Okay Steph (can I call you Steph?) I'm a little short on breath as that question just made my third and fourth ribs spasm!

First, let's analyze the word "FREE":

• Costing nothing or gratuitous
• Not subject to a given condition
• Not controlled by obligation or the will of another

Now that we are clear about the definition, tell me, would you pay anybody to build your home without first seeing a blueprint? Certainly not, and you should apply the same rules when working on a project outside your home as well.

Over the years I have had many clients call me after they have spent $1,500, $5,000 or even $150,000, and been taken advantage of because they did not define their expectations for the project.

I could write a book with the hundreds of horror stories I have seen of clients that had work done without a plan. When the free ideas were verbally described to them they had one expectation, and when it was finally constructed it was nothing like what was originally discussed. You should never give someone your money without defining the conditions of your contract "as per design".

A plan clearly defines the expectations for both parties, and outlines the conditions and guidelines of the project before a shovel is dug in the ground. It complements the written contract so you can visualize the outcome before work commences.

I have even heard a few stories of clients that had a FREE design presented to them and at the bottom it said "for visual aid only", or "not to scale". Designs like these do not allow you to calculate the quantities of what you are paying for against the per-square-foot cost. When you hire a certified landscape designer you hire someone who is responsible and educated to give you expert advice. A certified designer should have Errors and Omissions insurance, they should be carrying the designation of a CLD and should be a registered member of Landscape Ontario. Check out their website at Landscape Ontario.

When you pay for a design, you know that a plan was custom designed for your purpose. A detailed design gives you a clear indication of what to expect from the construction, ensures the contractor will fulfill their obligation on the contract "as per design", and it will give you upfront budgets and allow you to make calculated changes to the project even before work commences. Designs ensure your contractor does not have the free will to do their version of what they said, take your money, and then argue the indifference afterwards. I hope that clarifies the importance of investing in a proper design.

Sorry for the longwinded version Steph, but it was an awesome question and as an opening question on this forum, it brought out 20 years of frustration that all needed to be communicated.

Take Care

- Dave

Rain gardens are a good solution to a site where a grade may not or should not be changed as it could adversely affect neighbouring drainage. I some cases we have recommended companies that can bring in clean fill from excavations local to your area. These companies will bring in clean fill so as they do not have to pay dumping fees. For a reasonable cost you can call a Landscape Ontario member to grade the clean fill. Check out Landscape Ontario for a local member.

In the case that you cannot alter the grade a Rain garden is a great solution check out this website to understand more. If you would like creative design ideas for this solution then call our office to schedule a consultation.

Take Care

- Dave

Joan:

Water is something powerful! You definitely want to have the surrounding yard checked for the current drainage problem. Your best solution is to hire an O.L.S. Ontario Land Surveyor and determine the best drainage solutions. You may even require a site alteration permit with the city in order to correct the problem especially if you have neighbours that may be impacted by the change in grades.

In some cases we have helped clients to modify grades to contain water areas on-site to design rain gardens in which water is diverted and collected. Also the use of underground cisterns are installed to catch rain water and recycled back into the lawn and gardens for irrigation during the summer.

I can certainly come out to give you advice on putting you on the right track. Call my office at 905-627-1466.

- Dave

My wife and I bought a sail from Ikea two years ago. It was the best thing we ever did. We do have to take it down every winter so there is a bit of maintenance involved by the results are worth it.

I have not sourced a custom company but I have heard of Sunbrella.

I currently am using a canvass company that was repairing boat canvass and Jack has been most helpful. He can make anything custom. Email me your contact info and I will call you about getting this completed.

- Dave

Unless the patio is small you do not have to rip up the whole patio but you should lift up the areas where you would have to install concrete footings for where the posts have to be installed. I have a couple of professional carpenters who you can rely on.

Email me your contact info and I will send you the contact information of the carpenters who can best help you with your pergola project.

- Dave

Lynne:

Any time that you add any retaining wall to retain grade, no matter if it is 6 inches high or 3 feet high, you need to determine the drainage above and behind the wall (the use of 4" drain pipe) also the length of the wall, and the need to "deadman" or tie back the wall face. I have seen many do-it your-self clients put in one or two courses of 6x6 PT lumber to create a small bed and 12 months later all is pushing out falling forward and soil flowing over the wall or the back yard neighbour has water standing behind the wall causing problems. Check out Landscape Ontario for the nearest contractor in the Cobourg area and get professional advice, it is worth paying a certified landscape professional contractor or certified designer a small fee to get the right job done right.

- Dave