Is my contractor really listening?
Let's face it. Finding a landscape contractor to call you back is one thing. If you've had to deal with someone that doesn't call you back, you're not alone at all. I would say don't get me started on that, but I already did.
However, once you find a contractor that you're comfortable with, your next plan is to make sure that they hear all of your ideas. They understand your needs and wants. They get where you're coming from.
You've been spending months or years planning your dream backyard. How are you showing your contractor what you have in mind?
Most importantly, get your budget nailed down. (You do have a budget, don't you?) When your contractor knows your budget, they'll be able to make suggestions and design a backyard that works for you at your price point. There may also be things you haven't taken into consideration, like drainage to avoid water from pooling around your deck or ending up in your basement.
Avoid the Frustration
Owner of Sierra Landscape Management, Robert Molinet says, "A lot of times what we hear is people become dissatisfied because they invited someone into their home and that person very often tells them what they should do or what they'd do if it was their own home."
In other words, don't let the contractor tell you what he or she would do. It's not their home. They don't have to live with what gets done. They should be helping you make the right decisions and guiding you down the right path. This is your space. Do what YOU want. It's OK to ask for suggestions, but make sure that it fulfills your backyard needs.
Now the fun part.
A picture is worth a thousand words. Grab images from your favorite websites. Usually a right-click on your desktop computer or a long press on your phone or tablet is all you need. Consider organizing your photos through a free service like Google Photos, Flickr, or Amazon Photos which will also allow you to share them with your contractor.
Pinterest is another great area to collect your visual thoughts. There a bazillions of people on there who are going to share your tastes and styles. They can be a great resource for things you had in mind as well as those "never even thought about that" moments.
And the age-old standard... magazines. My wife still has piles of magazines she keeps around for inspiration. They're easy to go through, you don't need an internet connection, you don't have to worry about a charged battery, and the tactile feel of cutting something out of paper with a pair of scissors is really quite enjoyable.
It's in the Details
Not only should you have photos in your arsenal, but write down what you like or don't like about a particular space.
Colors
Textures
Layouts
Sizes
Spacing
Elevation
Orientation
Anything down to the smallest detail.
If you're not sure what you're looking at or why you like something, it's OK. Just make sure you keep an open dialogue. Don't be afraid to ask for guidance. A good contractor will have their own materials to help you along your journey. For example, Sierra Landscape Management has information like a Buyer's Guide for pricing information, a portfolio for inspiration, and a plethora of videos to keep you informed about our processes.
There's a chance that your designs might be too bold for your budget. Or maybe you haven't considered a great option. Understanding everything you want your backyard to do will also allow your contractor an easier time make suggestions to meet your goals.
Your landscape contractor is there to help you make the right decisions along the way. Keep in mind that you're part of the team. You make the calls. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Make sure your contractor understands your lifestyle and what you want to do in your backyard when the dust settles.
When you're ready to start asking questions and want guidance on planning your new outdoor living space, Sierra Landscape Management wants to help. Call or visit their website for details on how you can utilize their skills to build your dream backyard.