When you’re considering a new patio for your New Jersey home, you definitely want to work with a professional landscape designer that knows exactly how to handle every aspect of working in New Jersey. This means seeking out a local expert to take care of the job.
But how do you know when you’ve found the right landscape architect? Not all projects are created equal, and it’s crucial to make sure that you’re comfortable with your contractors before you sign on to a large project. After all, the results can make or break your home’s resale value and transform your quality of life. Take the time to do the right legwork upfront, and you’ll end up with results that will last for years.
1. Search Locally
When you live in New Jersey, you need an outdoor patio designer from New Jersey. That may sound basic, but many people forget as they search online that narrowing the field to contractors in your area will save you time and guarantee that your landscape architect really understands your property.
To get started on your search, here are some tried-and-true ways to find good landscapers in Central New Jersey:
- Google Wisely: Always include your location in your search to narrow the results.
- Ask Friends and Neighbors: If you love your neighbor’s patio, don’t be shy about asking for their landscape designer’s name and number.
- Check Online Reviews: Once you have several names to research, always check online testimonials and reviews to make sure the designer is reliable and easy to work with.
- Ask for References: Always ask a contractor for specific references from past clients and follow through on calling them up. Ask about their overall experience, including how well the project is holding up.
Why is local knowledge so important? Patio surfaces are highly susceptible to the climate, and you want someone who understands what materials to use in New Jersey’s wintertime freeze and thaw cycles. Likewise, an outdoor patio designer in NJ who is familiar with the drainage properties or rockiness of your subsoil is more likely to make an accurate price estimate for your overall patio project.
2. Peruse Portfolios
You’ll also want to explore lots of photographs of any potential landscape designer’s past work. You should be able to find photos on their website, but you should also specifically ask to see more projects — good designers will have a portfolio of before-and-after photos for you to explore. You can also ask to see pictures when you check references—the homeowner providing the reference will likely be able to email you a quick snapshot to illuminate your conversation.
As you look at the photos, try to get a sense of the styles. Does the landscape architect have a “go-to” look, or does their work reflect a variety of materials and designs? Do you like what you see? If the portfolio is full of ornate Tuscan stonework when you prefer clean, modern lines, you might want to keep looking. You should be able to easily communicate your tastes with each other, but a fundamental mismatch in style is a red flag.
3. Ask About Materials
Material selection is important in areas with harsh winters because you want your patio to last for decades of snow, rain, ice and heat. Before you choose an outdoor patio designer in NJ, it’s a good idea to talk about the materials your contractor recommends for your project. In general, paver stone and natural stone patios last the longest and provide the most reliable, high-end looks. Bluestone and Travertine are particularly good choices for this area, but if you have a specific look in mind, ask to see how your designer would make it happen.
Most landscape architects have a selection of materials they’re most comfortable with, and using these stones will make installation as smooth as possible. These are also likely to be the materials that have passed the reliability test for the NJ climate, or else your contractor wouldn’t recommend them. As you consider materials, make sure to ask about warranties and recommended color choices. Different materials can heat up in the sun, so listen to your designer’s advice to help you make the best possible decision.
4. Insist on a Site Visit
Any landscape architect worth their salt will come to your property in person to take measurements and understand your microclimate and particular needs. Never skip this step! As you walk the property with the designer, you’ll get to explain what you’re looking for, and the designer is likely to share plenty of ideas you haven’t thought of. Designing the perfect patio is a collaborative process, and you should always feel that your voice is being heard as you discuss ideas with your landscape architect.
5. Choose a Full-Service Contractor
Finally, it’s a good idea to make sure that your landscape designer has the capability to envision and build all parts of your project. Laying a flat stone patio is one thing, but additions like retaining walls, built-in seating, a fire pit and even an outdoor kitchen will enhance your design and turn your property into a luxurious living space. When you choose a full-service landscape design company, you can be sure that your project is in good hands from start to finish, without worrying about subcontractors or cobbling together separate crews to complete the work in pieces.
Keep these points in mind as you search for outdoor patio designers in NJ, and you’re certain to get the results you want for your new patio.
