I asked Renee Macalino Rutledge, editor of CalFinder (a free referral service for remodeling contractors) what information home gardeners should know about her industry, and got this handy lis
t of situations in which we should hire someone who knows more than we do, and these inspiring photos. Thanks, Renee!
1. Water features. This first example is one where people are tempted to do the work themselves, with mixed results, to say the least. I’ve watched neighbors take apart and totally redo their ponds because of leaks and know that it’s no fun. I made enough mistakes creating my dry streambed and it’s not nearly as complicated as ponds and waterfalls. Renee reminds us that it’s not just all that digging, but knowing what kind of liner to use (waterproof, with watertight seals), which filter to choose, and even which plants to put in the pond, an extra service of some pond-installers.
2. Gazebos. Construction? Clearly not a DIY option for most of us but man, wouldn’t we all love one of these? Wonder what that beauty on the left cost. But back to our potential contractor. I’m told that they can suggest different types and help us pick the right shape and size, and style. (I’d grab that portfoliio and start drooling at the options.) And someone who knows what they’re doing can add electricity for us, or plumbing for an outdoor kitchen.
3. Decks and patios. Again, no argument from me here, but Renee suggests finding someone who’s "just as passionate about decks as you are about gardens." Well, that’s a cool idea. "Laying the wood and putting together a sturdy, flawless structure takes patience and fine craftsmanship," Renee writes, and it reminds me of the high school science teacher who built my current deck and the beautiful work he did. He was SO proud of it, he made no bones of his displeasure at the vines I quickly attached along the edge – it was spoiling the view of his deck!
4. Stone pathways. Now here’s where I’d be tempted to do it myself – and have. But as she warns, "A walkway must withstand heavy foot traffic, machinery, and the wear and tear of the elements." I’m a big proponent of garden paths, even if they’re only mulch (though stone is awesome!) Paths are so inviting, and they let you get to your plants so you can tend them without harming plants you might otherwise step 
on. True, stone is expensive, but these days there are some less expensive alternatives that look great, and options include slip-resistance, interlocking pavers that can easily be replaced. and more. Then we get to choose from various patterns for different effects – herringbone or another classic pattern, or even a custom design.
5. Retaining walls. Another beautiful garden feature that I wouldn’t attempt myself, unless it’s 6 inches or shorter. Anything taller takes engineering, after all, to figure out what Renee calls the "mounting lateral pressure of backfill and possible hydrostatic pressure of water.:" Right, that stuff. But when they’re done well and especially with natural materials, man, do they add a lot to the garden. Wish more people had them. 
6. Outdoor sheds/studios. Ever seen those charming little buildings in garden magazines? They’re painted in cool colors, and art or hanging baskets give them a bit of personality (not like the plain-Jane one below). Of course Home Depot sells those kits for sheds and I suppose I could pay some handyman to put one together for me but how good could it look? It sounds so much better when Renee talks about custom-designed sheds, studios, even guest quarters. (A boon to guest-hostess relations, no doubt.) In my case I hired someone to turn my beat-up old metal garage into a tool shed/workshop. No heat, just good lighting and some colorful carpeting. Then I grabbed some paint in my favorite outdoor color – teal – and it turned out to be surprisingly…not-ugly.
7. Better-looking concrete. Renee tells me that concrete has "come a long way from the poured driveway. If you’ve got old concrete outside, it can be dressed up with paint or stain." And can I add that if you’ve got old concrete outside it probably looks horrible and DO check into having it resurfaced somehow, unless you’re getting rid of it altogether.
I have only a vague notion of how this can be done, so I asked for more details and got them. A very thin coat of a decorative, fine concrete can applied over the existing surface. These "overlays" come in various colors, and the texture is achieved during application. E.g., a broom can be used to achieve a non-slip finish, and trowels can create swirls and arcs. And concrete dyes can be used for all sorts of cool effects.
I asked about cost and learned that overlay kits are available from companies like Decorative Concrete Kits for $300.00 for 400 square feet. A concrete contractor would charge $2 to 7 per square foot, plus the cost of the concrete (which is cheap). Asked about a faux marble look, Renee says it’s done with the same stamped concrete method that’s also used to mimic fractured slate, aged stone, limestone, effects that are achieved at an "affordable cost."
Renee, one more question. Are there any affordable make-overs available for cinder block walls? Something that would disguise their essential (and ugly) blockiness?
Photo credits: Waterfall by LandPlan Landscaping. Gazebo via Flickr. Deck by BBC Construction. Stone path via Flickr. Retaining wall by Antigua Landscapes. Shed via Flickr.
{ 7 comments }
Susan,
You are so right about hiring contractors to do these big, important jobs. I am so glad I did! BTW, I had a bit of concrete block showing on my foundation and painted a faux brick to match the brick on the house. Not too bad!
Gail
Painting is always a practical, easy solution, and a faux finish is a great idea! You can also try an acid stain and sealeant to produce a mottled color reaction that will be unique on each block, though this is trickier on a vertical surface. One fun idea is to use dimensional, or raised plaster stenciling. This works in the outdoors as well as the indoors and can consist of a myriad of designs. Gunite is another possibility for repairing or adding texture. Some people go so far as to cover the blocks completely with tile. The possibilities are vast. For something simpler, you can try using them as creative shelving or hanging things from them, like planters or outdoor accents. For a themed look, use cinder block pieces around your edging and as matching seating. If you really don’t like them, take them down and use them as planter beds instead!
The EM refuses to hire anyone! Usually things turn out okay but he is pretty handy. I would write a check! Good advice as always.
I couldn’t agree more. Contractors save you money in the end. Contractors must be chosen carefully and it’s best to actually see some of the work they have done. I like to go to Home and Garden Shows to see what’s out there. We looked for a year until we found a contractor in our county to construct our deck. It’s so important to have someone who has a qualified engineer to draw up the plan to insure the deck can hold that hot tub you might buy next year or the oak tree you want in the planter ! My advice is to keep it simple and basic, forget about all the gee whiz designs. Hey I see this on DIY and it looks so simple, but they use qualified people along with homeowners and the labor and professional equipment to do the job is underplayed. We added a paver patio and wall benches with lights from the deck and house walkouts this month and chose a contractor that insured drainage, compaction and materials were all in order, as well as getting the right design we wanted. In both cases we had professionals that listened to our wants, offered solutions within budget, saw to permits, and designed to complement our master plan for trees, shrubs, and flowers. Both contractors were quick and cleaned up and left no bags of sand, pavers or posts left behind and final sweep of the driveway too ! These were not the first guys we saw, so don’t be afraid to tell the person making an estimate for you that you’ll let them know or you don’t want to do business with him if he doesn’t meet your needs or you aren’t finished shopping around. It’s business and your money. Our home is worth more and when we sell, these features will be just as nice as they are today, even nicer with all the shrubs and plants in place. My next project is to get overlay on the asphalt on the driveway and have the front area restyled with pavers, pocket gardens and new beds with some rich compost and leaf grow instead of this terrible clay ! What fun!
Tickie Young I agree with you that contractors must be chosen carefully. One other way of finding out if they are the right company for you is to ask for referrals for job done near your area. This way you can see for yourself the quality of their work before deciding. Landscaping design projects as major as any of the one listed above would require professionals who are expert in their field. Doing it your way would really become more expensive at the end of the day.
I must disagree with your last statement that it is more costly to use a phased approach. I have a professionally done master plan that I work from, and initially obtained several estimates for its entire implementation . The cost was huge. Also, there was not one contractor that could satisfy all my specifications so they would be subcontracting portions of it. I did careful research and got references and saw the actual work of the contractors I chose. When my budget says I have funds for the next phase of my outdoor enhancements, I will do another phase. I am a certified state master gardener and, of course, take every opportunity to do whatever I can to augment the soil, select and plant, but I know my limitations. For example, the mid-sized trees planned for the side yard require heavy equipment, so I have chosen a quality nursery with high quality specimens when the time is right. For gardeners there are all facets of gardening; planning and research is a big part. I am not one to entrust others to select what is going in my yard at my expense. I enjoy the hands on and in-the-mud approach. It’s part of the process and fun. Incidentally, another great resource for finding excellent landscaping companies is to go to the local Home and Garden shows. Too bad you aren’t near me, your company sounds terrific !
Thanks Tickie Young. I agree that if you have the knowledge, experience and skills (as you’ve said you are a state master gardener) you can definitely DIY. You’re scope of understanding is a definite advantage.
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