Outdoor improvements add so much enjoyment to your property, but we know they are a big undertaking and investment! AquaTerra has dedicated our services to mitigating the homeowner workload during the construction process and using our time and talents to manage your design all the way from the first vision you had to the first dinner party once construction is complete. There is a myth and temptation in the construction industry that using different contractors throughout your design and construction is a time and money saver. We believe that investing in our full house services is an investment that stands the test of time and returns itself tenfold. 

Working with multiple companies to design or install different amenities of your property can lead to a disjointed design aesthetic and worse, gaps or mistakes in the foundation and function of different elements in the space (think plumbing, electrical, irrigation, drainage etc). Our engagement with clients always begins with a holistic approach to design and planning. We take your vision and create a master plan, thoroughly thinking through details that make profound impact in the most subtle ways. Managing all aspects of the outdoor environment allow us to hand select the right type of contractors and subcontractors in which to engage. 

Once the design is generated, AquaTerra quickly generates a construction budget for installation. This budget can be quickly modified as the design is revised and finalized. Imagine coordinating pricing from every sub-contractor and trade any time there is a revision to the design. A client may have to contact several contractors for one small change in order to get pricing revisions. Let AquaTerra do that for you! At AquaTerra, we think through the entire construction process and consider all timing and possible phasing of infrastructure and amenities from start to finish.  

Design by Randy Angell, Build by AquaTerra

As we move into the planning phase, AquaTerra selects from a trusted vault of contractors specifically suited for your design. Our contractors have gone through our quality assurance process and understand our expectations of workmanship and attention to detail. We’ve built trust with a select group of craftsman to get better pricing, faster turnaround times and better outcomes for our clients. When we come to them with a new idea or challenge, they are excited to help us work through the details to create the designed vision. We work to create a master construction plan where each phase and detail is clearly laid out and communicated to each sub contractor.

And finally, as the project moves to construction the client has one point of contact for every aspect of project. AquaTerra manages the day to day schedule of work to ensure the process runs smoothly and the different trades are performing their work at the correct time. There are a lot of moving parts during installation and it is important that different contractors are not working in the same area or are in each other’s way.  D

Here at AquaTerra, we strive to be a single source solution for our clients outdoor needs. If you are ready to begin the journey for your project, please contact us and let us go to work for you!

Creating a dream backyard can be a big undertaking. We are often asked if we can complete our work in multiple phases over the course of a few seasons. More often than not, the answer is a resounding “Yes!” When building a multi-faceted project, there are several factors to consider and an “order of operations” in which it should be done to minimize disrupting previously completed areas and creating efficiencies with time and budget. Here are some stages for phasing a project that lay the foundation for everything that follows. 

Create a Master Plan: Whether the project is built all at one time or over a couple of seasons, it is essential to design the entire space up-front. We first walk our clients through a thorough design process that allows us to understand how they live, work and play outdoors. This creates a foundational roadmap for the overarching vision of the backyard. We take the end goal and break it into pieces, outlining how each connection will be made both above and below ground. For example, if the end-goal is to build an outdoor living structure with a kitchen and fireplace, but the budget only allows for a slab patio at present-time, we know we need to install the concrete foundations for those key future elements as well as sleeve for future gas and electrical locations. We also will be able to sleeve or stub-up for future irrigation and electrical work to be done in the landscape.

Install the Pool and Hardscape 

After creating the master plan, the next step is to create the anchor of the backyard so clients can utilize the space as soon as possible. Often times, this includes a pool. Think of this area as the bones of the backyard; everything starts with those connections and works outward. Installing the pool and hardscaping around it also create instant impact; suddenly, an area that was unusable has been transformed and contains as an area to relax with friends or play with kids. If pool and hardscape cannot be completed simultaneously, definitely install the pool first. There is a lot of infrastructure that goes along with a pool and it is best to get that in place prior to installing hardscape areas.

Landscape

The final piece of the puzzle is landscaping. Since plant material is more sensitive than concrete, it is always recommended to install last. If done prior to hardscaping or pool, there is a 100% chance the plants will be damaged and need to be replaced.  Begin first by installing the larger material like trees or screening shrubs to provide shade and a backdrop for the other material. Next are the shrubs and groundcover, with the lawn being installed last of all. This order is important because you want the least amount of foot-traffic so the yard can properly establish and root-in before the inaugural party to show-off the wonderful new back yard!

Here at AquaTerra, we want to make your dream become a reality. If you have a grand vision for your outdoor space, but aren’t sure where to start or how to accomplish it, give us a call! We will partner with you every step of the way. 

Houzz recently posted a great article on the 5 reasons to consider a landscape design build firm for your project.  We thought this article was full of great information and wanted to share it with our readers.   Check it out: