Serenescapes

The first step to any project is typically to meet on site and review the desires and feasability of a project. This allows us as a contractor to physically see the site and whether we can reasonably bid on the job. After that we usually take measurements, look over plants, trees, whatever the project entails. This gives us the information necessary to prepare a responsible proposal for the client. After the initial site visit we typically have enough information to prepare a quote. We then email our clients the quote and go from there.

We have quite a few employees that have Building Trades certifications from High school on our staff. I personally am a Certified Horticulturist through the Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association. We are also strong believers in continuing education; We send our employees to seminars, watch webinars and attend trade shows to keep up on the newest techniques with in our industries.

We have standard pricing on our Horticultural services and related services. Typically our Hardscape services are more site related but pricing tends to be pretty standard. If a client is interested we can give a propsal after site visit.

I am an Eagle Scout who started with a love for the outdoors at a young age. I learned team leadership and general plant knowledge in the Scouts. I then went on to work at a very large retail plant nursery in Northern Virginia. After years of working retail and learning the plants and their desired location and growth habits I went to that same company's landscape division. I worked there for a few years the went out on my own.

We have worked with all types of customers.

We worked most of the Winter of 16' completing a permeable driveway for a client in White Hall, off of Garth rd. in Albemarle county. This was a memorable project due to the size and the type. I really appreciated that the customer was willing to spend a little more on the project to keep it all permeable, showing their dedication to ecological preservation.

We are a general landscape contractor who specializes in Hardscapes. That being said I'd suggest meeting with the contractor on site, initial meetings are important. After that get a feel for how many projects like the one you want, this particular contractor has completed. Ask for references and photos. Also ask about insurance to protect yourself. Timeline is very important, find out how long they expect a project to take from ground breaking to completion. payment schedule is another thing to inquire about and what types of payment are accepted. You should also ask about Warranty or Guarantees offered.

The main question is the budget. When dealing with a few different proposals you will need to know what is the maximum amount you can spend. Also if the project is out of our initial budget, what parts of the project can be trimmed if any. Typically clients will underestimate the amount a top quality installation will cost. They then will go with a 'lowest bid' which can end up being a real nightmare.