• Drainage issues
• Protecting Utilities
• Communication with Dig Safely NY
• Communication with building departments for zoning regulations
• Properly prepare site
• Manage the budget
• Functionality of Design

Carefully taking all of these things into consideration takes time and dedication, the kind of which a professional possesses.

Expectation management: Timelines

Creating a timeline is an essential step to a successful project. When creating a timeline you need to take many different factors into consideration. Workflow, environment and project evolution are key elements that contribute to your timeline.

• Workflow-Process in which the project must be built
• Environmental elements-conditions that can delay the project, for example: wet soil
• Project Evolution-Changes in the original project can create a change in the timeline

There is a need to be realistic about expectations and deadlines that are set in the beginning of the project and realize quality work that is guaranteed to last takes time, dedication and flexibility. Only when all aspects come together will you be satisfied with the plan, process and end result.