QUESTIONS to consider
When we have our initial conversation with you, we will ask some basic questions so we can come prepared to discuss what you have in mind. We will work to find a time convenient for you and our associate to meet on your property. We have many years experience in solving landscape problems, improving or renovating landscapes and installing new landscapes.
For large or complex projects we may recommend a landscape plan and refer you to a landscape designer. The process of putting together a design proposal involves a significant amount of time, 3 to 4 weeks, beginning with the initial telephone conversation, continuing through one or more client meetings, researching plants and materials, time to accurately estimate costs, and ultimately presenting the proposal. Even though there is a charge for design services a Landscape Plan is always beneficial for both property owner and contractor.
In our beautiful province of Nova Scotia, our season is short. Typically, the most lengthy and sometimes disappointing timeframe in a project is scheduling the work once the proposal is signed. The best hint we can give to prospective clients is the early bird definitely benefits by being built in to our busy spring schedule well in advance.
- How long will you live in this house?
Answering this question will help you decide how extensive your landscape improvements might be. - Will you require landscape maintenance?
Landscapes change quickly and require proper maintaining to keep them looking their best. Consider how much time you want to put into mowing and gardening or consider a budget for professional maintenance. - Is a play area for children wanted?
There are a variety of attractive solutions for integrating a safe play area for children. - Do you require privacy from your neighbours or a need to block noise?
Strategically placed plantings or fences can address these issues. It is always helpful for a client to present their ideas in the form of magazine articles and relevant photos. A file of ideas you may act upon is always welcome. We will be honest and present quotes that will allow you to make a decision. Please visit our photo galleries for inspiration. Having a budget in mind is the most efficient way of costing a job quickly. With many of our customers we help establish a long term plan, and complete certain aspects of that plan year after year. We are happy to work with any budget on any scale.
Community landscape guidelines as established by your developer or community board.
Knowledge of existing utilities throughout your property. You may even want to contact NSPC, Bell Aliant, Heritage Gas and Halifax Regional Water Commission to have these services located, often a free service from the providers.
Depending on your lot footprint it may be a good idea to consult with your neighbours regarding common areas between homes.
A copy of the location certificate for your residence.
Once the project has begun and a change is considered, standard practice is to review and discuss if it is possible, detailing the changes and any additional costs resulting in a 'change work order' for your signature. Please keep in mind, depending on the job progression that some things cannot be changed with ease. It is always best to consider your wants and needs carefully and have details in place before the work begins.
Generally quotations among reputable companies are similar. It is important to be sure that they are estimating "apples to apples" and that they hold an appropriate level of liability insurance; Workers Compensation; and, that they understand and practice safe work practices complying with the Nova Scotia Health and Safety Act.
A common reason that pricing between companies sometimes differ is likely an under estimation of your needs. We strive to make sure that we have anticipated the work load correctly and price the job accordingly. If a competitor's estimate is substantially lower, they may have missed something.
It is usual to request a deposit, a progress payment and the final balance at the completion of the job. Our preferred method of payment is by cheque.
"The Edmonds Guarantee" We have been creating and maintaining beautiful landscapes since 1965. Our experience and training enable us to provide top quality work we stand behind. All materials are guaranteed to be as specified. Warranty of workmanship and materials will be for a period of one year excluding theft, vandalism, natural disaster, frost heave or abnormal weather conditions.
The gardens look great and if I'm being honest, it's been the best part of our home renovations so far! Thank you, Trudy, for helping us have the nicest gardens in the South End! We can't tell you enough how much we appreciate the work that you, Mark, and the crew have done to bring our property to life!
Linda, Halifax
Trudy, pass on to Mark and team that we are very happy with their work. Three significant rainfalls have happened since they installed our new landscape drainage system. The basement has never been this dry since we moved in this place 10 years ago. And the sump pump which is usually active during rainfalls has been very quiet.
Miles, Bedford
Mark and his team were very professional. They worked efficiently and left the property looking as I had requested. Mark accommodated my request to further trim back bushes and a few tree limbs. What they did in one day would have taken me weeks and investment in more garden tools. Thank you for accommodating my tight time line for this job!!
Pam Dalseg
We recently had Mark and Kelly from Edmonds put in a brick walkway for us. I had provided a picture of what I was looking for and I got exactly what I was hoping for. The team at Edmonds were great to work with and I will certainly use them again for any future landscaping projects I may have.
Cathy Wilson
I want to pass along the positive comments that we have been receiving here at the Dominion Building regarding the cleanliness of our sidewalks since the storm. Your hard work and effort has not gone unnoticed.
Jerry Fraser, Maintenance Team Leader
Brookfield Global Integrated Solutions
We have been receiving very positive feedback from everyone who is outside on the grounds during our Convocation days. Again many thanks to you and your team for so successfully taking on the challenge of having the campus ready for convocation in the last few weeks.
Facilities Management
Saint Mary's University
We had a vision of a stone terrace that reminded us of our favorite café in Barcelona, Spain. Edmonds Landscape professionally guided us with their knowledge and expertise. They listened to our ideas and when asked provided us with excellent advice to get the most out of our space and showed great attention to our level of satisfaction. The outcome was better than we had envisioned.
The Bradley’s
Halifax
Edmonds has had the landscape maintenance contract for the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal since 1999. Our landscape contract covers fourteen diverse properties, some with high public visibility such as the Swiss Air Memorial sites, Government House, Province House and the Museum of Natural History. I have an excellent working relationship with the company. Edmonds responds immediately to special requests; work crews are well trained and work is of a very high quality in their attention to detail.
Nova Scotia Transportation & Infrastructure Renewal
Nick Coffill
Supervisor Building Operations
Any of the jobs that I have had done - be they pavers, tree trimming or garden beds, or fence construction - were all done well and I was satisfied…The quality of the workmanship and materials supplied remain long after the cost has been forgotten.
Leroy Roy
Halifax
We have contracted with Edmonds for snow removal services for over two dozen properties over the past twenty years. We appreciate that they have sufficient resources in terms of their equipment and that it is consistently in good working order, as well as sufficient labour forces. They also have access to extended resources in the event that extra assistance is required, so that we are not constantly in a position of waiting to be serviced.
East Port Properties Limited
Judy Wall
The time came for us to give up snow clearance on our double driveway and walks so we decided to contact Edmonds. The service has been outstanding. Our drive and walks have been shoveled and cleared before 6:00 am. In the event that we are 'plowed in' later on, a quick call brings almost immediate results. It has been a great relief to have such good service.
Norman Graham
Home Owner
Edmonds has been contracted for seasonal maintenance at many properties that I have managed throughout my 17 year property management career. Edmonds has proven they are capable of looking after all aspects of landscape maintenance and snow removal. Risk management is a large part of my responsibility. Edmonds safety program in my opinion not only leads the industry but also serves as a model for any business.
Harold Daley, General Manager
Edmonds has provided Landscape Maintenance services to Saint Mary’s University for the past many years. The service is provided on a timely basis to meet the needs of our students and is very thorough. They have taken on a true ownership role in terms of the appearance of the Saint Mary’s University grounds.
