If a contractor misses appointments or has no referrals, consider this a red flag. Making it work Open communication goes a long way. In the design stages, listen to your professional s opinions. Though it s fine to sketch out some of your own ideas, don t be discouraged if the design goes in a different direction, says Mike Callan, an Alameda landscape architect who works on the Peninsula. It s more important to communicate your needs and your tastes clearly, and rely on the professional to design a plan that works.
Communication is key in implementation, too.
If possible, meet with your contractor, designer or architect, and any subcontractors to see that everyone is in synch. Hire a designer to consult for a few hours rather than contract for complete design plans, suggests Cynthia Hayes of Mosaic Landscape Design Group in San Jose. She frequently works on an hourly basis to assess problems and explore ideas that clients can implement themselves. Limit the use of high-end materials such as stone to areas where you ll see and enjoy them the most, and use more economical materials elsewhere. And make sure you understand and agree to the final design.