Americans are spending more time than ever in their backyards. More and more people are discovering the importance of having a pleasant outdoor space that’s just as aesthetically pleasing as their indoor space. Can you relate?
It might be time to hire landscape designers to make your yard pop and enhance your home’s curb appeal. But how do you find the right landscape design in San Diego?
Let’s talk about it. Read on to learn our top tips for finding the right landscape designer for you.
1. Ask Around
If you’re lucky, you already know someone who’s had professional landscape design done sometime recently. This is going to help you out a lot when you’re searching for your own San Diego landscape design professional.
Talk to friends, family members, and even neighbors if you think that they have nice outdoor spaces. Even if you’re not close with someone, leading the conversation with the fact that you think they have a fantastic landscape will soften them up and encourage them to share their secrets with you.
Some landscape companies may also give you referrals after you reach out, but it’s a good idea to get a general “feel” for local companies before you start narrowing them down.
2. Know What You Want
What are you looking for in a landscape design?
All landscapes are different. Do you want something classic, elegant, and sleek? Would you prefer a more “natural” look with native plants and shrubbery?
A good landscape designer likely has an ideal aesthetic for their work, but your input matters. You won’t be able to find the right landscape designer until you know what you want.
We recommend looking online for examples of landscape features that you’re fond of. Include everything from plants to water features. Consider making a design inspiration board on a site like Pinterest to gather all of your ideas in one place.
You’ll keep these ideas in mind when you’re browsing websites of different landscape designers and when you consult with each designer individually.
Not all of your “inspiration ideas” have to be able to come together in one landscape design. This is just brainstorming and you and your designer will work together to figure out what’s realistic for your landscape.
3. Do Some Online Research
It’s time to get online.
Look for local San Diego landscapers in your search engine of choice. Unsurprisingly, you’ll have plenty of options popping up. You have to narrow them down.
Start by looking at individual websites to make sure that each company services your area. If not, you’ll know to move on quickly. You can also see if the services that they offer align with your needs.
While landscape design might seem like a specific field, this isn’t really true. Some designers choose to specialize in specific styles or techniques, so not every designer will work for you.
You can also use this time to look at online reviews. Each business likely has a “Google My Business” page that will have reviews underneath as well as a star rating.
You want to find a company with a high star rating and plenty of good reviews. You don’t have to read every review, but try to read a few from several star levels if you can to get a good feel for the business.
4. Keep Your Budget in Mind
Landscape design can be expensive, but it’s worth it. That said, you need to keep your budget in mind. How much are you able to pay?
You may not be able to get a quote until after you reach out to the landscape design team, but this is something you should be keeping in the back of your mind as an important factor for your decision.
5. Chat With Potential Landscape Designers
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, reach out to the landscape designers that you liked. It’s a good idea to have at least three or four in mind so you have options to choose from later.
This is like an interview. You’re hiring a landscape company just as you would hire an employee if you were an employer. It’s helpful to have a list of questions for the designers.
Make sure you have your inspiration board (or any other example images) on hand so you can show your ideas to the designers.
Here are some things you should look for when you’re having your interview.
Communication
You need landscape designers that are communicative with you as a client. You won’t be able to get a true feel for how communicative the company will be during the interview, but you can start looking for signs.
Do the designers respond well to questions? Are they open to your input and suggestions?
This is also a good time to ask how they prefer to communicate when they’re not on your property. How fast do they respond to emails or phone calls?
Quotes and Prices
You should ask the landscape designers how much you can expect to spend for their services. They can provide you with an initial quote and let you know any additional fees that could pop up.
Design companies expect you to have a budget, so don’t be afraid to share it!
Portfolios and Previous Clients
If you haven’t already seen a portfolio, now is a good time to ask to see examples of the company’s work. You want to know that they can match your overall “vision” for your landscape.
You can also ask if they have any previous clients who can vouch for their services.
Find the Right Landscaping Services for You
Finding the right landscape designers for your outdoor space renovation isn’t easy. All designers bring something different to the table, so you’ll have to take your time finding the perfect match.
At Designs 4 You, we want all of our clients to have the outdoor spaces of their dreams. We offer both interior and exterior renovation services and we’re ready to work with you to create the perfect landscape.
Contact us for a free consultation today.
