Why We Charge for Outdoor Living Design Consultations & Plans

Are you wondering why we charge for hardscape and outdoor living design consultations?

We get, you might be a bit confused as to why there is a price for a consultation, but start with this all too true scenario:

You meet with a contractor who promised clarity, but left you more confused, and then never got back to you. Or, you meet with a local contractor, and the plans and consultation are anything but professional.

Unfortunately, this happens way too often.

Successful outdoor living projects start with prior planning and a true design consultation that should blow your mind! Keep reading this guide to learn about why the team here at Coastal Hardscapes of the Greater Savannah, GA area charges for design consultations.

Why do you charge for a design consultation?

First, let us start by saying that a design consultation is not a “sales pitch,” but rather the foundation for making informed decisions. Additionally, we don’t charge for estimates or for a swing-by to assess your outdoor living project.

However, if we are going to partner with you, our expertise at Coastal Hardscaping is vital to consider. While some smaller landscaping outfits might quickly give you a quote over the phone or in person, we take the time to develop a full design plan with architectural renderings, plant recommendations, potential drainage issues to mitigate, and more. This level of expertise requires manpower and time from our in-house team!

Our goal is to work with customers like you who are serious about not just adding curb appeal, but also creating that dream oasis area in their yard of business. A professional design consultation isn’t just a meeting; it’s an investment in clarity, protection, and peace of mind.

It gives you a clear vision and direction for your outdoor space before any work begins, helping prevent costly mistakes that often come from guesswork or rushed decisions. With a structured plan guided by the Coastal Hardscape experience, you gain confidence knowing your project is being designed intentionally, with your home, property conditions, and long-term goals in mind.

That professional guidance ensures every decision protects your investment and sets the foundation for a result you’ll feel confident about from day one. This leads to the next question: how much does it cost?

How much does hardscape design cost?

For hardscaping design costs, most homeowners like you are looking at $500 to $2,500+, depending on the scope, complexity, and level of detail involved.

For smaller projects, a basic design may include layout planning, material guidance, and measurements to give you clear direction. Larger or luxury outdoor living projects often require more in-depth work, such as site evaluation, drainage planning, elevation considerations, and custom design renderings. That additional detail takes time and expertise, which is reflected in the cost.

The key thing to understand is that design is not just a drawing. Professional planning protects your investment, prevents costly mistakes during construction, and ensures your space functions as beautifully as it looks. It also clearly communicates what you can expect on your end.

For homeowners investing $15,000+ into a hardscape project, a paid design phase provides clarity, confidence, and peace of mind before a single stone is laid. You wouldn’t build a house without a plan, right?

How much does landscape design cost?

Similar to hardscaping design consultations, landscape design costs typically range from $500 to $3,000+, depending on the size of the property, the complexity of the design, and the level of detail required in the planning.

Smaller projects may require only a simple layout and plant selection at no cost, while larger or high-end outdoor spaces often involve site evaluations, drainage considerations, grading plans, material coordination, and sometimes 3D renderings.

Think of it this way, the more permanent the investment like, hardscape patios, walkways, retaining walls, lighting, or integrated outdoor living features, the more important a professional design becomes.

A paid landscape design isn’t just about aesthetics. It provides a clear plan, helps avoid expensive mistakes, and ensures your outdoor space works with your property, soil, and climate. For homeowners planning a $10,000+ landscape or hardscape investment, the design phase offers clarity and concrete plans (no pun intended).

The Verdict on Consult & Design Costs –

By now, you should feel fully confident as to why professional design consultation and renderings have a price tag associated with them! Just like architectural plans for a new home, you want to ensure everything is precisely planned and organized prior to breaking ground.

Ready for some really good news? We have to charge for outdoor living design because it costs us money to prepare them and pay our employees. However, if we design your project and then install it, we refund a large portion of the design fees as a down payment for your outdoor living project!

Coastal Hardscapes – Where Design Meets Integrity! Reach out below to start the consultation and design process, risk-free!

Frequently Asked Design Questions

1. What should I expect during a design consultation?

During a design consultation with Coastal Hardscapes, you can expect a thorough discussion of your outdoor vision, preferences, and any specific requirements. Our team will assess your space, provide insights from our expertise, and help you understand your project’s potential. This session is designed to clarify your ideas and outline a structured plan, ensuring you feel confident moving forward with your outdoor living project. This costs no money to gather the data, and after we start planning, we will also go over the fees associated with hardscaping or landscape design.

2. How can I prepare for my design consultation?

To make the most of your design consultation, consider gathering inspiration images, noting your preferences, and identifying any specific features you want to include. It’s also helpful to have a budget range in mind. This preparation will facilitate a more productive discussion, allowing the consultant to tailor their recommendations to your vision and financial considerations, ultimately leading to a more satisfying outcome.

3. Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?

In addition to the design consultation fee, there are no hidden costs. Once we make a design fee offer, that is final, no add-ons unless their a complete change order.

Other costs, such as materials, labor, and any required permits, vary by project. It’s important to discuss these potential expenses with your consultant or our team so we can best help you. We can provide a detailed breakdown of what to expect, helping you budget effectively and avoid any surprises as your project progresses.

4. How long does the design process typically take?

The duration of the design process can vary based on the complexity of your project and the specific requirements involved, but generally is done in 2-4 weeks in 90% of our hardscape design projects. Generally, a comprehensive design can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months. Your consultant from Coastal Hardscaes will provide a timeline during your initial meeting, ensuring you have a clear understanding of the steps involved and when you can expect to see the final design.

5. What if I change my mind after the consultation?

It’s completely normal to have evolving ideas after your consultation, just simply communicate them as soon as you have them. We help you adjust the design to better fit your updated vision within reason and minor adjustments are part of the process and price.

Keep in mind that significant changes may affect the timeline and costs, so it’s best to discuss any modifications as soon as possible to ensure a smooth process.

6. Can I see examples of previous projects?

Yes of course! Our design and sales consultants will be happy to share a portfolio of all of our hardscape and outdoor design work. You can actually see our work here.