Custom Design + Build
​Outdoor Living Areas

Together, we'll create
beautiful art.

We are passionate about bringing the outdoors closer to home in a personal way. Let us help you expand the livable, and lovable, parts of your home into the outdoors. Whether you know exactly what you want for your space or are just beginning to dream about it's potential, our team of professionals can make it happen. Our designer will work one-on-one with you.

Explore the steps of our design process:

step 1: initial consultation

A brief conversation with a member of our design team can often answer many of your general questions and get the process started. This is usually a brief phone consultation, lasting only about 10-15 minutes.

During this conversation, our designer will gain an understanding of your project, along with your landscape dreams and goals. These calls are most effective if you can also e-mail us a few photos and rough dimensions of the existing site. We will also be able to give you a better idea of what the next steps are for your specific project.

By the end of the phone consultation, our designers can often provide some general pricing for your project. If you already have a design, landscaping plans, or know exactly what you want, our team will gladly create a free estimate for your project. For more involved design and construction projects, we will schedule your on-site appointment.

Step 2: On-Site Appointment

Working around your schedule and project deadlines, our consultant will schedule an on-site appointment with you to fully discuss your project. This is an in-depth, 1-2 hour appointment at your home that provides the designer with the information needed to create your design proposal.

There are some key objectives for this meeting:

Client Interview - This will allow us to clarify information that was provided during the phone consultation. We will discuss ideas and questions from our above questionnaire, as well as any other curiosities or concerns you may have about the project and design process.

Site Evaluation - We'll spend much of the appointment evaluating the site. This includes drawing out a base map of the project site, including all necessary dimensions and grades. Our designer will note existing soil conditions, vegetation, micro-climates, structures, power lines, and current landscaping problems, like drainage issues or repairs.They'll also take lots of site photos to capture the best "before" shot!

Initial Sketch - We'll often be able to work out a quick hand-drawn sketch or design concept during this meeting and leave a copy of it with you. At this rough stage, a sketch is intended to capture desired functionality and assist in providing a rough estimate. The more creative details begin to really come together in Step 3.

Estimate - By the end of the appointment, depending on the complexity of the project, we can usually provide an estimate or ballpark pricing for the design concept. All desired functionality and budgetary constraints are discussed, which allow for a realistic program to be established before proceeding with the design.

Step 3: Design Presentation

Following your on-site appointment, our design team will get to work, combining our expertise and industry training with your dreams and budget for your new outdoor living space.

Our enthusiasm for your idea, experience and attention to detail will all be presented in a fully customized design proposal. As soon as we are certain your needs are met, we'll schedule our next appointment!

During this appointment, your landscape consultant will meet you at our Design Center or your home to present our completed design for your project. We will go over the various material and design options for your project. You'll get to see and touch product samples, personally selected by your designer. These recommendations meet the requirements of the design, as well as complement your personal style, budget, and outdoor living vision.

Your designer will discuss the expected budget, schedule, and any special circumstances your project may have, during this meeting. It is most frequently during this step that our customers are faced with some difficult decisions about where to invest in their home. We do our best to make these hard choices easier, providing flexible budget options and project phase planning to fully realize your outdoor living environment, when it makes sense for you.

This is the time to provide your feedback and approval to move forward with the project. If you choose us as your landscape consultant, we are happy to work with you throughout this phase of the project to revise and adjust your design, allowing your creativity to drive every aspect and choice of materials.

Following this appointment and any changes to your project, we'll sign a contract and collect a deposit to reserve your spot on our construction calendar. We typically book projects 8-12 weeks in advance.

Step 4: Project Planning & construction

After your design and contract have been finalized, we will order your materials and provide an estimated start date for your project. While we strive to provide prompt service, weather and other factors can occasionally alter our schedule. We will promptly communicate any changes in our schedule.

A Production Manager will be assigned to your project, and will be your primary contact during the construction phase. A "Call Before You Dig" will be ordered for local utility lines and our job sign will be placed at the beginning of your driveway.

At this time, we'll also coordinate schedules with you and any additional contractors that may be needed to complete your project.

During construction, our crews usually arrive to the job site around 8:00 am. Things will get a little messy while we are working at your home. We use heavy equipment and make lots of dust and noise. How much of a mess largely depends on the soil conditions and recent weather. Rest assured, our crews are very concerned about keeping a safe, organized and as-clean-as- possible work site. You can expect our crew to leave the job site in good order at the end of each day.

Once the project is completed and you are satisfied with the final walk through, we will send your final invoice.

Now it's time to enjoy your new beautiful Dreamscape!

Design

Paying attention to detail is a vital part of both the design and implementation of any project. 

All work by Charlotte Dreamscapes  is overseen or personally performed by Todd. His intricate involvement in each project ensures that every client is satisfied with their completed work and that our team is providing the quality, artisan, craftsmanship to meet not only our own standards, but to also go above and beyond industry ICPI & NCMA standards.

Layout

We have been designing our cutting edge landscapes with a "less is more" approach for many years, encouraging a healthy and productive environment for you and your family to enjoy. This design concept allows for a wider array of plant species that will provide year round color and interest, while allowing the plants to grow and thrive in their natural state. We also offer custom ornamental maintenance programs based on your specific needs. We prune selectively and offer environmentally sound solutions to pests and diseases. In addition, we offer sensible drainage solutions for those problem areas.

Read for yourself what others have said about working with us for Design & Build projects!

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