Don’t you deserve to dream it? design it? live it?
TotalScape Design is owned by award-winning landscape designer and radio host, Darren Gruner.
Dream it. Design it. Live it.
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Design
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Outdoor kitchens and fireplaces
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Hardscape design & installation
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Landscape installation
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Custom pools and water features
Frequently Asked Questions
How long have you been in business?
The owner, Darren Gruner has been in the design/build business since 1982. There is no project that he has not seen.
Are you licensed and insured for the work you’ll be doing here?
Yes, we are licensed in the State of Florida as a General Contractor and carry full general liability insurances.
I’ve been told I should only hire a licensed contractor. Why is that?
Like many states across the country, the State of Florida has made it their position to help protect the homeowner from any serious consequences from poor and untrained workmanship. Their involvement ensures that the work you are having completed will be done by contractors who have proven to the state that they are legitimate and capable.
Can you give me some cost estimates over the phone or do we need to meet?
We can only give you some very basic cost estimates over the phone. Each job is different with its own unique conditions and site situations. All these factors can and will effect the cost to complete the work.
I enjoyed working with the designer for our landscape, but will we ever see him during the construction of our job?
Yes, your designer will be onsite to ensure that each stage of the project is going as planned.
When you start the job, will the work continue until finished?
Yes, we will not start your project until we are ready to continue through to the end. The only thing that can delay the project would be weather, unforeseen obstructions, product delay or homeowner changes or delay.
We have a lot of work we would like to have done. Will you be able to run the job for us so the work is completed in the proper order?
Quite often we will act as a project manager to help the homeowner make sure that the different trades have the opportunity to install their work at the correct time.
We really don’t know or just can’t envision what we want. Can you help us?
Absolutely! We will offer to create for you a 3 Dimensional computerized design. Our software program has helped thousands to envision what their project will look like before any work has begun.
Is there a charge for a 3D Design?
Yes. If you are hiring us only to prepare a design for you to send out to bid, the price of the design will depend on the extent of the work. Minimum charge of $500.00 can be expected.
No. If you set a realistic budget with us and commit to using our build services, you will not be charged for the design. However, you will be charged for the design if you decide not to move forward with the work after the design process has begun.
Will you be obtaining any necessary permits from the city for the work to be done?
Yes, that’s part of our job. We will check with your city to obtain the necessary licenses and permits. We will also call for the required inspections as needed and when completed, will give you the city job card for you to store in your files. However, all permit fees will be your responsibility.
Is it ok if I try to complete some of the work myself?
That’s up to you, but we do need to be careful. Most times this will delay the finish date because we will need to move on to another project while we wait for you to finish your work.
Will your proposal for our job be just a single price, lump sum total?
No. Our job proposals will list all the different phases of work to be completed and their individual costs. Sometimes the proposal will also have optional costs for you to choose from. There are times a homeowner is not able to afford to complete the entire project. In that case, we will work with you and your budget to help you understand the work that should be done first and what work can be done at a later time without damaging the new work that had been installed.
May I contact some of your references?
It’s never a problem with us, but we will always need to check with our client first. If they don’t mind, then we will pass on any contact information to you.
