Homeowners can increase the value of their home by 5% to 12% with a single landscaping project like installing outdoor lighting, sprucing up a front walkway, or planting trees. Larger, more comprehensive landscaping projects can give your property value an even bigger boost.
But not all outdoor makeovers are created equal. A great design is essential if you want to maximize your return on investment. Whether you’re looking to improve your home’s curb appeal, start your own edible garden, or simply make your outdoor spaces more inviting, hiring a landscape designer is the best way to ensure you create a functional and visually appealing landscape!
In this article, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of hiring a landscape designer in Portland. We’re bringing you tips and tricks on how to find the right designer, collaborate on the design, and ensure a successful project.
Understanding Your Landscaping Needs
Each property and homeowner is unique. Therefore, your landscape design should be highly personalized in order to meet your family’s individual needs and preferences. Assessing your current outdoor space and your own goals is the first step of any project.
For example, if you want to expand the livable space on your property, a patio with a seating area and/or an outdoor kitchen can provide a homey environment to spend time with loved ones. Or, if you love the idea of a beautiful mature garden but you don’t want to deal with the hassle of maintaining it, incorporating some low-maintenance plants along with a sustainable irrigation system can help you reach your goals.
It’s also important to assess the condition of your yard. This includes soil type, climate, size, and terrain. A local company like Blessing Landscapes will understand the unique environmental needs of Portland landscapes. We’ll help you evaluate your space before we plan and execute a practical design/build process for your Portland home.
Researching Landscape Designers in Portland
Recommendations and Online Research
Finding landscape designers in Portland isn’t difficult, but finding the right designer for your project isn’t always quite so easy. It’s essential to find a designer who:
- Listens to your ideas and concerns
- Understands how to conduct a thorough site analysis
- Is trustworthy and transparent
- Communicates with you effectively
- Cares about your vision, budget, and scheduling constraints
- Sticks around to ensure your project is completed successfully
In general, it’s best to start your search by browsing designers’ websites for portfolio showcases and information about their landscape design services, as well as any other services they offer. It’s also always a good idea to read reviews and testimonials so you can get a sense for their process.
Checking Qualifications and Credentials
Great landscape designers in Portland and beyond should have a proven track record of successful projects and high-quality customer service. There are some essential qualifications and credentials to look for in a landscaping company.
At Blessing Landscapes, we’re Backyard Habitat certified designers and have won awards from Angi and Houzz for several years running. Our landscape designers aren’t just landscapers who also draw up designs for projects. The incredible designers and sales associates on our team have extensive training, degrees, and certifications in landscape design and horticulture. Our design team focuses exclusively on the design process while our expert craftsmen handle installing their designs.
Portfolio Review
When it comes to choosing the right company to work with, it’s essential that you consider whether they have experience with the type and style of landscape you’re hoping to create.
Most professional landscape designers in Portland will have an online portfolio available for you to browse their work. When researching potential landscaping companies, look through their portfolios to see if their designs are consistent with the overall vision you have for your yard.
Choosing a Landscape Designer
Initial Consultation and Planning
Every landscaping company will have their own approach. At Blessing Landscapes, our design and installation process begins with scheduling an initial, on-site consultation. We’ll visit your property to get a close look at your current yard and discuss your design goals and preferences with you.
Throughout the design process, you’ll work with one of our dedicated, in-house designers to plan and finalize each element and detail of your project. During your initial design consultation, your designer will perform a site analysis and interview you to ensure your project design includes all the elements you want to achieve. We’ll cover specific, customized solutions to suit your personal taste, property, and budget.
Collaboration and Design Process
Material Selection and Local Sourcing
A good landscape designer doesn’t just draw up a design and then leave you to handle the rest. They’re actively involved in selecting appropriate materials, plants, and other important elements for your project. At Blessing Landscapes, our award-winning designers work closely with you and provide guidance on sustainable, locally sourced materials and native plants that align with Portland’s environmental values and your budget, goals, and needs.
Installation and Construction
Communication between all parties involved in a landscape project is absolutely essential. Unfortunately, hiring a landscape designer and contractors separately puts pressure on you to coordinate between the two and navigate any communication issues. By working with a design/build Portland landscaping company like Blessing Landscapes, you can rest assured effective communication is built into the process. Our designers oversee installation and construction to make sure it all runs smoothly.
Project Completion and Maintenance Tips
Once your project is complete, the last step is to attend a final walk-through, get any final questions answered, and discuss ongoing maintenance. Not all Portland landscape designers and contractors offer ongoing services, but we do at Blessing Landscapes! We offer post-installation landscape maintenance services. We also have a dedicated warranty department to ensure any issues that occur after installation will be handled quickly and with care.
Award-Winning Landscape Designers Portland Homeowners Can Trust
A successful landscaping project can boost your home’s aesthetic appeal, functionality, and resale value. Working with a professional landscape designer on your outdoor project is the best way to maximize these benefits. Choosing a designer who is qualified and dedicated to open communication and collaboration will ensure you get beautiful results through a convenient, smooth process.
Take the first step toward the landscape you’ve always wanted by partnering with Portland’s most reliable, results-driven, and service-focused landscaping company. You can count on our talented and highly trained experts at Blessing Landscapes.
Contact us to tell us about your project and get started today!