FAQ's
Design & Consultation
What is design/build?
A design/build company is one that has the resources necessary to complete a landscape project from initial concept to final installation. We like to think of it as "one-stop shopping". Your designer will be your contact person from the initial meeting through the final walk-through of the project. Our skilled designers and experienced craftsman ensure that all phases of your project, from design to construction to planting, are well -coordinated and of consistent quality.What is the advantage to design/build?
When you have your work completed by a design/build firm, you avoid many of the common pitfalls of any project. Because we've been working as a team for years, the designer understands how to best communicate his intentions to the installation crews; the crews have a clear sense of how the designs should look; and there is a steady and consistent dialogue between everyone involved in the project. There are fewer problems from the start and any problems that may appear are quickly resolved.In what areas do you operate?
We service the following counties in Northern Virginia: Loudon, Prince William, Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, and Fauquier. Cities include: Annandale, Ashburn, Bristow, Burke, Catlett, Centreville, Clifton, Dumfries, Falls Church, Gainesville, Great Falls, Herndon, Oakton, Reston, Manassas, McLean, Nokesville, Springfield, Sterling, Vienna, Warrenton and Woodbridge.Is there a fee for the initial consultation?
We do not charge for the initial site visit. This is your opportunity to share your ideas and excitement with us about what you envision for your landscape project and to learn more about our company.Is there a fee for the landscape design?
Yes. For a residential project, our landscape design fees will generally range from $750.00 to $2,000.00 depending upon the project. We do not have a set design fee; rather, we base our fee on the amount of time expected to complete your individual project.What if I already have a design?
We will gladly look at your design and discuss it with you. A word of caution, however - many times, the designs we encounter are merely conceptual designs. They may lay out spaces and define planting areas, but, all too often these are not accurate enough for construction or even bidding purposes. At the initial consultation, we'll let you know the best way to proceed to achieve the finished landscape you want.If I already know what I want, why do I need a design?
Creating lasting, pleasing landscape projects is more than digging holes and stacking blocks. Every site has its own unique set of issues that need to be addressed. Solar orientation, drainage, grading, utilities, and many other site conditions can have a dramatic impact on whether or not your finished project will stand the test of time and function as intended. In the course of preparing your design, we record and analyze all the issues that might affect the project. With this information, we can then create a design that, in the end, saves you money because we address these issues before the project begins.Do you rebate the design fee if we hire you to do the job?
No, we do not. Your project gets the undivided attention of a professional landscape designer from site analysis to the creation of the presentation drawings, and we charge accordingly. This allows you to see the true costs of the design and installation phases. We do not offer "free" design services while padding our installation costs to cover that time.What information should I provide for the landscape design?
A survey plat is the best place for us to start, because it will show the house in precise relation to property lines and any other structures on the property at the time of the survey. You will usually have a copy of this in your mortgage paperwork.When you return your design agreement to us, it is also helpful to include notes about your particular likes and dislikes. We will have discussed many of these in the initial consultation, but there may well be something that wasn't covered. Each piece of information you tell us helps us to create the perfect landscape for you.
How long will the design take?
To be fair to all of our clients, designs are completed in the order in which we have received the signed design agreement. Depending on the complexity of the design and the amount of research involved, a design typically takes 2 to 6 weeks to complete.Installation
I love the design and want to get started. After I sign the contract, how soon can you start?
That all depends upon the time of year and the types of projects we're currently working on. We can give you a realistic time frame during your initial consultation.Am I required to do the whole project at once?
When we present the master plan to you, we also present an estimate to complete the project as drawn. Typically, we break the estimate down into the logical phases of construction to make it easier to understand and easier to prioritize. We'll take the time to explain what should happen first to prepare the site and lay the groundwork of your project and then what is the logical progression of the phases.Also, if you're a gardening enthusiast, we are more than happy to do the "heavy lifting"- creating and amending the beds, planting the large plant material, and doing any grading and sodding necessary to give you more time to experiment with smaller shrubs and perennials. In fact, that's another benefit of using our regular maintenance packages: our trained crews can efficiently handle the "grunt work" and give you more time to garden!
My project is small- can I get it done any sooner?
We begin our projects in the order in which the contracts are signed by our clients, regardless of the size of the project. However, there may be spots that open up between the phases of our larger projects that may allow us to complete your project sooner than anticipated. We can discuss this with you when we present the completed master plan.Are your staff sub-contractors or employees?
The majority of our work is performed by our own employees, many of whom have worked for us for over a decade and understand how to do things "the Wewerka way." For projects requiring specialized trades, such as electrical, plumbing or custom ironwork, we will engage the appropriate contractors. Because we are a Class A General Contractor, we handle the entire project for you.Who manages my project?
One of the best things about working with a small design/build firm like Wewerka Construction Management is the amount of personal attention you receive. Every crew has an experienced foreman, and our foremen are overseen by a project manager, who will verify your landscape project is being performed properly throughout the process. In addition, your designer who has worked with you from the beginning remains involved in the installation and is only a phone call or email away.Maintenance/Ongoing Care
What guarantee does Wewerka Construction Management provide for its projects?
We guarantee materials and workmanship on landscape construction for one full year, provided work was completed in accordance with contract and the bill has been paid in full.We guarantee the plants we sell to be true to name, free from disease and insects, and to be sound and healthy at the time of sale.
We will replace once, or give credit for, any tree or plant which fails to survive for 90 days from date of planting, providing bill has been paid in full and in accordance with the contract, and providing the plants have received proper care from the owner. Proper care shall include (but not be limited to) watering, feeding, weeding and spraying for disease and insect control. The guarantee does not cover losses due to drought, storms, severe winter, mechanical injury, vandalism, or other factors beyond our control.
All replacements will be made at the discretion of Wewerka Construction Management.
Guarantee will be limited to the purchase price of the plant or tree.
