Our Design Build Process
At Peak, our culture is one that is collaborative, professional and accountable; we want nothing more than to support your landscape ambitions with a project that is successful. We aim to eliminate the complexities and the frustrations in the design and construction of your landscape vision. With our Design-Build delivery method, you will be a part of a shared process that is engaging and provides expert knowledge and skill in the development of your landscape design.
Step #1: Project Consultation
What is your design-build process like?
After a pre-qualifying call, a design-build salesperson will schedule a free project consultation. During this meeting, we’ll discuss the project scope, your desired budget, and our schedule. If you are interested in moving the project into the design phase, we will provide a design estimate at the end of the meeting. The scope and scale of our projects vary, but generally, landscape design fees range from $500-$5,000. Projects that require architecture services, engineering, and town planning board approvals will incur additional costs.
How can I be sure that I will like the design?
Peak Environmental partners with the area’s best design professionals, allowing us to hire the designer who best fits your project and your budget.
Step #2: Design Kick-Off, Visioning & Budgeting
What will my design include?
Once the design contract is executed, the next step is a site survey. We will request a plot plan of your property and any other available supporting documents. During the survey, we will measure elevations, your home’s dimensions, and locate onsite utilities and other notable features in the project area. Next, we will hold a 2-D sketch plan meeting to align the project’s functional goals with the property’s scale and aesthetics. Once completed, we will present a scaled 2-D design with a cost estimate. Many of our clients prefer to utilize our 3-D rendering options in this phase, as 3-Dimensional designs are the fastest and most effective way to fully visualize your finished project.
How do I select my materials?
The design process can take 2-3 weeks or up to 2-3 months, depending on the scope, scale, revisions, and level of detail required. Design presentations and budget meetings are typically held in our Clifton Park office. During these meetings, our clients find our outdoor landscape display very helpful when making material selections.
Step #3: Pre-Construction
How can I be sure my project will begin on schedule?
Once the drawings are completed, materials have been selected, and we have agreed upon a price, you will need to provide a deposit for the work. The deposit amount, ranging from 10%-50%, depends on the project’s size and our planned start date. Generally, the larger the project, the smaller the deposit. When you engage Peak Environmental’s design-build services, we reserve a spot for you on the schedule as we work through the design phase, resulting in faster project delivery for our clients. Once your deposit is received, you will receive a welcome email with your estimated project start date. Please keep in mind that 99% of our work is outdoors, so our schedule can be affected by weather and other unforeseen circumstances.
Will you contact me before you show up to start work?
As we approach your start date, a representative will contact you to schedule a project kick-off meeting on your site. This meeting can include our production manager, project manager, and crew leaders. You are encouraged to attend this meeting and introduce your property to our staff. They will likely have questions about parking, access to a water supply, outdoor electrical outlets, and any underground utilities that have not been marked out by New York State Dig Safe.
Step #4: Build
What if I want to make a change during the construction process?
No problem, this happens, and we are happy to assist you. Just notify the crew leader onsite, and he will direct your request to the office.
How can I be sure that I will be satisfied with the results?
As the project nears completion, your project manager will schedule a walk-through to inspect the work. At this time, you can discuss care recommendations, product warranties, the functionality of the utilities, or anything else that you have questions or concerns about. Any concerns with scope or workmanship will be addressed before the project is deemed complete. Our warranties at Peak are solid and usually range from 1-3 years on workmanship, while our material warranties can often span from 3 years to lifetime.
Step #5: Service
Will you service my property when you are done?
Much of our design work will be centered around your desires for maintenance and service at the project’s completion. Early in the process, we will introduce you to our service department staff and discuss the implications of things like the size of your lawn, your plans for pesticide use, the quantity of plantings or natural areas, water use concerns, and whether you would like a robotic mower and weekly garden service. Our service team is focused on long term relationships and the long-term health and success of your property’s landscape.