Outdoor Lifestyles Mean Outdoor Living Areas

Outdoor living areas can be a simple patio to a full pledged outdoor room equipped with BBQ, refrigerator, TV, stereo and just about anything you can imagine, including the kitchen sink. It is becoming so popular that many landscapers are making sure it is something they can offer their clients. Landscaping has far surpassed the days of a concrete patio and some grass, that serves as your outdoor experience. Almost every one I see for estimates wants a larger patio at the least. Most enjoy entertaining, regularly cooking and serving late spring and summer meals outside.
The way I try to approach my estimates is to try to figure out what exactly do my clients want from their outside experience. Are they outside in their yard every opportunity they can make available? Do they entertain small or large groups once a month or more? Do they want to commune with nature or compete with the Joneses? All are legitimate goals and I feel must be addressed. My job is to make sure every client gets what they want and a little more. Of course, in the end a budget is a must. Why go through the expense of a design, if it can never be achieved because the design is over budget? It is very hard for contractors and designers to get out clients to offer up a realistic budget. It is however, a necessity. Many compromises can be made on the implementation of a landscape estimate if a budget is part of the discussion. Outdoor lifestyles call for outdoor living areas. Is the patio flagstone, pavers, or stamped concrete? Each one is different in price. Is the fire pit natural gas, propane, wood burning, cultured stone faced. or segmental wall units? the choice makes a big difference in cost.
Pick you landscape designer or contractor carefully and make sure they will work in your budget. Make sure they have references, and of course are licensed and bonded.
Woody’s Custom Landscaping, Inc. has served the Portland Vancouver Metro area for over twenty years of quality award winning certified service.