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February 23, 2007
Keep Tabs on the Weather Anywhere
We have just updated from our old Blackberry phones to new Palm Treo phones in our office. Of course there is always the hours spent figuring out and troubleshooting new technology equipment, but the Treo has proven to be much more powerful than our old Blackberries.
An especially cool tool for the Treo, that is really handy for project management when we are out at the job site is Treo Alarm. It updates weather information from the National Weather Service and displays the information right through the program on the phone without having to go to another website within the Treo. The alarm can be set to update the weather so that the information is ready when starting the work day. This is a nice feature, especially this time of year, when weather and rain drive what can be accomplished on a landscape project for any given day. This application underscores a key advantage to the Palm, a wealth of available software and accessories.
Posted by Michael O'Connell at 05:36 PM | Comments (0)
February 19, 2007
Know Thy Project (Wants & Budget)
After participating in forum with local contractors and garden designers, the subject of client wants and budget planning was a key part of the discussion. As the client going into a new landscape project (and major investment of time and money), the more informed you are, the better off you are in terms of creating a successful project. A successful project is not only one where when people step into the back yard and there is a jaw drop and wow factor. A successful project is also one that is done on time and on budget, with a good contractor and/or designer, with high quality craftsmanship that delivers on your needs.
To achieve a successful landscape project there are a couple of key elements that require some thought(preferably prior to starting the process):
1- Wants: What do you want for your new landscape/garden? Do you want the English Country Garden that you have been brainstorming about with cutouts from Sunset Magazine? Do you want a utilitarian space that solves some of your yard's problems and makes the space more usable- a place to play, to barbecue, to entertain, to store? At a minimum, develop a general overview of your wants and write them down- share them with your contractor and designer.
2- Budget: How much do you want to spend? This is a tough question, you may not know anything about the cost of landscape projects. Can I get my landscape project done for $10,000, for $50,000, more? Do research in magazines, with friends and neighbors, call local contractors, relate experience from past home improvement projects.
Once these first planning steps have been accomplished now its time to put together a great team to design and build the project. Key factors are finding professionals that are going to be easy to work with, provide good service, and deliver a quality project. Interview contractors and designers through consultations to find a good fit. Nothing can sidetrack your project faster than getting a contractor who doesn't respond to phone calls, doesn't follow-up on promises and doesn't perform quality work.
Next Steps: Read our past articles on budget and selecting a contractor-
"How Much Does it Cost- Budget and Landscape Projects"
"Hiring a Contractor- The 1st Meeting"
Posted by Michael O'Connell at 07:19 PM | Comments (0)
February 17, 2007
Mizubachi Water Feature
Here are some installed photos of the black granite Mizubachi Water Feature from Stone Forest that was just installed for a current project. The 30" rock weighed about a ton and had to be set in place with a telescoping forklift and then leveled for even flow across the stone.
The hookup for this water feature was fairly straight forward- the recirculating pump has a timer that controls on and off times, a filler valve connected to the irrigation system to automatically refill the reservoir, and a bypass valve connected to a drain inlet to empty the reservoir.
Posted by Michael O'Connell at 09:14 AM | Comments (0)
February 16, 2007
Current Project- Larkspur Seeded Aggregate
This project in Larkspur is having seeded aggregate walkways and patios installed with bluestone accents. The Mexican pebble stone combined with the bluestone makes a good complementary paving match.
Forming and Rebar for Front Walkways
Forming and Rebar for Rear Patio
Seeded Aggregate Mexican Pebble with Formed Strips for Bluestone Inserts
Seeded Aggregate Mexican Pebble Patio
Posted by Michael O'Connell at 09:23 AM | Comments (0)
February 08, 2007
Current Project- Stonework
Current construction photos of Cold Water Canyon stone walls and concrete pathways with bluestone accents being installed. The boxed wall will receive the water feature detailed in this post.
Seating wall square around which Mizubachi black granite water feature will be installed
Posted by Michael O'Connell at 09:35 AM | Comments (0)
February 07, 2007
America's Favorite Buildings
An interesting poll from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Harris Poll found a number of buildings that are the public's favorites, contrary to the tastes of many architectural critics. The Empire State Building was the favorite building, San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge was fifth, with many of Washington's national monuments rounding out the top 10. The public had a less critical eye than many architects that pick their favorites, rating the Las Vegas Bellagio hotel in the top 25.
For More:
Story from Rueters
Posted by Michael O'Connell at 09:39 AM | Comments (0)