Garden Design and Consultancy Services
Specialising in gardens for new home owners.
Call us now on 01908 669335 for an obligation free discussion
THE DESIGN PROCESS
STAGE 1
Initial Contact and Site Visit
Discuss client's wishes and priorities :
- Initial phone call/WhatsApp
- Book site visit if required
- Site measured up
- Site challenges assessed
- Compass readings taken and points noted
- Brainstormed client's initial "wish list"
- Priorities for inclusion in design discussed
- Existing items to be kept and included in finished garden measured
- If appropriate, the client may wish to indicate their budget for the total garden in order to "cap" the scope of the design response.
STAGE 1
Site visit to measure and assess access
Discuss client's wishes and priorities :
- Client said he was going to purchase a Hot Tub from within his budget but was unsure where to site it
- Asked for level "lawn" but using artificial turf
- Not too keen on "gardening" but liked feature plants
- Needed at least one big patio
- Wanted a modern/contemporary "feel"
- Interested in lighting if affordable within budget
- Needed space for existing gas bbq and garden furniture.
- Worried about neighbours land sloping up and ending up being higher than his own garden
- Not to spend more than £24,000 including a nominated Hot Tub from Costco!.
STAGE 2
Design Response
Dimensioned site plan plotted using simple CAD software.
- Initial block plan : allocating space, to scale, to key areas/"zones".
- Visualisation in plan view of material textures and finishes using CAD library.
- Presentation and discussion - either back on site or via “Zoom” or similar.
- Design iteration in 2D.
- Place key features on plan e.g. any existing or new garden furniture that is to be used at its actual size.
- Render plan in 3D and screenshot different 3D visuals to convey sense of space and viewpoints.
- Once design is agreed - print off plan set on A3 paper for client to keep and e-mail set as a .pdf file.
STAGE 2
Design Response
Site challenges :
- Low point of access via side gate determines paving level at entry
- Site slopes bottom to top
- Site slopes right to left
- Waterlogged - needs drainage
- Will need to retain neighbouring land at boundaries after dig off
- Cost of groundworks and waste disposal relative to available budget
First design proposal.
Dig off for patio foundations adjacent to house
Supply and install Eco drains at 2 below damp - connect up to surface water drainage
Large "dining patio: - consider preference for either curves or straight lines or combo.
Step up to a level lawn - choose from artificial turf samples supplied
Make a feature of block built/render raised beds to retain soil and manage boundaries
Consider option of feature slat Venetian style fencing to define selected areas
Run string lines parallel to garage to set and agree degree of slope and thereby level for top patio
Consider additional step up if wish to reduce dig off and "muck away"
Dig off and create level plinth (solid concrete) to support Hot Tub at rear of garage
Put in conduits for electric/water
Install conduits/draw strings to facilitate feature lighting e.g. to uplight feature plants in future
Build concrete block wall on footing to support exposed land
Plot pergola at realistic size for consideration when budget is available
STAGE 3
Design implementation : Client considers additional optional services from V&B G&H Ltd. if of interest.
Additional services :
- Materials sampling and selection.
- Option to purchase an objective spreadsheet detailing likely cost at current market prices of all materials in the quantities required to build the garden
- Option to purchase a planting plan.
- Option to purchase an automatic watering system/irrigation plan.
- Option to purchase a lighting and switching plan
- Option to receive a quote from V&B G&H to build and commission your new garden if we have a time slot for implementation that would work for you
- Option for project management support if you choose to carry out the project yourselves.
- Help with briefing/appointing contractor of your choice and/or evaluating competing quotations.
STAGE 3
Consultancy: Design Implementation
Clients consider and decide which additional services, if any, they might require from options presented e.g. :
- Further iterations on the design in order to achieve their ideal outdoor space including impact of requested changes on likely cost of the finished garden. (Time for additional design work may need to be charged for at £30.00 per hour but we try to achieve a design that you are delighted with within the relevant garden size band fee e.g. £480 for up to 100 sq m etc)
- Spreadsheet listing materials required to implement the selected design with quantities and costs in order to assist the client evaluate any quotations received to build the garden
- Construction services by V&B G&H and/or Associates depending on required timing and availability
- Planting plan
- Lighting/electrics plan
- Irrigation plan
- Maintenance advice
- Project Management/Sourcing services
The design is yours to keep.
Absolutely no obligation or requirement to request additional services or to have the garden build by us.
Thank-you
STAGE 4
Completed Garden
Hopefully the process will have gone smoothly and you are now the proud owners of a new outdoor space that you will want to share with friends and family.
The new garden should have made your property even more appealing and, as a result of good design, specification and workmanship, should have added more than its actual cost to the value of your property.
You may wish to consider maintenance requirements and the following optional services from V&B G&H:
- Seasonal garden maintenance :
- Fence/timber structure treatment
- Seasonal pruning
- Autumn tidy up
- De thatching, scarifying and lawn feeding
- Patio and/or driveway cleaning
- Block paving - cleaning, re-sanding, sealing
Depending on your location...we may well... "have or know a team who would be pleased to quote to provide reliable help and expertise at a fair price"
Just call, WhatsApp or e-mail to let us know your requirements
Thank-you.
STAGE 4
Completed Garden
Enjoy!
Please come back to us of you would like any advice or help with ongoing "seasonal" maintenance.
We hope that you enjoy your transformed outdoor space with family and friends for many years to come.
Hopefully it will also have added value to your property that exceeds the cost of the undertaking.
Thank you
Take care!
Address and Contact
Verdant and Bright Garden and Home Ltd.
The Design Studio
9 Noon Layer Drive
Middleton
Milton Keynes
MK10 9BT.
T: 01908 669335
M: 07711 653496
Send Us an Email: Here