1What is Pittsburgh Stone and Waterscapes?
Pittsburgh Stone and Waterscapes is an award winning residential and landscape and hardscape design and build firm.
2What do you mean by design and build?
Design and build means that Pittsburgh Stone and Waterscapes will meet with you, discuss what your thoughts and needs are and then create a comprehensive plan to fit those needs. We also build our projects. From start to finish, you are only dealing with one company – not several different companies.
3What is the difference between a landscape and a hardscape?
As opposed to the plantings, hardscaping includes all the non-planting design elements of a landscape including paved walkways, retaining walls, patios, fences, firepits/fireplaces, and rocks. Hardscaping in essence represents the foundation and anchor of landscaping plans.
4What are the most popular landscape/hardscape design trends right now?
We are currently seeing a large increase in clients wanting functional outdoor living spaces. This can include outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, dining areas, kitchens, and built-in grill areas.
5What about our landscaping budget?
Our designers take an individual approach to each project to bring out the unique features of your home or business. We create designs that seek to give you the greatest value for your investment. We work within your budget to achieve the most dramatic results.
6Should you do-it-yourself or hire a professional?
Professional design and installation greatly enhances the value and appearance of your home. Conversely, poor design and installation also gets noticed. A professional designer will put the proper plants in the proper spots and/or design your hardscape to best complement your home and land. You will get proper drainage and grading which prevent hidden things that could have adverse effects in years to come.
7Do you just provide designs?
No, we do not just provide the design and release it. Designing the 3D virtual model of the project that we are proposing is time consuming as you can imagine and stays the property of PSW. Please read below for how the process on becoming a PSW client occurs.
8How does the process work?
1. Our office manager will obtain as much preliminary information as possible in order to connect you with the design consultant within our company that can best help you .
2. If you are just looking for a very general idea as to cost, we can send you a budgetary slideshow to see if we are within your budget range.
3. If you wish to proceed, our design consultant will meet with you at your home, take measurements, discuss your ideas and get a firm understanding of what you would like your project to include.We put together a formal proposal with all costs (For larger projects that will require a 3D virtual design, we have you sign a Design Construction Contract and have you place a deposit on your project. Once our 3D virtual design and proposal is complete, we set up a presentation to show you the design and review the proposal and costs. We make any nips/tucks and customize to your liking. )
4. Upon acceptance of our proposal, a contract is drawn up to include all items listed in the proposal and we set you on our schedule
2. If you are just looking for a very general idea as to cost, we can send you a budgetary slideshow to see if we are within your budget range.
3. If you wish to proceed, our design consultant will meet with you at your home, take measurements, discuss your ideas and get a firm understanding of what you would like your project to include.We put together a formal proposal with all costs (For larger projects that will require a 3D virtual design, we have you sign a Design Construction Contract and have you place a deposit on your project. Once our 3D virtual design and proposal is complete, we set up a presentation to show you the design and review the proposal and costs. We make any nips/tucks and customize to your liking. )
4. Upon acceptance of our proposal, a contract is drawn up to include all items listed in the proposal and we set you on our schedule
9How long will it take to get started?
We fill our schedule very early – sometimes 6-12 months ahead depending on the scope of the project. It is best to contact us as soon as you know you want to add outdoor living to your home.
10Do you offer just estimates?
No. Sorry we do not offer this service. We also do not provide insurance estimates.
11Do you rent out your equipment?
No.
12Do you install retaining walls?
Yes, if it is part of a larger project, we will install retaining walls as needed. If you are looking only for a retaining wall, we are happy to recommend someone who can provide this service.
13Do you repair work done by others?
We do not do basic repair work on landscapes or hardscaping. We are a design and build firm. We would be happy to renovate an area or make necessary repairs if part of a larger project, but if you are looking for a simple repair work, we are happy to recommend someone who can provide this service.
14Can I trust that I am working with an experienced company?
Our designers have an average of 25 years of experience. Pittsburgh Stone and Waterscapes’ installation crew has an average of 20 years of installation experience. We can provide you directly with client references, and we invite you to read our testimonials on our website!