Working with Ayegardening on your landscaping project
Each of our projects and clients are different. But the support that we give you throughout your project is a constant. In this post, we explain what it’s like to work with us at Ayegardening, and show you what goes on behind the scenes.
Maybe you already have an idea of what you want and are ready to have your vision brought to life. You may even have a ready-made plan from a garden designer. But even without a plan, we can help you.
Get in touch
The first step is to get in touch. Send us an email, or give us a call. We love talking about gardens, and you’ll be in very safe hands. If you have photographs and plans, we’d love to see them at this stage too.
We’ll then send an email with some preliminary questions for you to think through.
Site visit
We’ll then arrange to come and meet you and your garden, so we can get to know you a little better. There’s absolutely no need to tidy up, because we need to see the garden as it is, and how you use it. It’s all part of the process.
At the site visit, we’ll talk about your requirements – how you want to use your outdoor space, what you like (and don’t like!), timescales, and ideas. Then, within one to two weeks, we’ll get a quote to you. This will cover what we have spoken about so far, and give some ideas and pricing.
The planning stage
At this point, it starts to get more serious… and fun! We’ll be talking about the materials you want to use, and sending samples if you need them. We’ll begin to refine your choices until we have a firm idea of what your landscaping project will involve. And you’ll be getting a better idea of what it’s like to work with us.
Often our clients get nervous about this bit. With so many beautiful materials, designs and plants to choose from, it can all get a bit overwhelming. So let us remind you that we are here to help you, and we are flexible throughout the whole project. No client ever sticks 100% to the original plan, so please don‘t feel restricted by what we originally agreed. Of course, changes to the plan will probably result in changes to the cost and timescales, but we can work with you to decide what will (and won’t) work for you. We see the project very much as a team effort between Ayegardening and you, and we’re here to ensure that you get the garden that you want.
Working with a designer
Some of our clients come to us with plans from a garden designer. Or you can work with our team to put a plan together.
If you have worked with a garden designer, they may want to be involved all the way through the project, and become part of our project team. So check with your designer what they want their involvement to be, and be sure you know their terms and conditions.
Terms and payment
If you are happy to proceed, we send you our terms and conditions for digital signing and agree to a staged payment plan. We ask for the first instalment - a “mobilisation payment” – to hold a space in our diary for your project.
Our payment schedule requests regular payment throughout the project, and we’ll agree on those milestones with you. Throughout the project, we’ll keep in touch with revised estimates, so that you can manage your budget.
Pre-start check in
Before we start work, we’ll have a pre-start check-in with you. This will update you on the schedule, inform you of any deliveries to the site, agree access arrangements, and advise you on steps you need to take with neighbours. For example, we may need neighbours help with access or parking arrangements for our vehicles.
We’ll also advise you of:
- Access requirements
- Parking
- Drainage
- Utilities (power, water)
- Delivery
- Weather conditions
- What to do with your pets
- Safety
Site preparation
We know you’ve been excited about your new garden, and this is where it all starts. The first day is all about preparing the site. The Portaloo and machinery will arrive. Other deliveries will be scheduled, and you’ll get to meet the whole team for the first time as they make a start on clearing the plot.
During the project
We believe that the key to a successful project is communication. As work on your landscaping project progresses, you may have questions or want to make changes. The sooner you tell us, the quicker we can work with you to make any adjustments.
"The team at Ayegardening are always clear with the work specification, timely and a pleasure to have on site.'
Our team have worked on many projects together, in rain and shine, on gardens large and small. You can be sure that we put you and your household first so that you can go on with your day-to-day with as little disruption as possible. And you can always be certain that we’ll leave the site safe and tidy at the end of each day. Very soon, you’ll start to see your new garden take shape right before your eyes… and it will all be worth it.
Completion
Once the project is completed, we’ll get your sign-off. We’ll remove our equipment and machinery. We’ll hand over any warranties where applicable, as well as the maintenance information that you’ll need to keep your new installations in excellent condition.
Our project together may include planting or further work when the seasons change. In which case, we’ll see you again very soon. Otherwise, we’ll say goodbye and leave you in peace to enjoy your beautiful new garden.
