This can the hardest part of all… deciding … choosing to make the
choice to upgrade or redo your landscape. Agonizing over this decision can be most stressful.  Change is not easy but consider this…you cannot expect to upgrade your Landscape if you do take that first step. So let us go throught the process of decision making.

Getting Started:
- Have an idea of what you want:
Your project has to have a beginning.  you must do a little ‘fun’ research. Yes fun! Your signiticant other may enjoy this part of the procees. Consider that roaming your neighborhood can be a joyful experience and construtive at the same time.  Check out out other lanscapes…see what they did…pick and choose the parts of each Landscape that you think MOST apply to you or that you like.  If it appeals to you, add it to your shopping cart. Remember, you are gathering and compiling bits of informaton. At this stage you formulate your landscape plan in your mind…noting the items you want most in your new scheme.  YOU CREATE THE LANDSCAPE IDEA YOU WANT.

- Research the Project:

ESTIMATES:
Get estimates. Now here is where you will need to be knowledgeable and by that I mean, be prepared.  You must have some idea as to the total cost of your project (an estimated total you will not go over). Know what you want, figure out a ball park amount you intend to spend. Solicit estimates from reputable companies. Do a little research and figure out which companies to get estimates.  Ask your neighbors what companies they used and most importantly if they happy with the service. Get at least three estimates. Also look at alternative if resourses (money) is an issue, and if you feel confident enough to undertake the task, do it yourself.  Seek the help of your local garden shop like a Lowes or Home Depot.  Find out the cost of material and formulate a solid plan, with instructions, to complete your project.

Note: Compare the difference… and decide.

Material Cost:
Collect the estimates for the companies and isolate the cost of materials alone. Look specifically at the amount being charged and compare how much you will pay in comparison to the amount if you were to do it yourself.

Note the difference and decide.

Labor Cost:
Here is where the rubber meets the road.  If you have the resources to afford the cost of having your lanscape project done by an independent company….go for it.  Consider your own financial status at this time. Be brutally honest since the only one to bare the consequence will be you.  Now look at the total cost to do it yourself.

Again, note the difference and decide.

Here is the bottom line.  It all depends on your individual preference and resource capability.  If you have the resources (money) at your disposal, then why not hire a reputable company to complete your landscape project. If, on the other hand, your resources are limited  (like most of us), then do your homework…do it and yourself. Seek the assistance of professionals in the form of advice; google how-to-do-it sites and learn… then DO-IT-YOURSELF. note that you should only bite off a little at time to complete.  Also, remember that TIME is on your side.. Complete your project on YOUR time table.

FINALLY…NOTE THE DIFFERENCE AND DECIDE!!

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