Unlike most firms in our industry, we design and build the "total outdoor environment."Most homeowners and companies in the industry define "landscaping" as just the green or soft portion of our surroundings. Construction becomes an aside. LDBA is among a handful of companies in the metro area that focus on the complete environment. Read More... In fact, nearly 70 percent of what we do is construction - patios, walls, porches, etc. We blend all elements of the outdoors into one cohesive environment. As we enter our tenth year, we have delivered scores of successful projects on time, on budget, with outstanding design and craftsmanship. In addition, Steve Larsen has worked throughout the industry since 1990. His nearly 20 years experience in design, sales, project management and hands on approach to each project will ensure outstanding results.
If you can imagine it, we can build it - essentially anything and everything to create exciting and useful spaces. Below is a partial list of some of the elements that have been included in some of our projects:
Read More...
We design and build projects ranging from $5,000 to $250,000 or more. Whether you have a townhouse or several acre estate, we can design and build your project. Read More... There is no "typical job size", but most projects fall between about $15,000 and $80,000. And although we don't have an official minimum, we generally start our projects at around $5,000.
Our goal at LDBA is to design and build your project, not collect fees for design work. Design fees can range from $300 to $3,000 or more. Most projects fall between $500 and $1,500. Read More... The design phase of the project encompasses a complete survey of the project area, preliminary and final designs often with several revisions. While most design only firms will charge anywhere from 5 to 15 percent of the cost of the project, our fees are typically between 2 and 5 percent of the project. The design phase will give you and us enough information come up with a fixed price for the work and convey to you the intent and details of the project - not a complete set of construction drawings. If these are needed for permitting, the costs associated with them will be included in the installation contract.
Based in Alexandria, VA, we service homeowners in the greater metro Washington, D.C. area, with an emphasis on the communities listed below. However, we do work in all areas within about 15-20 miles from our offices.
Read More...
LDBA focuses on projects external to the home - with a goal of blending the external and interior elements of the home. While we don't market ourselves as a home remodeler, we have undertaken modest renovation and addition projects to homes in conjunction with our outdoor projects. For major addition and renovation projects, we can refer you to some of our talented remodeling partners.
In addition to Steve managing and overseeing each project, we employ the finest craftsmen from all walks: carpenters, masons, planting experts, lighting experts, electricians, plumbers, etc., most of which have been with LDBA and Steve for well over a decade. The whole team works seamlessly together to build your project.
Everyone in the family is a decision maker, but we do require that the major decision makers of the household are present for at least the first few meetings. This eliminates repetition, misunderstandings and "going down the wrong road." It saves time and money for all of us. Renovating your property is a major decision.
That depends on size and complexity. Most projects in our "typical" job size take about 4-10 weeks to complete. Small projects may take a couple of days, and large or complex project (i.e. with swimming pools, custom buildings, outdoor kitchens, etc.) might last several months.
LDBA is. We are responsible for all permits obtained with the local jurisdictions. If any contractor asks you to "pull" permits - walk away. That practice puts the homeowner in the liability loop. If something goes wrong down the road, you become a responsible party. Read More... We are solely in charge of the permit process. Some projects will require community association approval or architectural review board, and the client is responsible for there approvals. Any illustrations and plans required for these applications will be provided by LDBA through the design phase.