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Follow these 8 easy steps as a guide and your project
will go off without a hitch!
Grab a pen and pad of paper so you
can take a few notes and write your thoughts down while we guide you
through capturing the vision of your new, low maintenance dream
lawn, landscape or putting green.
1.What does the
area look like to you when it's finished?
To help you visualize, you might get
a hold of garden and landscape magazines and flip through them. Go
to home shows to see the exhibits, visit garden and landscape
websites and watch programs on TV to help stimulate ideas! Even
driving around the local area to see what you are drawn to in other
landscape designs can help you build a pallet of ideas upon which to
draw up your wish list for your new project.
Thinking things through before you
call for an estimate will help you describe to your designer or
contractor exactly what you want in the area and, most importantly,
it will help them to visualize appropriate solutions to fit your
wants and the site's needs - they are, after all, there to help put
their expertise and know how to work for YOU to help build YOUR
dream project.
*To locate a
professional designer in your area contact Salvo Floors on 02 6962
3978.
Important items to consider that can
affect artificial grass cost of installation:
Access to the job site - stairs,
slopes and other obstructions create delays and increase labour
charges
The site's preparation needs will
determine almost 30% of the cost of your job. Demolition,
excavation, grading and additional structures should be considered
in your budget
What are the high traffic patterns
of the area - will you need to add walkways, a sitting wall, or
maybe a new deck or stone patio?
Do you see any landscape elements
you wish to change such as the location or size of lawn or garden
areas or perhaps the addition or removal of irrigation systems,
drainage, planters, gas or propane BBQ/Grills, fireplaces, lighting
or water features?
2. Look at every aspect of the
job site - are there any items you should add to your list that need
to be repaired, replaced or could use some renovation? Again,
write these items down on your wish list to discuss with your
designer or contractor ...
Does your area drain well - could it
use improvement?
Artificial grass installers normally
provide full services including excavation, drainage, and the
installation and modification of your landscape needs
Renovations can pose some
interesting challenges - keep them in mind! Demolition and removal
costs can add dollars in time, labour, hauling, container and dump
fees.
To reduce your out-of-pocket
expenses, you might invest a bit of sweat-equity in the project.
Find out what you can do to help prepare the site for the
contractor; it might be as simple as removing an existing lawn area.
3. Learn more
about artificial grass materials, how they are made, their uses,
typical installation guidelines and any local design or building
codes that would require specific action on your part.
As an example, some home owner and
merchant (retail and office building) associations require that you
submit plans for new projects and gain approval prior to
construction.
For starters, check with your local water
provider and see if they offer rebates to property owners that
opt-in to replace irrigated areas for drought resistant plants and
artificial lawn materials for natural grass. You can locate that
information online.
No state or county in the US limits
the use of artificial grass for landscape or sports use - if you
have restrictions, they will be from local organizations that
mandate design guidelines for your property. Check with your home
owners' or merchants' association to see if they have published
guidelines for you to follow and can provide you access to online or
printed materials; some cities have "design guidelines" you must
follow, especially in historic and merchant districts.
Many may request to see samples of
job materials and a detailed plans from your contractor or designer.
Make sure you ask for samples and budget time in your schedules if
you need to respond to such requests.
4. Get familiar with standard
installation guidelines for artificial grass and synthetic turf
materials manufactured and used for lawns, landscape and putting
greens for your area, so you can make an educated decision of which
solution and provider to pick. You can download a complimentary copy
of the ASGi Standard Installation Guidelines related to this article
via an online search.
Artificial grass materials are
typically sold and marketed by professional installers (contractors)
as "systems" of various components and materials integrated together
to provide the final look, form and function needed to achieve your
project's goals. Much like a deck, patio or even a pool is
engineered and specified using several different types of processes,
job materials and 3rd party equipment, an artificial grass
installation is more than just the beautiful green blades you see on
top after the job is completed.
A professional installer or designer
will always consider your local site and soil conditions,
environment and weather (rain or snow fall) and use of the area
before determining the final specification for your custom project.
Without a physical site inspection and an eye on the vision of what
you're trying to achieve, it would be next to impossible for a
professional to provide you a "ball-park" quote, over the phone.
You can easily research the uses and
download a copy of standard industry construction guidelines for
artificial grass at ASGi - the Association of Synthetic Grass
Installers website (USA).
5. Shop for a
designer or contractor that is familiar with the installation of
synthetic grass and artificial turf. Invite a professionals to your
site so that you will have contrast and comparison information to
use to complete your decision
Many states require builders to maintain
active licenses to legally contract to install artificial grass
products for lawns, landscape and putting greens. You can check with
your local builders exchange or license bureau for more specific
information for your area or call 02 6962 3978 for assistance.
6. Ask to see your
prospective contractor's local work. As with any construction
project - there is as much of an art in the workmanship as the
craftsmanship of any job.
Ask for contact information on
references. Take the time to personally check their references and
their workmanship, up close and in person. Arrange for an on site
visit is available..
7. Before you move forward with
any contractor, get your agreement in writing, signed and dated by
both parties.
Though a handshake is often
considered a legal binding agreement, it's terribly hard to
remember, in the heat of a dispute, who said what to whom and
literally impossible to prove. Written, executed contracts and
change orders, clearly describing the work, labour, materials and
services to be provided are your right, under law - don't give that
right away. They also serve as a great reminder of what was intended
and your proof in the event there is a dispute that requires
arbitration ...
Many states require the licensed
contractor to carry insurance for general liability (in the event of
an accident made to property or goods while on your job site),
workman's compensation coverage (for any personal injury that could
occur while working on your project) and hold a bond (in the event
the contractor defaults and doesn't not complete the job).
8. Set a budget -
professionally installed projects will cost from 40 to 60% more than
"do-it-yourself" projects for valid reasons.
The professionals not only bring the
experience and expertise, they bring the right staff, power
equipment, tools and materials to get the job done right the first
time.
Don't compromise your project's
success, shop for the right construction partner for you and strike
a fair bargain based upon your budget and what feels comfortable for
you to invest in your dream project. A seasoned artificial turf
installer will bring the right tools and materials and the expertise
and experience to properly and professionally install your project
for your enjoyment.
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