Fees
Implementing a full garden redesign is a significant but worthwhile investment in your property – much of the work involved in constructing the garden will be comparable in terms of labour, materials and cost to building an extension. A budget of between 4% and 10% of the value of the property will typically yield a return of 10%-20% in improved property values. However, gardens can be transformed into exciting and functional spaces for much smaller sums, and one of the jobs of the designer is to maximise the effect of the available budget.
Professional design fees are calculated using the Society of Garden Designers sliding scale and are divided between stages B, C and D as shown.
The design process is broken down as follows, with each stage invoiced where appropriate:
Stage A
Consultation - a meeting to view and discuss my portfolio is free for those living within 30 miles of Oxford - no design advice can be offered at this stage, but as a potential client you get to meet me and decide whether I am the right designer for your proposed project.
If you live further afield or would like to get some firmer ideas for the possibilities offered by your plot, an initial consultation visit identifies your needs, the potential of the site and any obvious limitations. The client brief, including the budget, is discussed, to which the design will be geared. Photographs are taken and a rough sketch of the site made. The feasibility of various design options are then assessed and a very rough outline of the most appropriate ground plan and concept is presented at a follow-up meeting. This forms the basis of the fully detailed design, which is initiated at this point if the client wishes to proceed. A charge of £125 (plus travel costs on distances over 30 miles from Oxford) is made for this service, but this is deducted from the first stage of a full design (see below) if you decide to go ahead with the project.
Stage B
Full design proposal involves the development of the concept and preparation and presentation of the final design through sketch plan, perspective drawings, computer modelling and moodboard.
(Invoice for 30% of total fee less £125 if the consultation fee has been paid)
Other costs incurred at this stage include site survey and possible services of a quantity surveyor.
Stage C
Detailed design includes: setting out plans, construction detailing, other documentation required by contractors to prepare competitive tenders, and detailed information on materials. A full specification of materials and construction methods appropriate to the project is drawn up.
(Invoice for 40% of total fee)
Other possible costs incurred at this stage include fees payable on submission for necessary statutory approvals.
Stage D
Planting plan includes: Planting overview, individual bed plans where necessary, plant schedule with quantities and sizes specified.
(Invoice for 30% of total fee)
Stage E - Optional
Tendering and contract administration - the tendering process is agreed, contractors invited to tender and a tender report to client prepared. The project is administered on behalf of the client to practical completion.
(Invoice equivalent to 15% of total original fee)
Other services are charged at an hourly rate of £60.
Travel costs are calculated at 20p/mile or second class rail fare.
Services:
Garden Design
Planting redesign
Photography
For Architects and Developers
