The first steps…
Buying a custom outdoor living space has never been simpler
The Process
We’ve developed a streamlined process to help you create the ultimate outdoor living space. This page shows the roadmap to building a wonderful project with us. Scroll further to see some of our FAQs answered.
Free Estimator TOol
Start with our free estimator tool. This helps to understand the best use of your budget to create the most amazing space possible.
2. Virtual Consultation
We’re available for free virtual consultations as an initial interview. We’ll get to know each other and we will be able to answer any questions you may have regarding our design and estimating process and innovative construction techniques. Click Here to Schedule.
Before this consultation we encourage you to compile any inspiration photos you may have and share it with our team to best get the sense of style you wish to achieve.
3. At Home Consultation $
If we’re a good fit we’ll come to your home to take necessary measurements and assess site conditions. We can also bring along any samples you may be interested in.
If available, we will also ask for a survey of your property prior to this meeting.
4. Design $
We start by creating a beautiful 3D model of your yard. This is a conceptual plan to reflect your wishes and preferred styles. This shows every element in stunning dimension and shadowing to fully visualize the overall look and feel of your new outdoor living space. This landscape design will determine the location and size of new construction making the best functional use of available space. Conceptual designs are generally delivered within 2-3 weeks from the date of your at home consultation. Click Here to Learn More.
5. Revisions and Final Design $
We’ll pick out materials together, complete any revisions if you wish and then create cohesive construction plans including relevant material quantities and choices. Once we’ve reached this stage the space is fully developed - we know exactly what’s being built and what it will look like! Final construction documentation is generally available 3-6 weeks after the date of your at home consultation.
6. No Surprises quote
Now that we have developed a comprehensive design and scope of work - pending your approval - we’re able to provide a no surprises, all-inclusive bid for the project. Contracts are usually submitted within 5 business days of design finalization.
7. Payments and Contracts $
All payment plans are structured with a 10% non-refundable deposit. Builds under $75,000 then begin with a 50% commencement payment when we start the project, 30% upon completion and 10% several days later after approval. Larger contracts are broken down with completion milestone payments to keep work flowing at a rate that is comfortable for you.
8. Permits $
We take care of all of the permits along the way. Utility locates, pool, deck and electrical permits. We’ll initiate and oversee the entire process.
9. Pre-Construction
We’ll have an in-person meeting between the design team, the build foreperson and yourself. At this time we can address all elements of the project and address any concerns before we start building.
10. Build $
It’s finally time to start construction! We’ll take care of all the details as we develop and craft your unique landscape. We’ll keep you updated on a need to know basis. Our skilled and efficient construction team will have your yard looking great in no time. Learn more about our build process
11. Warranty
Our industry leading 5yr warranty gives you peace of mind your installation will last for years to come. Check out our warranty page to learn more.
12. Enjoy
All that’s left to do is water the plants, watch your landscape grow and love your space!
FAQs
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers!
How Much do projects typically cost?
Most of our projects are in the $50k - $150k range. We specialize in full outdoor living spaces and entire property outdoor renovations. Our large, dedicated turnkey landscape crew is generally most efficient on mid to large sized projects and we are often not competitively priced on smaller scale projects.
For the average backyard project, usually a budget of $25,000-$30,000 will get a functional, beautiful complete backyard makeover. $40,000 will add some wonderful bells and whistles to that project. A larger budget can add more space and additional amenities such as a pool and fire and water features. Suburban backyards with tons of showpieces and activities will usually top out at a maximum budget of about $150k. A larger estate lot with amenities can cost between $200,000-$1,000,000 depending on scale and features.
Suburban front yards will generally range from $15,000 with a walkway, steps and some garden beds, to about $50,000 with the above mentioned features as well as a fully interlock paving stone driveway and some additional features, such as lighting and water feature. Larger properties with 6+ car driveways can range in price from $50,000-$300,000+
Can you take care of my entire landscape project for me?
Yes, we are a full service outdoor living space/landscape design/build company. We install most elements of your yard in-house with our skilled installation staff, but we will also act as General Contractor for you - bringing in our additional trusted-tradespeople to perform work requiring special certifications such as a electrical and gas. Hardscapes, Softscapes, Pools, Fences, Irrigation, Landscape Structures - we take care of it all.
How deep do you dig?
We don't just dig an arbitrary 12" depth, we dig based off soil conditions. During traditional aggregate base construction we excavate to remove "loam" soil, as it is unpredictable in both bearing ability and compaction. As well, loam soil contains organic material which can decompose over time, leaving voids beneath the base. As a rule of thumb, in Ottawa, loam soil is approximately 12" deep. This is where the standard "12 inch base" comes from, but is not ALWAYS the case when excavating for interlocking pavements. Visit our Build Page to learn more.
How do you prevent weeds?
We have several different ways of preventing weeds. Depending on the type of interlocking pavement we are installing we will either install a high quality contractor grade polymeric sand, an epoxy based, semi-permeable pro grade infill jointing sand or a permeable chip stone with binder. With proper care each of these options will keep your patio weed free. Each is included within our 5yr installation warranty, and most come with an extended 15+yr warranty from the manufacturer.
What is your Availability?
It is generally recommended to begin planning your landscape renovation 6-9 months in advance. This period can be longer or shorter depending on demand and time of year. If you have a deadline such as a wedding, anniversary or birthday pool party planned it is advisable to begin the planning stages at least 12 months in advance to allow for any potential setback that could ever arise.
Can you come out and give me a quote?
In order to provide the absolute best experience to our customers we’ve created a fantastic free estimator tool that will encompass most elements of a “free estimate” to help you get a sense of what your project could cost. To give a proper quote on a project we need a developed scope of work, which requires a design and a working budget - this isn’t something we can come up with on the spot and is better developed in our office. We’re happy to provide free virtual consultations to further discuss your project before you commit to our design and planning contract.
How Long does the design process take?
This often depends on the complexity of the design. Larger designs with many decisions to be made regarding use of space, materials and functionality can often extend the process. We usually try to have a preliminary design share meeting within 2 weeks of our on-site consultation. After approval we then render 3D models of the plan. This is usually delivered within 4 weeks. From there we’re able to provide a comprehensive no-surprise quote a few days after that. It is however quite common on larger projects for this process to last several months as more decisions and research and revisions can extend the design process.
How long will my project take to build?
Each project will be completely different however as a general rule every $30k of your project will amount to 5 working days at your property.
Do you offer a warranty?
We offer an industry leading 5 year comprehensive warranty on our typical hardscape installations. Scroll down on our About Us page to learn more.
What if I buy my own pavers/do some of the labour?
Buying your own pavers generally will not be worth the hassle for you. We install only top of the line materials. We also must ensure that we have appropriate quantities for everything we build to ensure efficiency. Our fantastic relationships with our suppliers and manufacturers ensure smooth construction. We take care of it all for you! In terms of doing some of the work - we always appreciate arriving to a job site clean and prepared for us to begin our construction, however often we are much more equipped to undertake any of the preparatory demolition and excavation than the average homeowner. We have no trouble planning for the removal and disposal of existing patios or structures in the estimating stages of the project. We’ll quickly take care of it with our specialized tools and machinery - and save your weekend!
If I pay cash, is it cheaper?
No, it’s more expensive while we pay our bodyguards to escort us to the bank.
Will the workers be using my toilet/using the side of my house as a toilet?
Absolutely not! Every job has a portable toilet dropped off at the beginning and picked up at the end of construction. This not only keeps us out of your hair, it also keeps employees on site and working more efficiently to help get your landscape completed quickly.
Estimation Tool
Understanding interlock prices in Ottawa can be a difficult task. Estimates can vary wildly and it's impossible to tell which price is "fair."
Lots of square foot prices are being thrown around in the landscaping industry, but with every landscape being unique, it’s impossible to put a flat rate on custom interlock.
To help you get an accurate understanding of what’s possible in your budget, we’ve created an Estimation Tool to help guide you through the costs of a project.
Finance Your Project
Payment plans available to take a great design and turn it into an absolute show stopper with Pave Now Pay Later financing!
