Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on HomeGuide.
How much does a landscape designer cost near me?
A landscape designer costs$50 to $150 per hour with a minimum consultation fee of $100 to $200. The design plans cost $700 to $3,000 according to the project size and the number of revisions. Some landscape design packages include videos with computer imaging to illustrate the finished look.
Is hiring a landscape designer worth it?
Hiring a landscape designer is especially worth it when you have a large yard that needs a detailed plan to manage maintenance costs. However, a designer's fees can be excessive if you have a small lawn and want a simple plan.
The benefits of landscape designers include:
Practical plans to raise the home’s value and boost curb appeal
Cheaper yard maintenance with a local-climate friendly design
Preventing DIY landscaping mistakes that waste your money
What does a landscape designer do?
A landscape designer's services include any of the following:
Consultations at your home to explore design options
Planning out budgets for each landscaping plan
Producing landscaping sketches, conceptual computer-generated plans, and basic drawings
Revising the plans as many times as needed
Consulting with contractors to help convey your vision
However, each designer offers different things according to the level of their training and whether they work with a design-and-build firm.
When should I hire a landscape designer?
You should hire a landscape designer when:
You want a new garden installed with a special plant scheme tailored to your needs.
The home you're selling needs more curb appeal to stand out in the neighborhood.
Your landscaping has been neglected, and you don't know how to fix it because you have no design or landscaping experience.
The new home you’ve moved into has a yard that doesn’t suit your lifestyle, pets, or children.
You have lots of new landscaping ideas but can’t decide which one will work.
The local climate has watering restrictions that you need to design around.
What’s the difference between a landscape designer and landscape architect?
The biggest differences between a landscape designer and landscape architect are that the architect must have a degree and typically works on bigger commercial projects. Hiring a landscape architect costs$100 to $250 per hour minimum. An architect makes official building plans required to get permits for bigger landscaping projects.
Important: Landscape designers don’t have all the qualifications to make detailed construction plans to get permits from the building department.
What are common landscaping project costs?
The most common landscaping projects are a combination of:
Landscaping costs$4 to $12 per square foot for all types of general work on the property.
You can find a nearby landscape designer by searching through our list to compare services in your neighborhood. When hiring a design consultant, remember to:
Compare multiple quotes from companies with 5+ years of experience.
See if your state requires designers to have licenses in horticulture services, home improvement, or landscape contractor credentials.
Ask if they have training from the NALP, the APLD, or local landscaping and construction associations.
Verify that they have a current business license, insurance, and surety bonds.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Collect an itemized estimate and contract upfront.
Beware of the cheapest bids that often yield low-quality results.
Don’t give a full payment until after the job is complete.
What questions do I ask a landscape designer?
How long have you been designing landscapes?
Can I get a free first consultation, and if so, then how long is it?
Have you done more hardscaping or gardening projects?
Do you offer designs only, or does your firm also build landscapes?
How long will it take to make my designs, and do they include a 3D digital design or scaled drawings?
What are the fees for plan revisions?
Can I see a list of your references and design portfolio?
Does the city building department need to approve these designs with permits?
Which features of this design are the most expensive and why?
Can you make a design that minimizes yard maintenance?
What’s your payment schedule, and do you offer payment plans?
Reviews for Lakewood landscaping designers
Recent success stories from people in the Lakewood area.
Danielle B.
His vision for my yard turned out better then I could had thought up myself. This team does an amazing job! I recommend him to anyone looking to revamp their landscaping! I will continue to hire him for any projects I need for my yard.
S.A Masonry and Landscaping LLC.
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