FAQs
How much do your services cost?
Although our services vary from one project to the next, our minimum charge for design starts at $1,750. We can usually provide you with a fee range at the time of the initial project consultation once we have a feel for the property and better knowledge of the project scope. We will then follow up with a very detailed quote identifying scope, timeframes for completion, and associated costs.
Are your services right for my project?
If your anticipated construction costs are less than $100,000, it is most likely not productive to hire us as your landscape architect. Exceptions to this rule are where local homeowners (within a 20-minute drive of Westfield, NJ) are looking to improve the front façade of their homes with new landscaping. We have cost effective solutions that can address this need. See our Photo Overlays as an example.
Do you charge for an initial project consultation?
Yes, we spend a lot of time meeting with potential clients and need to be compensated for the effort. This includes preparation for the initial consultation, traveling to the meeting, and then 1-2 hours discussing the project in detail. Although this fee is non-refundable, we will credit this fee back to the project if you decide to move forward with the design project. This fee is usually $150-$450.
How does the design process work?
Although our design process is very similar from one project to the next, we can customize our services to meet the needs of each client. To learn more about our typical design process, please visit our Process pages for more information.
Explore Commercial Process or Residential Process
What locations do you service?
For our residential work we service areas within a one-hour drive of our office in Westfield, NJ. For commercial work, we have a broader reach. We can service all areas in which we are licensed including the following: CT, MD, MI, NJ, NY, PA, and VA.
How long does the design portion of my project take?
Most of our actual design work can be completed between 2-8 weeks from commencement. However, other factors to consider include, but are not limited to, the following: preliminary survey work, decisions on material selections, final approval of site layout, municipal/state/county permitting, the bidding process, vendor requests, weather delays, and holidays.
Do you do surveys?
As Landscape Architects, we are not legally allowed to perform surveys. You would need to hire a professional land surveyor (PLS) to complete this work. However, if you need basic information to supplement an existing survey, we can usually obtain this information for you. Over the years, we have built strong relationships with quality surveyors, If you need a new survey, we would be more than happy to recommend a PLS to you.
Do you do installation?
No, we do not install any of the improvements that we design. We are educated in landscape architecture and stick to what we excel at. With that said, we will work with any contractor that you choose or recommend quality contractors that we know and trust to execute our designs.
Will exterior improvements affect my taxes?
Yes, building a new pool, patio, deck, etc. on your property will affect your taxes. As taken from the New Jersey State Treasury Department of Taxation website, it is said that all new construction, additions, and improvements completed after October 1st are valued and taxed under the added assessment law. This requires your county tax assessor to place a value upon your addition(s) or improvement(s), which will be added to your property value. You will then be taxed according to the updated property value. For more information, you may want to contact your local county tax assessor.
Can you design walls?
Yes, we can design walls 4’ in height or less, or a series of terraced walls. If you are looking to design a wall greater than 4’, you should contact a local structural engineer.
Do you handle permitting?
Yes, typical residential applications require a zoning permit and engineering permit. In addition, we can assist you with tree removal permits, soil erosion certification, county/state permits, variance applications, and site plans for commercial properties. However, your contractor would be responsible for all construction related permits such as building, plumbing, electrical, etc.
Does your firm manage the construction of the project?
That is up to you. You have three options. Option #1: you can utilize our drawings to build from with your chosen contractor. Option #2: We can provide you with periodic management on an “as needed” basis for critical check-in points. Option #3: You can have us manage the entire project on your behalf.
How can we help you?
Still have more questions? We are here to help. Please give us a call or click the link below to fill out our Contact Form and we will get back to you right away.