1 Initial discussion - When you contact us we will initially clarify items such as the plot size, location, budget and an overview of your ideas and preferences. We will then arrange a convenient date and time to meet.
2 Initial Meeting - At our first meeting we will discuss your needs and thoughts and the unique features of the garden, the style and period of your property and the surrounding environment. We discuss what your garden will be used for and by whom. During this meeting we will also show you examples of previous projects and explain in more detail the design process.
We will also discuss your budget. A new garden is an investment and therefore you should carefully consider your budget. We can agree a maximum budget in advance or the budget will be determined by the final design. However, at this stage we will need to confirm a budget your are happy to proceed with, as this will affect the overall design process. When considering your budget you should also allow for a 10% contingency. As you know building work often reveals unseen maintenance areas.
The next stage - Following this meeting, we will prepare a detailed breakdown of costs for the design of your garden, in writing. On confirmation of your acceptance in writing, we will proceed to the next stage.
3 Site survey - Before commencing the design, a detailed survey is prepared, to summarise keys areas such as, soil type, ground levels, the position of the property, boundaries, trees, utilities and other existing elements. Also, during this visit extensive photographs will be taken that will be used as part of the design process.
4 Initial concept design - At this meeting we will present 2 or 3 options for the design in sketch form and provide an overview of the suggested planting schemes. The concept of each design will be explained in detail and discussed with you to determine any concerns, modifications or specific preferences.At this stage we will also finalise the materials to be used. The outcome of this meeting and our discussions will form the basis on which to proceed to the final detailed design.
5 Detailed design - Following your approval of the selected concept design, with your personal changes as requested, the design of your garden is worked up into a highly detailed and accurately scaled drawing. This drawing will then be presented with complimentary mood boards for your final approval. Once you have approved the final concept, we will invoice you for the design process.
6 Construction drawings - Detailed construction drawings and elevations are prepared for all of the hard landscape elements within your design, i.e., steps, walls, pergolas, decking and ponds, etc.
7 Building and planting your garden - There are a number of options available for the actual building of your garden. David Cheetham Gardens has a skilled landscaping team that can build your garden and also uses a range of specialist subcontractors for specific elements of the build. Our team is a member of the Trading Standards Good Practice Scheme and all work is covered by public and personal liability insurance.
We can recommend a selection of landscaping companies who are registered members of the British Association of Landscape Industries or alternatively you may have your preferred builder. We will provide detailed, design and construction drawings together with written specifications for submission of like for like itemised quotations.
Should you wish to use a landscaping company or your own preferred builder, we can offer a project management service to manage the day to day scheduling and monitoring of work and also the completion of the final stages of your gardening i.e. planting.
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