Frequently Asked Questions...

Choosing an Outdoor Living Company
A Guide to Findnig the Greatest Value for Your Outdoor Living Space

  How do I evaluate cost and ensure I am getting the best “value”?

Confirm if the proposal is a total solution, including all grading, excavation, exception clauses, etc. Identify the quality of materials, especially when you are installing drainage, irrigation, ponds, water features, pools and Hardscape. Any compromises in quality of materials or workmanship, may result in a lot of out of pocket expenses for you in the future. Typically if the cost difference between proposals is great, so are the deliverables. Remember, a more expensive proposal, upfront, may not always be the most expensive in the long run.

  Are all deliverables the same? How do I understand what I am paying for?

Seek detail in the proposals. Understand the type, size, quality and/or quantity of each phase of the project. The proposal should be outlined by phase, identifying exactly what will be delivered. For example, understand the percentage of grading; quantity and type of imported soil; drainage and irrigation materials used; Hardscape materials; quantity and size of softscape. Understanding the detail, and mutually agreeing to the deliverables, ensures your expectations will be met, even exceeded!

  I protect my long term investment. What should I be looking for?

The key is in your chosen outdoor living company’s commitment so serve you for the long term. Let’s start from the beginning: ask about their company philosophy and long term relationships with existing and past clients. Ask for credentials and similar project references…call them. How much time are they spending with you during the sales cycle…this is a good indication of their time and service commitment during and after the project is complete. Ask about their commitment to quality in materials and workmanship.

  Everyone talks about “quality.”  Who can I really trust to deliver quality?

Your time is valuable, so here is a quick education on key questions to ask about quality…

1. Site prep, grading and soil imports – This is the foundation to your entire outdoor living environment. Consider it as the foundation to your home…critical to the overall structure. Ask about preparing the ground to ensure any unwanted growth is gone prior to commencement of the project. How will the ground be graded to support the landscape, hardscape, aquascape and/or nightscape of your property? How will it be graded to ensure your home is protected from erosion? What and how much soil will be imported to maximize plant growth and health? What percentage of grade will be accomplished? Will that affect the overall structural integrity of your topography?
2. Infrastructure: irrigation, drainage, electrical, and gas – Yikes! This could result in big out of pocket expenses if not done correctly. Ask about quality and expected lifespan of supplies and equipment (cheaper supplies are great upfront, just expect to be replacing pipe very soon after project completion). Review the drainage solution to ensure the water flows away from any structure…water damage is very costly. Confirm that all electrical and gas work is up to code and is done with the highest quality of materials.
3. Hardscape and Aquascape: outdoor kitchens and rooms; water falls; ponds; pools; and patio overhang structures. Ask about credentials, past experience, and knowledge of these areas. Unless you are an expert and know how to fix potential issues, ensure your contractor has expert knowledge in these areas, knows how to do it right the first time, and is committed to servicing you for the long term, should potential issues arise.

  How important is long term service?

Someone who is committed to follow up and service, with no additional cost to you, stands behind their product and service, and is focused on quality. Even in the best projects and with the best contractors, things happen. Having a contractor who will stand by your side long after the project is complete, is invaluable. Ask about on-going service plans, outside of the scope of “typical” follow-up, such as assistance with trimming, irrigation repairs, lighting issues, seasonal fertigation, and other needs you may have.

  Does it matter if the employees work directly for the company?

Yes. Tighter control of timelines, accountability, and quality exist when employees work directly for your outdoor living contractor, versus functioning simply as a “paper” contractor.

  Why is more mulch better?

Mulch is not just aesthetic. It functions as a weed abatement as well as provides a cooling mechanism for all of the plant material around it during the summer months and aides in keeping away unwanted moisture during the winter months. The result is protection of your financial investment and elimination of further costs in weed abatement.

  I know I can save costs by reducing plants sizes, how does this impact my overall living environment?

Understand the growth pattern of the chosen or recommended plants. You may be okay with some growth plans, but very disappointed to know that certain plant species will take years to get to where you want them to be.

  What if I am on a tight budget and can’t afford the “best” value proposal?

Ask for a phased approach. Confirm that each phase will build upon the previous one to ensure that you retain all of your investment and don’t lose anything as you move from phase to phase. Ask what you can do yourself. Invest in a detailed outdoor living design and have your contractor focus on the more difficult, highly skilled areas. The best approach is to be honest with your budget so you can attain the very best value and achieve your outdoor living dream.

  How do I budget for my outdoor living environment?

Outdoor living environments are an investment that increase the value of your home. Consider the home you just purchased. The average outdoor living environment is 10% of the cost of the home. You are expanding your living space to the outdoors, where you and your family will spend a great deal of time. Quality of materials and workmanship for your outdoor living environment should be consistent with the quality of your home.

  Who do I call with questions after my project is complete?

Confirm that your outdoor living contractor is committing to serving you for the long term. As part of the Turning Leaf family, it is our pleasure and commitment to serve you for the long term. We want you to call us with your questions and concerns. That is our value to you.