FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Transparent, itemized estimates. We provide a line‑by‑line breakdown of labor, materials, subcontractor costs, permit fees, site prep (grading, demolition), drainage, irrigation, hardscape (pavers, retaining walls, fire pit, etc.), softscape (plants, mulch), and cleanup. We avoid “black box” pricing. Design + build model. Because we are a design‑build firm, part of your cost covers design, engineering, and permitting phases. Rather than separate your designer and builder, we factor in design fees (often ~15–25% of the project cost) up front. (In San Diego the norm is 15–35% of total install cost for landscape architecture/design.) HomeBlue ** Permits, city or county fees, and utility work are typically additional. For projects in Carlsbad, Encinitas, Oceanside, Chula Vista or County pockets like Ramona or Julian, each jurisdiction may impose development, grading, stormwater, or drainage fees. We include a contingency allowance for those in the estimate. Mobilization, hauling, and disposal. For demolition or removal of existing hardscape/soil, we include mobilization and hauling/disposal costs separately rather than hiding them in the “materials” bucket. Material markups and supplier discounts. We negotiate with vendors (stone yards, irrigation suppliers, plant nurseries) and pass along volume or seasonal discounts to you. Our internal markup is reasonable (for handling, logistics, warranty). Deposit installments. We typically require a modest deposit to reserve schedule (e.g. 10–20%) plus progress payments at predetermined milestones (e.g. after demolition & grading, after hardscape install, after planting/irrigation). Change orders handled carefully. If you request changes mid‑project (e.g. upgrade paver type, add lighting, enlarge patio), we issue an addendum/change order with cost delta clearly detailed. Discounts / incentives. • Bundling discount — when we do both hardscape + landscape + irrigation + lighting, we can offer a package discount of 3–8%. • Off‑season / shoulder season pricing — for projects scheduled in late fall, winter (when demand is lighter), we may offer modest reductions (2–5%) on labor. • Referral incentive — if a past client refers a neighbor or friend and that leads to a signed project, we offer a modest credit (e.g. small % or fixed amount) toward future maintenance or upgrades. Contingency buffer. We usually include a 5–10% contingency line for unforeseen conditions (rock, drainage surprises, soil amendments) so that you’re not blindsided mid‑job. Warranties. We include a workmanship warranty and we stand behind materials as permitted by manufacturer warranties.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Initial contact & intake. You call, email, or fill out a project intake form. We ask key questions (location, approximate square footage, ideas/inspiration, budget range, timeline). We might ask: “Is this in La Jolla, University City, Carmel Valley, Encinitas, Vista, Escondido, El Cajon, or unincorporated county?” This helps us know jurisdictional constraints. Site visit & discovery. We schedule a free (or low‑cost) on‑site visit (within San Diego city, Chula Vista, La Mesa, etc.). During the visit, we measure, assess slope, soil, drainage patterns, access, utilities, and take photos. We discuss initial ideas and constraints (e.g. city setback rules, stormwater runoff, slope stability). We also ask you deeper questions: how you plan to use the space (entertaining, kids, pets, fire‑pit, kitchen), your style preference (modern, Mediterranean, drought‑tolerant, tropical), and your must-haves vs wish-list. Concept design & schematic. We prepare 1–2 conceptual layouts (2D or simple 3D sketches) showing hardscape layout (patio, paths, retaining walls, steps) plus placement zones for plants, turf, lighting, irrigation. We refine with your feedback until one concept is preferred. Preliminary cost estimate (budgeting). We generate a preliminary budget estimate (with ranges) based on the chosen concept — broken into major line items (grading, drainage, irrigation, hardscape, landscaping, lighting, permits). You can see how changes in materials or scope shift cost. Design development & construction documents. Once concept is approved, we refine into working drawings: grading plans, site plan, irrigation and plumbing, structural details for retaining walls, lighting plans, plant list and specifications, cross‑sections, etc. We also prepare permit submittal packages as required by the local city or county (San Diego, Encinitas, San Marcos, Oceanside, etc.). Final estimate & contract signing. We issue a detailed, final proposal based on the construction documents. We review every line item with you. Once agreed, we sign a contract, collect initial deposit, schedule work. Procurement & site prep. We order materials, schedule equipment and crews, obtain necessary permits, locate utilities, and prep the site — demolition, grading, erosion control, rough plumbing, etc. Construction / installation. We execute in phases: base and drainage infrastructure first, then hardscape (walls, pavers, patios, steps), then irrigation, then planting, then final site cleanup and punch list. We coordinate deliveries and manage subcontractors (electrical, lighting, masonry) under our supervision. Client walkthrough & punch list. Once construction is done, we walk you through the project, check every detail, make adjustments, and ensure you are satisfied before final payment. Warranty period & follow-up. During the warranty period, we address any issues (settling, cracking, plant issues) and provide as‑needed guidance on maintenance. We also offer maintenance contracts (monthly or seasonal) to help preserve the integrity of your landscape and hardscape. This process helps ensure that clients in Scripps Ranch, Del Mar, La Mesa, Vista, Carlsbad, Ramona, etc., get clarity, control, and quality — minimizing surprises.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Here is how Lin Design & Build (as an example) might present its credentials: Formal education. Our lead designer holds a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture (BLA) from a recognized university (e.g. Cal Poly, UC Davis, or a California State University program). Additional coursework in civil engineering, soil science, irrigation design, drainage, and structural systems supports hardscape work. Certifications & continuing education. • Certified Irrigation Designer (CID) or Certified Landscape Technician (CLT) through CLCA / NCET (California landscape professional associations). • LEED Green Associate (or higher) for sustainable design. • OSHA 10 / 30 safety training for on‑site crew safety. • Masonry, concrete, and structural wall training (e.g. from trade associations). • Regular continuing education in drought-tolerant planting, stormwater BMPs, ADA access, permeable paving, and local San Diego water regulations. Licensing & registration. • California C‑27 Landscape Contractor license (if applicable) or General Building Contractor license (if doing structural hardscape). • Bonded and insured (liability insurance, worker’s compensation). • Local permits and trade licenses with cities like San Diego, Escondido, Oceanside, Encinitas, Carlsbad. Hands‑on apprenticeships and trade experience. Many of our crew leads came up through masonry, paving, irrigation and trained under master contractors and local artisans. This means our design team deeply understands what is buildable in San Diego’s soils, weather, and terrain. By combining formal landscape architecture knowledge with real-world construction experience and trade certifications, we bridge the design / build divide effectively.