PROTECT YOUR PLANS | What to include and Why

WHY PROTECT YOUR PLAN

Designing a garden is a meticulous process that involves creativity, technical expertise, precise planning, and a lot of time. Ensuring your vision translates from plan to reality is crucial, which is why we advise all our customers to protect their plan at every point. 

A detailed plan will ensure tenders are based on like-for-like systems and give clarity during installation. It can also help prevent discrepancies, misunderstandings and deviations from your vision and the clients expectations. If deviations do occur during installation, having a protected plan allows you to request corrections before final sign-off. 

WHAT TO INCLUDE

Simply put, the more you can include the better but there are some key technical specifications that should always be included, for example:

Fitting specifications; by specifying a Landscapeplus product code that is unique to one fitting you are guaranteeing the effect you intend is achieved. Again this will ensure that contractors are pricing equivalent systems. 

Location of PIR sensors, and their intended use. During the planning process you will have had this conversation with your client about how they intend to navigate and use the different areas created within the garden. By communicating this with the installer, you guarantee your clients expectations are met.

Cable specifications; more of a guide than a specification. A simple statement such as "armoured cable to be used where appropriate". Also consider cable distance and run lengths, especially when specifying low-voltage fittings.   

Conduit plan; a simple conduit plan at design stage will ensure lighting can be added without any unnecessary disruptions.

Connections; to be suitable for outdoor installation - a statement that should feature on all garden plans "gel-filled and IP68 rated". This guarantees that the infrastructure is of the same quality as the light fitting. 

In addition to technical specifications, it is also worth including any zoning requirements. This is particularly important if you have grouped fittings together to create different areas within the garden. Landscapers and contractors need to know which fittings are to be controlled together to ensure they are on the same circuit. For example,  you may not want your path lights coming on at the same time as the lights in the seating area. Colour coding zones has proven to a popular method. 

AN EXAMPLE

"All products to be rated IP65 as a minimum. All drivers and junctions to be potted or gel filled. All 240V cables to be armoured. All 12V cables to be laid in vermin-proof flexible conduit (min 20mm dia). All 12V cable connections to be protected with adhesive-lined heat-shrink tubing. All lamps to be 2700K or 3000K unless specified otherwise. Exact location of 240V mains power sources and positioning of remote drivers (wattage) and driver/junction boxes to be confirmed by a qualified electrician prior to starting work."

Protecting your garden design goes beyond safeguarding your creative vision; it ensures client satisfaction, adherence to technical standards, and smooth project execution. It also means you can confidently deliver a garden that not only meets but exceeds expectations. This commitment to details and professionalism establishes trust with clients and enhances your reputation. 

As always, if you have any questions please get in touch with me or the team, we're always happy to help!