Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We are frequently asked questions about our garden design services in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire.
How quickly can you quote my design?
We can quote the design fees for your project remotely following 3 simple steps – an initial conversation about your project, completion of our Project Requirements Questionnaire and some photos of your existing garden. This can be done within a matter of a day or so depending on how quickly you can provide the required information.
Do you offer a design only service?
Yes of course, we are happy to provide a design only service. Some of our clients simply want to get the design done so they can plan their project for a future date or so they can approach the landscaping phase in their own way. We’re always here to help and advise you through the project regardless of when and/or who carries out the work.
Do you do just planting plans?
Absolutely, if you have an area of your garden that needs a planting spruce-up then we can help with that too.
Do you offer on-site consultations?
We do, our consultation service has 3 fixed price packages for you to choose from. Get in touch to find out more about them.
I’ve had a go at designing my garden myself, is this something you can work with?
Yes quite possibly. It’s great that you’ve brought your own creativity to the project and we’re certainly happy to explore how we could use all or parts of the design you’ve done. Depending on the size and complexity of the project, it may be worth developing the plan further, or, it could be suitable to implement straight away. Either way we’re happy to take a look and advise you accordingly, simply send us a copy and we’ll assess it for you for free!
Is there any obligation with your services?
None whatsoever. We’re happy to provide advice and guidance on your garden project whether you engage our design services or not.
What if I don’t like the design?
We offer a 100% delighted guarantee, meaning that we will refine the design as many times as is necessary at each stage of the project to ensure you are completely happy with the finished plans.
How much should I spend on my garden?
It can be hard to know what is sensible if you’ve not carried out a garden project before. Two simple ways to gauge it are:
- Allow 4-10% of your homes value
- Budget for £100 – £150 per square meter of garden
These are just rough guides, how much you spend will depend on what elements you’d like in your garden. Hard landscaping typically costs more than soft landscaping (though plants can be expensive!), luxury extras such as structures and water features will also bump the cost up. With our years of experience we can advise you on a sensible amount to spend on your project.
Will doing my garden add value to my home and, if so, how much?
This will depend on many variables though research suggests that a well-designed garden could add as much as 20% to the value of your home. While no one can say for sure, we are confident that you should (at the very least) get your money back while making your property significantly more appealing to buyers should you ever decide to sell.
How much does a garden design cost?
We offer a range of design packages to suit your project. Fees for an in-depth garden design service are calculated specifically to the parameters of each project, as a rough guide they typically start at around 8-10% of the project value. We also offer a consultation service for those looking for creative input but are not looking to embark on a full design process. Get in touch to find out more!
Do you need to have an initial visit?
We can do much of the early steps remotely before having to meet on site. With our detailed Project Requirements Questionnaire we can get a clear understanding of what it is you’d like to achieve in your garden. Combined with some photos of the space we can provide a proposal for our services before having to arrange any in-person meetings.
Is there an initial commitment?
There is no initial commitment. Your only commitment happens when you accept our design proposal and pay the initial deposit. That means you only commit when you know what the costs will be and you’re happy to proceed with our services.
Do you work with architects for advanced planning of an outside space?
Absolutely, many of our projects arise as a result of an extension, renovated property of a new build. As a result, we have a lot of experience in collaborating with architects and working from CAD drawings to ensure the outside space compliments the new (or proposed) part of the building. Indeed, some of our designs are approved even before the building has been constructed; such is the advantage of 3D computer modelling software and virtual reality walk-rounds!
What areas do you cover?
We can design gardens almost anywhere. Currently our projects stretch as far north as Nottingham and as far south as Devon, covering all areas in between.
How long does the design process take?
We will get the initial ideas together for your garden within 10 working days of the survey being drawn up. From there we can present the ideas and refine them inline with the feedback you provide. Depending on the size of your project and the design package you opt for, smaller projects can take around 4-6 weeks to complete, large projects may take significantly longer.
I don’t have a clue about what type of garden I want, does that matter?
Not at all. You may have no idea what you want so it’s our job to work with you to define the vision for the space that’s right for you. We do this through the use of our Project Requirements Questionnaire. This questionnaire coves almost every aspect of a garden project and in itself helps to clarify a picture of what you’d like to achieve.
How do I know whether or not I need a design?
We can establish whether or not you need a design very early on in the process. Not every project requires a design, some may require a more streamlined consultation option. It’s important you get the level of service that’s right for you so we can advise you on the best course of action based on the input you provide.
Do you build the gardens as well?
As we specialise in design, we don’t directly carry out the build phase ourselves, however, we work with a selection of carefully vetted contractors to ensure a smooth transition from the design to build phase. We can monitor the project for you and are always here for advice and guidance throughout the project to completion. Most people like the freedom to choose who they use to build their garden so an independent design service like ours is ideal, indeed many of our clients find it actually saves them a considerable amount of money being able to appoint a contractor of their choosing. Of course, we can advise and guide you in this process to make it as smooth and as easy as possible.
Do you offer a maintenance service?
While we don’t carry out maintenance directly ourselves, we have a wide selection of contact who can provide the service you need. We’d be happy to put you in touch with someone who can help so just give us a call.
I can’t find an answer to the question I have here.
No problem, if you have any other questions you’d like us to answer please get in touch either via email: studio@gardensforgood.co.uk or call us on: 01865 818 988
