Frequently Asked Questions, We're Here To Help
Video Transcript:
Hi, I'm Spencer.
A question we commonly get asked is, "I already have a landscape design. Can you guys just complete construction for me?"
And the short answer is Yes.
We think of design and construction as separate services. Therefore, if we've designed your garden, you're under no obligation to go with us to construct it. Alternatively, if you've already have a design, we're more than happy to just do the construction for you.
Video Transcript:
Hi, I'm Spencer.
A question we're always asked is, "How long does it take to complete a landscape design?"
We always endeavor to deliver our landscape designs as efficiently as possible. However, it is really important that we don't rush the process so that we get it right, as there is a number of important components which will build the foundations of your entire project.
From the point that we come out to site and take measurements for your design and do site analysis, we aim to have your landscape design completed within four to six weeks.
Video Transcript:
Hi, I'm Spencer.
A question we commonly get asked is, "How much does it cost for your landscape design?" Now, it's very much a, "How long is a piece of string?" type question, which is a little bit hard to answer. However, landscape design consists of a few steps, and it does have a lot of variables to consider when pricing comes into play, like the size of the property, for instance.
We do like to be transparent, so to provide you with a rough guide on our design packages, which include 3D renders and 3D fly-throughs, a general starting price for a residential-sized property is $6,000 plus GST. However, once we're able to visit with you onsite and see exactly what you want to achieve with your garden, we can then give you an exact figure for the design fee.
Video Transcript:
Hi, I'm Spencer.
A common question we get asked is, "What areas do you service?"
For our landscape design services, we cover Sydney, Melbourne, and regional Victoria, and for our construction services, we cover the eastern suburbs and bayside suburbs of Melbourne as well as the Mornington Peninsula.
From time to time, we may be able to extend our service area further, so please don't hesitate to ask whether we can service you.
Video Transcript:
Hi, I'm Spencer.
A question we commonly get asked is, "My Project Doesn't Need a Landscape Design, Can you Still Undertake the Construction?"
Now, unfortunately, we only undertake projects that have a landscape design.
We find that having a design in place reduces the chance of any miscommunication about what's being built, and we need something to give our team so they know exactly what they're building to the detail.
Video Transcript:
Hi, I'm Spencer.
A common question we are asked by potential clients is, "Do I need a building permit?"
Now, it's worth noting that building permits are all about showing how something will be built and showing that you are constructing it properly. It's not about obtaining permission from the council to build something. That's a planning permit.
Building permits are required for any element in the garden considered structural. Decks of any size always require a permit. Other el-elements requiring permits include pergolas over 10 square meters, retaining walls over one meter high, and front fences over 1.5 meters high. Permits are a complicated area, and there are many exceptions to the rules, so please only consider what I've said as a rough guide.
Video Transcript:
Hi, I'm Spencer.
A question often asked by our clients is, "What is your design process?"
Our design process consists of a few steps undertaken in the right order for the best design outcome.
Step 1. in our process is a Zoom call. One of our experienced team members will meet with you for a 10-minute Zoom call to discuss your landscape and the services we can provide.
Step 2. is an onsite consultation. Meeting face-to-face on site is the most effective way to understand your unique landscape challenges. By visiting the site, we can customize a solution especially for you.
Step 3. is a site visit. Upon accepting our fee proposal, we will arrange to visit the site for a second time to undertake site analysis, including photos, measurements, and topography of the site. This information is crucial in understanding the functionality of the site.
Step 4. is the final step, the landscape design presentation. We present the initial landscape design to you at our studio in Malvern. At this meeting, you'll have the opportunity to add extra input into the design and give feedback on the ideas presented.
Video Transcript:
Hi, I'm Spencer.
A common question our clients ask is, "What is your lead time for construction?" Or in other words, "When could you start construction?"
Now, this is a tricky question to answer, as it changes regularly based upon how busy we are. Winter, for instance, is generally not booked as far ahead as, say, summer. At Shape and Form, we generally run four projects concurrently, so our lead time generally isn't huge. Most of our projects require building permits, so usually we can start the project once those are obtained from council. They generally take about six to eight weeks to obtain.
We always recommend asking the question when you initially inquire, and then again once you've finalized your landscape design. At this point, we can provide you with a more precise lead time for construction.
Video Transcript:
Hi, I'm Spencer.
Some clients have asked us in the past, "What if I don't like your landscape design?"
Our design process has been refined over the years so that we interpret our client's needs without any ambiguity. Before we design anything, we have an on-site consultation meeting with you, which generally lasts 40 to 60 minutes. At this meeting, we gather as much information as we possibly can to obtain a thorough understanding of what you want to achieve in your garden space. We ask questions like what plants you like and what plants you don't like, which is sometimes more important. We wanna find out about your style, your preferences when it comes to finishes, and how you want the garden to make you feel.
Our job is to leave this meeting with a clear picture of what you want from your garden so that all we have to do is configure the best possible arrangement for the garden to be functional and aesthetically beautiful. We also include two rounds of complimentary changes to... in our design packages to allow for minor refinements of the landscape design.
Video Transcript:
Hi, I'm Spencer.
A commonly asked question from clients is, "Do you work to a budget when designing your garden?"
We've found there's two ways to approach a landscape design.
The first approach, and the preferred approach, is for us to come and see you on site and obtain an in-depth, thorough understanding of what you're trying to achieve with your space. Then we can design your dream garden, taking into account all that you want in the space. We can then quote construction once the design's done, see where the pricing lands, and work backwards with you, if needed, to reach a number that you're happy with. This approach doesn't leave you wondering, "What if?"
The second approach is to agree on a, on a number and to design accordingly, not exceeding your budget. Clients in the past have been left feeling underwhelmed or wondering what could be achieved for just a little bit more budget, and then we kind of end up bolting kind of extra things on, and it doesn't, the design doesn't sort of get thought about as a whole.