FAQ's

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FAQ's

General Questions

1. What is a design/build landscape company?

A design/build landscape company integrates both the design phase and construction phase of your landscape project into one seamless process. Instead of hiring a separate designer and contractor, our team handles everything from the initial design concept to the final build. This approach ensures your vision is fully realized while staying on budget and on schedule.

In the design phase, we work closely with you to create a custom landscape plan that reflects your style, meets your functional needs and is suitable for our climate. Once the design is finalized, our skilled construction crew brings it to life, ensuring quality craftsmanship and attention to detail at every stage.

By combining design and construction into one streamlined service, we eliminate miscommunication between designers and contractors, offering you a more efficient and cohesive experience. We also can value engineer your landscape, making sure it fits your needs and your budget.

2. What types of projects do you specialize in?

Click here for a list of services we provide.

3. What areas of San Diego do you serve?

We primarily serve North San Diego County, including coastal and inland communities north of the 56 freeway and south of the 76 freeway. However, we do make exceptions for certain projects so please don’t hesitate to give us a call if you live in other areas of San Diego.

4. Can you provide references or examples of past projects?

Yes, we are happy to provide references from satisfied clients. Please reach out to us and we will provide you with a customized list of references from past clients whose projects are similar in scope to the work you are looking to have completed. You can also see some of our past projects here.

Design Process

1. How does your design process work?

During our initial consultation, we will discuss your specific needs, vision, preferences and budget. This helps us gain a comprehensive understanding of your goals. Following this discussion, we will provide a rough draft to ensure we’re aligned with your expectations. In some cases, we may offer multiple concept options for you to choose from.

During the concept development phase, we offer 2 to 3 rounds of revisions to refine the design further. Once the concept is finalized, we will create the final design, also known as the construction drawings. These detailed documents include everything from plant names and material selections to elevations and other necessary callouts, ensuring a seamless transition into the installation phase.

2. How long does the design process take?

After the initial consultation, it typically takes 2 to 4 weeks to develop the concept, followed by an additional 1 to 2 weeks for revisions. The final design is then completed within 2 to 3 weeks. Please note: The overall timeline may vary depending on the size and complexity of the project.

3. Can I see examples of your previous design work?

Click here to see samples of our design work. Further samples may be provided upon request.

Consultations, Estimates and Pricing

1. Do you offer free consultations?

We offer complimentary phone consultations where you can provide us with pictures and basic measurements of the area you wish to landscape. This allows us to offer initial insights and guidance remotely.

For onsite consultations, we charge a fee ranging from $150 to $300, depending on the scope and location of the project. This fee will be credited toward your final design or landscape installation, making it a valuable step toward bringing your vision to life.

2. How do you price your design services?

The cost of our design services is determined by various factors, including the complexity of the project, its size and your specific requirements. While the average design fee typically ranges from $1,500 to $5,000, each project is unique and may vary accordingly.

3. Can you provide an estimate for my project? What is included in the estimate?

Our goal is to provide detailed and accurate estimates accounting for every aspect of the project. This ensures transparency so there are no last-minute surprise expenses during construction.

We provide detailed written estimates that are broken down into line items. Each line item has a description of the work and an associated cost. The estimate is all inclusive, including all materials and labor needed to complete the project. The cost of projects vary widely depending on the scope of the work.

These precise quotes require a thorough measurement of your property and do require a bit of time to put together to ensure accuracy. We typically provide estimates within a week or less of an onsite meeting and taking measurements.

We can offer a ballpark estimate during the initial consultation, after discussing your needs and the scope of the work. However, please note that this preliminary estimate is intended as a rough guide only and is not a binding figure.

Construction Process

1. Will I have a dedicated crew?

Unlike many landscaping companies that juggle multiple projects simultaneously with the same crew, we take pride in dedicating a full team to your project from start to finish. Once we begin your project, our crew will remain onsite until the work is fully complete, ensuring continuity, consistent attention and progress.

2. What is the estimated timeline for completion?

Once we know the scope of the work, we can provide you with an approximate project length, which varies depending on the size and complexity of the project. Upon acceptance of the contract and prior to the start of the project, we will provide you with a detailed construction and payment schedule for the duration of the project, which outlines the work to be completed each day, along with payments due. We request payments as the work is completed/materials are delivered, with no large upfront deposit. This is to ensure you are satisfied with the progression of work.

If any materials are special order with a long lead time, we order those prior to the start of work to avoid any delays.

3. What happens if there are changes to the project during construction?

Once we provide you with an estimate, our prices are firm and will not change unless you request modifications during the construction process. In many projects, changes occur when homeowners decide they want to adjust the original layout or extend features, such as increasing the size of a patio. In these cases, we issue a change order detailing the additional work and cost, and we always obtain your approval before proceeding.

Customizations and Special Features

1. Can you incorporate outdoor lighting, kitchens or other features into my landscape?

Our company specializes in creating exceptional outdoor living spaces. Any outdoor feature you dream up, we can create for you. Our services include the design and installation of innovative outdoor lighting solutions, including customizable color-changing lights. In addition, we design and build fully equipped outdoor kitchens, fireplaces and fire pits, cabanas and other unique outdoor structures. Our goal is to transform your outdoor area into a functional, stylish and inviting space where you can relax and entertain year-round.

2. Can you create low-maintenance landscapes?

Yes, we are experienced in creating low maintenance landscapes for homeowners who want a beautiful yard, but don’t care to spend a large amount of time on upkeep. We have a variety of low maintenance, low water usage plant varieties we recommend, along with surface covers that minimize maintenance. We also frequently install WiFi-capable irrigation controllers that can be controlled remotely from your smartphone or tablet.

3. What is your experience and expertise in hardscaping?

We have decades of experience in a variety of hardscape installations. The types of materials we frequently install include concrete, pavers, flagstone, veneer stone, decomposed granite, crushed rock, cobble, boulders and more. We install driveways, retaining walls, patios, outdoor kitchens and firepits, fences, overhead structures, dry creek beds and more. Our highly skilled team of artisans is trained in proper installation techniques while maintaining an artistic eye. You can find more information about the variety of hardscape we install here

Maintenance and Follow-Up

1. Do you offer ongoing maintenance services after the project is completed?

Currently, we do not offer ongoing maintenance services, but we plan to in the future. In the meantime, we can recommend trusted maintenance partners to assist you. Additionally, we can provide you with a customized maintenance program upon request.

2. What kind of warranties or guarantees do you offer?

Plant material is guaranteed for 90 days. Hardscape and irrigation are guaranteed for one year. We are always available to our clients after the conclusion of a project and aim to address any warranty work within a week of it being called to our attention.

Permits and Legal Considerations

1. Are you licensed, insured and bonded?

Yes, we are fully licensed, insured and bonded to perform work in the state of California. Visit the Contractors State License Board at to perform a license check and verify the status of our insurance and bond. Our C-27 contractor’s license number is 1106360. Our insurance certificate can be viewed . We are happy to provide you with a copy of our insurance certificate listing your residence as an additional insured prior to the start of work.

2. Do you handle the permits for my landscaping project?

Yes, if you need permits and would like us to handle the process, we can assist with that. The type of permit required and the city you live in will determine the specific steps and timeline involved. While the process varies from one location to another, we can manage the entire permit application process for you, for an additional fee.

3. Do you handle HOA approvals for landscaping projects?

Yes, many of our design/build projects take place within homeowners’ associations (HOAs). We have extensive experience working with HOAs, and fully understand their processes, guidelines and specific requirements. This expertise allows us to navigate the entire process smoothly, taking this particular stress off your plate.

Sustainability and Climate

1. Do you specialize in drought-tolerant and water-efficient landscapes?

We frequently incorporate drought-tolerant plants suited to our region into our landscapes. Additionally, we specialize in the installation of smart irrigation controllers, with a particular focus on Hunter Hydrawise technology, which optimizes water usage, accounts for current weather conditions and can be controlled remotely. We also prioritize the use of native plants, seamlessly blending them into our designs to support local ecosystems and enhance the natural beauty of our landscapes.

2. What materials do you use for eco-friendly landscaping?

We prioritize the use of permeable pavers, recycled materials and organic soils wherever possible to promote eco-friendly and sustainable practices. Additionally, we source the majority of our materials locally, reducing the need for long-distance transportation and minimizing our carbon footprint. Utilizing locally grown plant material also helps ensure the success of your landscape, as the plants are already acclimated to our weather. We also compost all our green waste.

3. Can you design landscapes that comply with California water restrictions?

Yes, we specialize in designing and creating landscapes that are visually pleasing and fully compliant with local water conservation regulations. For most of our irrigation designs in planter beds, we utilize Techline systems to conserve water and reduce runoff. For lawn irrigation, we prefer to use Hunter MP Rotator heads, which are known for their efficiency and water-saving capabilities.

To learn more about local water restrictions, . Please note local water guidelines may vary by county.

How to Get Started

1. How do I start a project with you?

You can reach us by phone at 760-805-7750, or by email at info@afueralandscapedesigns.com. You can also schedule your initial consultation by filling out our online form – simply click here. We look forward to helping you bring your outdoor vision to life!