PRO TIP! – For easier communication with clients use 3D design software like Cedreo. It turns abstract ideas into tangible visuals. This promotes better feedback since clients can visualize the final result.
Symmetrical balance involves creating identical or mirrored elements on either side of a central point This results in a sense of formality and order. Asymmetrical balance, on the other hand, involves arranging diverse elements in a way that visual weight is evenly distributed without being identical. Both types can be used to create visually pleasing and balanced landscapes.
Focal points are essential elements that draw attention and create a sense of interest in a landscape. Whether it’s a striking sculpture, a water feature, or a well-designed seating area, focal points provide a visual anchor and guide the viewer’s gaze.
To create effective focal points, consider factors such as scale, contrast, and placement within the landscape. By emphasizing and highlighting these central elements, you can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the outdoor space.
Scale and proportion refer to the relationship between various elements within a landscape. It’s important to consider the size, height, and mass of plants, structures, and hardscape features in relation to the overall space. Ensuring that these elements are properly scaled and proportioned will create a pleasing visual balance. This helps prevent overcrowding or disproportionate arrangements that can detract from the overall design.
Colors can significantly impact the mood and visual appeal of a landscape. Warm colors such as red, orange, and yellow create a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. Cool colors like blue, green, and purple evoke a sense of calm and tranquility. So think about how to use color combinations, contrasts, and the strategic placement of plants and flowers to create visually dynamic landscapes.
Determining the appropriate pricing for your landscape design services is essential for the success of your business. Here are some key considerations and strategies to help you calculate project costs and set prices that align with the value you provide.
Calculate time and labor: Estimate the amount of time required for each task and the number of team members involved. Consider factors such as site conditions, complexity, and team experience.
Material and equipment costs: Research and estimate the costs of plants, materials, and equipment needed for the project. Consider factors such as quantity, quality, and any special requirements.
A question a lot of new landscape professionals ask is… should I charge by the hour or charge a fixed price (such as a fixed amount per type of project or per square foot)? Here are some of the pros and cons of each.
Landscape designers often face obstacles related to space limitations, climate and weather conditions, budget constraints, and managing client expectations. Here are some tips from the pros to help you overcome these common challenges:
Optimize planting choices: Select plants that are well-suited to small spaces, such as compact or dwarf varieties. Container gardening is also a smart choice since you can easily move and reconfigure plants as needed.
Strategic lighting: Use lighting to create the illusion of more space and draw attention to specific areas. Proper lighting can visually expand small outdoor areas and make them feel more inviting.
Shade and sun considerations: Take advantage of natural shade from trees and structures to create comfortable outdoor spaces. On the other hand, make sure plants that require plenty of sun won’t be shaded.
Prioritize essential elements: Identify the most critical aspects of the design that align with your client’s goals and budget. Then allocate more resources to these focal points while finding cost-saving alternatives for less important features.
Value engineering: Find creative solutions to achieve the desired outcome while reducing costs. This may include using less expensive materials that still provide a similar aesthetic or designing in phases to spread out expenses.
Communication and transparency: From the very beginning, establish open communication with clients regarding budget constraints. Be upfront about potential cost implications and offer alternative suggestions to meet their needs within their budget.
Long-term planning: Most don’t realize that over time, maintenance costs are often more than the initial cost of the project. So recommend durable materials and low-maintenance landscapes that will save clients money in the long term.
Establish a clear brief: Begin the design process by thoroughly understanding your client’s vision, preferences, and desired outcomes. Document these details to ensure you’re on the same page.
Free QuotePresent design concepts: Develop multiple design concepts that showcase your creative ideas. Present them to clients and encourage their feedback. Try to allow for a collaborative approach that merges your expertise with their preferences.
Educate clients: Guide clients through the design process. Don’t be afraid to explain the reasons behind your design suggestions. Educate them on any challenges and help them understand the limitations and possibilities.
Communication throughout the process: Maintain regular communication to update clients on the progress of the design and construction. Address any concerns promptly and provide clarity on timelines and expectations.
PRO TIP! – Instead of relying solely on verbal explanations and your client’s imagination, use 3D visuals to showcase your ideas. This is a huge help in avoiding miscommunications during the planning stage. The easiest way to get professional 3D images is with Cedreo’s landscape planner.
SketchUp is a highly versatile 3D modeling software used in various design industries, including landscape design. It is a powerful software that helps users create intricate 3D models and visualize their designs from different perspectives.
On your tax return, report this income under the retailing classification of the business & occupation tax (B&O). You must also charge your customer retail sales tax based on the sales tax rate for the job location. Remit the sales tax with your tax return.
Items you purchase that are directly resold to your customer (without intervening use) may be purchased without paying sales tax by using a reseller permit. Examples are mulch, fertilizer, potted plants, sod, paving stones, and so forth. Installing these items for a customer is not considered to be taxable (intervening) use by the landscaper.
On your tax return, report this income under the public road construction classification of the B&O tax. You do not collect retail sales tax on these services. You must pay sales or use tax on any materials you purchase that are installed on this job. (Examples: soil, seed, rocks, gravel, etc.)
On your tax return, report this income under the retailing B&O classification. You must also collect and remit retail sales tax. Materials you purchase that are installed on this job may be purchased without paying sales tax by using a reseller permit. (Examples: soil, seed, rocks, gravel, etc.)
A farmer is a person in the business of growing, raising, or producing any agricultural product to be sold, upon land he or she owns or has a present right of possession.
When you purchase items that will be applied on farms, such as fertilizers, spray materials, and baling wire, you must pay sales or use tax on those items. Exception: You are not required to pay sales tax or use tax on these materials if you bill the farmer separately for them. In this case, you can purchase these materials using a reseller permit.
The income from separately billed materials is generally subject to the retailing B&O tax classification. You must also charge your customer retail sales tax and remit the sales tax with your tax return. Exception: Sales to farmers of feed, seed, seedlings, fertilizer, spray materials, and agents for enhanced pollination are subject to the wholesaling B&O tax classification. Do not collect sales tax on these sales.
These services include clearing limbs and brush from power lines, telephone lines, etc. Report your income from this work under the service and other activities B&O classification. Do not collect sales tax on these services.
If you are hired by a general contractor who provides you with a reseller permit, report the income from that work under the wholesaling B&O classification. You do not collect retail sales tax from the general contractor.
Items you purchase that are installed on the job or directly resold to your customer (without intervening use) may be purchased without paying sales tax by using a reseller permit. Examples are mulch, fertilizer, potted plants, sod, paving stones, and so forth. Installing these items for a customer is not considered to be taxable (intervening) use by the landscaper.
Landscape design services (if those are the only services you are providing) are reported under the service and other activities B&O classification. Do not collect sales tax on the design services.