What is a concept sketch?
Why might I need more than one plan?
Why do we need a survey?
Why is it expensive to draw up the plans?
What happens if I want to ammend the plan(s)?
How long will it take?
Why should I consider lighting and/or irrigation requirements so early on?
Can I take it one stage at a time?
Why are some contractors more expensive than others?
Should I use your recommended contractors?
How much does the choice of building materials affect the end price?
What’s the advantage of using natural stone instead of reconstituted stone?
Why is some stone from India?
Why is reclaimed rectangular York stone so expensive?
Will the construction company require a down-payment?
Deciding which plants will grow?
Should I consider irrigation?
What should I consider if buying larger specimens plants for my garden?
How does manure and "mulch" help?
Do you have any contacts with garden furniture suppliers?
Can you help with choosing the decorative pieces to finish the garden?
Once my garden is completed, how do I maintain it?
Q. What is a concept sketch?
A. A concept sketch is just a rough idea of how the garden could work, then these ideas, once agreed, are developed into a set of plans. Compare it to humming a tune and then writing a musical score for an orchestra. All the elements need to work in harmony with each other. For example:- structural details for the built elements; style; plant choices and availability; lighting requirements; outdoor furnishings; use of space; restrictions or advantages of the site; the facilities required; financial issues and so on. Developing the plans in detail will maximise the potential of your garden area. It’s just as important as making the rooms inside the house, work in the most effective way. Also, the concept sketch is just that, conceptual. It is not possible to scale exact areas from this drawing. It does work on its own, however, if all you are looking for, is a burst of inspiration and know-how to set you on your own path.
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Q. Why might I need more than one plan?
A. Usually, there is too much information to put on a single drawing, without it becoming confusing and hard to read. Some of the information is only relevant to certain parties who may be involved in the development of it. For example, the planting plan doesn’t need to have structural details on it. Electrical contractors only need the basic layout with suggested cable runs to lights and other electrical fittings clearly marked so they can pass the details on to their technicians.
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Q. Why do I need a survey
A. The final plans will only work if the initial information is accurate. For example, we need to know how the levels change in the garden, to be able to work out how many steps may be needed to connect certain areas. Even gardens that look quite "flat" nearly always change in level to some degree. This can have a marked effect if you are installing a swimming pool or tennis court where tiny changes of level become noticeable. In small gardens, accurate surveys are vital because the space is restricted and we try to use as much of it as possible, in an imaginative way. In larger gardens, inaccurate base information can mean paved areas are miscalculated or too many/too few plants are ordered to fill the borders. More explanation as to what the survey will show, is available on request.
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Q. Why is it expensive to draw up the plans
A. The time involved to research and agree every element in advance is extensive, but usually represents a cost saving in the long run. Everyone’s time is used efficiently when the work begins, materials are ordered in bulk meaning delivery and building costs are often reduced. For example, ducting or cables can be ordered in advance and installed under paved areas ready for light fittings or irrigation requirements. Consequently trenches can be dug while excavating equipment is on site - rather than hand digging or extra costs of machinery later. The agreement for studio and meeting time is specified in advance of your go ahead so that you know exactly what to expect and how much time is allowed for each section. See also Question 1 above.
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Q. What happens if I want to amend the plan(s)?
A. Additional studio time or meetings, not included in the original agreement incur additional time and therefore costs. For larger gardens, all plans include one intermediate meeting, giving an opportunity to revise or adjust ideas before the final drawing is done. We only charge for time spent working out the changes and making sure that accurate plans are distributed to all parties involved before the work begins. Not drawing and detailing revisions can incur much higher costs once the work is started - obviously, it is much easier (and cheaper) to alter a drawing than it is to alter work already done on site.
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Q. How long will it take?
A. The time taken to produce a full set of plans varies from a minimum three to four weeks (for a small garden) to several months or even years, depending on the size of the project and your own requirements. Planning permission may be needed for certain components of garden building particularly if your house is a listed building or in a conservation area.
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Q. Why should I consider lighting and/or irrigation requirements so early on?
A. Ducting or cables can be ordered in advance and installed under paved areas ready for light fittings or irrigation requirements. Consequently trenches can be dug while excavating equipment is on site - rather than hand digging or extra costs of machinery later.
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Q. Can I take it one stage at a time?
A. Absolutely, many people choose to stage the development of the garden either to spread the cost or to allow a slower development of the overall style and use of the garden. One factor worth considering is that plants generally need more "looking after" during the first year or more after planting to establish successfully. It can be useful in larger gardens, to concentrate on separate areas of planting year on year, to spread the necessary maintenance levels. Costs of building the garden are sometimes increased if construction work is divided into too many separate stages.
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Q. Why are some contractors more expensive than others?
A. Most contractors charge fairly for the time, effort and materials they calculate as being necessary to complete the project. Standards of work vary enormously as in many other industries. Key words are care, expertise and attention to detail but most importantly - value for money. We seek out construction teams we believe to be highly skilled, professional, courteous and experienced. In most cases, they can arrange for you to visit a completed garden or one under construction if you would like to see this first-hand.
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Q. Should I use your recommended contractors?
A. It is entirely your choice. The teams of contractors we use/recommend are completely independent of the design service. Many clients have their own contractors or even build their own gardens. We can provide a project management service and undertake regular site visits to make sure the work is progressing as agreed. After the designs are completed, the plans are yours to send out to any contractor you choose.
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Q. How much does the choice of building materials affect the end price?
A. Generally speaking, costs of materials is in line with their potential longevity. For example, oak as a building material is more expensive that pressure-treated softwood. but it will last longer. Preparation time (and materials needed for sub-bases etc.) is the more or less the same whatever materials are chosen, so the end cost doesn’t vary in proportion to the difference in the cost of the top surface materials. Usually, higher quality materials improve with time whereas cheaper materials can degenerate quite quickly. Natural materials weather better and blend into the surroundings more easily, resulting in an elegant and unforced style.
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Q. What’s the advantage of using natural stone instead of reconstituted stone?
A. Natural stone paving might cost more than concrete slabs but over time natural stone should not need to be replaced. Whereas the simulated stone surface of concrete slabs can wear off exposing their components is a less attractive way . The cost of materials is only one element of the overall build costs, ground preparation and labour costs tend not to increase by very much, if better materials are used. Therefore, you are only having to pay for it to be done once, rather than using cheaper materials and having to have it done again more quickly. Prices of natural stone vary per square metre, reclaimed worn York stone paving and granite at the expensive end, limestone and slate in the middle with various sandstones from India being a very cost effective choice.
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Q. Why is some stone from India?
A. Imported stone is a very cost effective way of using natural materials without blowing out on the budget. Prices have reduced recently because increased competition has made the market more price-driven. Natural stone paving is now a realistic alternative to reconstituted stone paving. Using reclaimed rectangular York stone is still an attractive and traditional option, but not the only option if natural stone is your preferred choice.
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Q. Why is reclaimed rectangular York stone so expensive?
A. It seems to be in short supply now, good quality, large, rectangular, undamaged stone with attractive signs of wear is more difficult to source. Haulage and labour costs add considerably to the end price. Imported, freshly quarried stone tends to be cheaper.
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Q. Will the construction company require a down-payment?
A. A deposit is needed both to order materials in advance, which reduces delays (increasing efficiency) during the running of the project and to reserve the work-force.
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