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Frequently Asked Questions
LANDSAPE DESIGN
Landscape design is the art and science of arranging and modifying outdoor spaces to create aesthetically pleasing and functional areas. It involves the use of plants, trees, hardscapes, and other elements to create outdoor environments that are visually appealing, functional, and sustainable.
Many people use the terms landscape architect and landscape designer interchangeably, thinking they are the same thing. While there are similarities, there are essential differences between the two. Landscape architecture is a regulated profession while landscape design is not. A landscape architect must have a Bachelor’s or Masters degree and work under the tutelage of a licensed landscape architect for 4 years before they can even sit for the exam to become licensed. Once attaining a license, a landscape architect is required to take continuing education courses to maintain their license. A landscape designer may have a degree in horticulture or landscape design but someone can call themselves a landscape designer with no formal training or certified education.
The main difference between a landscape designer and landscape architect is the scope of work involved. Landscape designers work on smaller-scale residential projects that don’t involve large scale grading and drainage requirements. A landscape architect is responsible for the planning and design of outdoor spaces. They can be responsible for residential projects like backyard design, but are also trained to design public parks, streetscapes, resorts, campuses, golf courses, etc. Landscape architects are professionally bound to create safe public and private spaces.
Another essential difference between landscape architects and landscape designers is the responsibility for dealing with local topography (such as slopes and grades) and other complicated environmental issues. Landscape architects are trained to deal with these issues when planning walkways, driveways, retaining walls, waterfalls and ponds.
A landscape architect understands how a project gets built in addition to designing what gets built. If your backyard project needs grading, drainage, retaining walls and intricate hardscape, this may be beyond the expertise of a typical designer.
Luckily, Redbud Development has both a licensed landscape architect and a landscape designer with a degree on staff. Check out our staff bio section for more information.
Landscape design offers several benefits, including increased property value, improved aesthetics, enhanced functionality, and better outdoor living experiences. Additionally, it can help improve air quality, reduce soil erosion, and create habitats for wildlife.
When designing a landscape, several factors should be considered, including the site’s topography, climate, soil type, sun exposure, and water availability. Other factors that should be considered include the intended use of the space, your material preferences, the amount of maintenance involved, and your budget.
Sustainable landscape design refers to the practice of creating outdoor environments that are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible. This approach takes into account factors such as water conservation, soil health, and energy efficiency to create landscapes that are sustainable and resilient.
Sustainable landscape design involves using plants and materials that require minimal water, fertilizers, and pesticides. Native plants that are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions are often used because they require less maintenance and are better able to resist pests and disease. Additionally, features such as rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable paving can be incorporated into the design to manage stormwater runoff and reduce erosion.
Custom landscape design is achieved when your designer listens to you and creates an outdoor living space that represents your wants and needs. They consider your style and lifestyle and how you really intend to use the space. For example, will you be entertaining large groups of family and friends with young children? You might want a pool and some flat level ground for lawn games. Do you prefer small intimate gatherings for listening to music and wine tasting? You might want a stone patio with a gas firepit and a surround sound audio system. Do you like a more contemporary look or a more rustic appeal? Do you enjoy multiple colors and textures or do you prefer a more subdued monochromatic look? All of this and more goes in to creating a custom design.
Our collaborative design process begins with a site visit to your property. The landscape designer or landscape architect will listen to your wish list and assess the assets and liabilities of your property. The topics of discussion are then summarized for you into a list of programming elements that function as the outline for the initial design. The designers will create the initial design for your property as a 2D CAD drawing and, in some cases, as full color 3D renderings. The designers will also formulate a budget range for the initial design concepts that you discussed together. They will then meet with you to explain the design and budget and give you the opportunity to make changes, add new features or subtract sections of the design for aesthetic or budgetary reasons. This process will repeat until you are happy with the design and the budget range. We then compile an accurate estimate of the final design from all of the relevant subcontractors and present this to you as the construction proposal. The final step is to sign the construction contract which secures your place in our schedule.
The timeframe of the design process really depends upon several factors; the complexity of the site and the desired elements, the availability of the client to attend meetings, the number of design rounds it takes to finalize the design and the turnaround time for the accurate estimates. The typical design process should take about 6 to 8 weeks and then after signing the construction contract it might take another week or two to get the subcontractors on site. Keep in mind though, that this process can take much longer if the project needs permits or variances or is subject to requirements from other authorities such as the DEC or the APA.
Once the design details are finalized your designer will know what permits, variances or other regulations your project needs to follow. Your designer will handle all the paperwork for you relating to any applications that need to be filed with the local authorities. During the construction process your project manager will handle any follow-up on these applications as well as any site inspections needed by local building department inspectors, engineers or electricians. Basically, it means we handle all the details, organize the schedule of all the subcontractors and material deliveries, and try to complete the project on time and within budget.
The choice of natural stone or man-made pavers really comes down to style, durability and cost. Natural stone has a more limited color palette than the man-made alternatives. Pavers also offer more opportunities for creating patterns. Natural stone is definitely more durable but it tends to be a bit more expensive and time-consuming to install. Man made pavers will fade and chip over time but they tend to be less expensive and faster to install.
Outdoor lighting is the quintessential finishing touch for your landscape design. Landscape lighting enables you to highlight the architectural features of the house or create a new focal point in the landscape by uplighting a specimen tree. Another benefit is the safety and security you get by lighting pathways, doorways and driveways. In addition, landscape lighting also provides you a financial benefit as it is considered a capital improvement to your home.
POOLS
Building a pool offers several benefits, including improved physical fitness, relaxation, and entertainment. A pool can also increase the value of your property and create a luxurious atmosphere.
First, decide which material type of pool you are interested in: gunite, vinyl or fiberglass. There are several types of pools to choose from, including in-ground pools, above-ground pools, saltwater pools, and natural pools. Each type has its unique benefits and drawbacks, and the choice depends on factors such as budget, location, and personal preferences.
The requirements for permits and approvals vary depending on your local city or town regulations. In most cases, you will need to obtain a building permit, electrical permit, and plumbing permit. You may also need to get approval from a homeowner’s association or neighborhood council.
The time it takes to build a pool depends on several factors, including the type of pool, size, features and the schedule of the pool contractor. On average, an in-ground pool can take 4 to 8 weeks to complete. You must also factor in the other features involved in pool installations such as the pool patio, the electrical and plumbing hookups, the fencing and any other finishing touches like plant materials or outdoor lighting.
The choice between installing a pool or a hot tub comes down to several factors: budget, functionality and space. First question is how much money are you willing to spend? A pool is definitely a bigger financial investment than a hot tub. Pools need more accessory costs such as excavation, patio surround, fencing, electrical and potentially landscaping (lawn repair, plant material etc.) A hot tub can be installed with as little as a simple concrete slab with some electrical connections. A pool is larger so it takes up more square footage in your yard and is typically a gathering place for friends and family during the summer months (here in the Northeast). A hot tub is smaller so it is easier to locate on even a small property and is typically a more intimate space used by 2 to 6 people maximum. A hot tub can be used year-round though it is more suited for the colder months.
Regular maintenance is required to keep your pool clean, safe, and functional. This includes cleaning the pool, checking the chemical levels, and maintaining the pool equipment. You may also need to repair or replace parts of the pool as they wear out.
Most states and local governments require safety features such as fencing to a certain height, gates that automatically latch closed, pool covers, and alarms for pools. Check your local rules and regulations as these can vary from town to town. These features help prevent accidents and protect children and pets from drowning.
Yes, you can add features such as waterfalls, slides, and lighting to your pool after it is built. However, it may be more cost-effective to add these features during the initial pool construction process.
OUTDOOR KITCHEN
An outdoor kitchen can include appliances such as a grill, refrigerator, sink, ice maker, and warming drawer. Other features such as pizza ovens, smokers, and rotisseries can also be added depending on your needs and budget.
Materials commonly used for outdoor kitchens include natural stone, concrete, tile, stainless steel, and brick. These materials are durable and weather-resistant, making them suitable for outdoor use.
Regular maintenance of an outdoor kitchen involves cleaning the appliances and surfaces after each use, covering the kitchen when not in use, and inspecting and cleaning the grill and other appliances on a regular basis. It is also important to protect the kitchen from the elements such as wind, rain, and snow. Here in the northeast, you must also winterize your outdoor kitchen by blowing water from all the plumbing pipes, unplug the refrigerator and leave the door open. You should also consider covering the grill or other appliances when not in use.