What a design proposal should include before you sign

A garden design proposal isn't just a pretty picture. It's the contract between you and your designer—the document that protects both of you when something goes wrong, clarifies what you're actually paying for, and spells out exactly what will happen on your property. Yet many homeowners sign without reading it, and many designers hand one over that's vague enough to cause real friction down the line.

The tension here is real: you want the design to feel flexible and responsive to your ideas, but the designer needs enough detail to deliver what you've agreed to, not what you imagined differently six months later. A proposal sits right in that middle ground. It's your chance to slow down, read carefully, and flag anything that doesn't match what you discussed.

The essentials that must be there in black and white

Start with the scope of work. This should describe exactly what the designer will do: site analysis, concept sketches, planting plans, material selections, construction drawings, or site supervision during installation. If it says "full garden redesign," does that include removing the old deck or just designing around it? Does it cover hard landscaping, soft landscaping, or both? Vagueness here leads to arguments about what you're actually paying for.

The proposal should include a site plan or rough sketch—even a simple annotated photo—showing the area being designed. This anchors the conversation to your actual garden, not an imaginary one. If the designer hasn't visited your site, that's a red flag by itself; they can't write a real proposal without seeing drainage, light, soil condition, and what exists already.

Check that timelines are clear. When will you receive the first concept? How long do you have to give feedback before the second draft? If installation is included, when will it start and how long will it take? These dates protect you both from indefinite waiting or sudden disruption.

The proposal must break down the cost. Is it a flat fee for the design phase, a percentage of installation costs, an hourly rate, or a combination? What does that fee cover and what costs extra—site visits, revisions, consultations with contractors, supervising the build? If the designer is also handling installation, are design costs separate from build costs? Blurry pricing is the fastest way to a dispute.

Look for what happens if things change. Most proposals should include a small number of free revisions (often two or three concept rounds). Beyond that, additional changes usually cost more—either hourly or as a fixed fee. What if you want to scale down the scope halfway through? Can you pause? Must you pay regardless? Knowing the exit clause matters.

Finally, ask who owns the design. Can you take the plans to another contractor if you change your mind, or does the designer retain copyright until you've paid in full? This varies widely and matters if you're using the proposal to get competitive quotes.

What to do before you sign

Read it aloud to yourself or have someone else read it to you. Odd phrasing or vague clauses become obvious when you hear them. If it says something like "additional plants as deemed necessary," that's not a commitment—it's an escape hatch for the designer. Ask them to be specific.

Compare it to your notes from the meeting. If you remember discussing a wildflower meadow and the proposal says "mixed planting," now is the time to correct it. Do the same for what you *won't* have—if you agreed you're not replacing the fence, make sure that's excluded from the scope.

If there's anything you don't understand, ask. That's not being difficult; it's being clear. A designer worth hiring will explain without irritation and adjust wording if it's genuinely confusing.

When you're satisfied, sign both copies, keep one, and send one back. You've now got a shared understanding of what happens next. Finding a designer whose proposal is thorough and honest is easier when you vet them properly—Strove's verified garden designers include detailed reviews of past work and client feedback, so you can see how others experienced the process before you commit.