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rates of 85 percent. Additionally, jobs closed utilizing the Design Studio boasted higher profit margins and fewer complications than other projects. "I was in a competitive bid situation with another contractor," says Jim McCaskey, CLP, of McCaskey Landscape & Design in Chardon, Ohio. "The homeowners chose me because of the 3-D pictures. The Design Studio scanned photos of the home and created a scenario for the client to see exactly what they were getting, down to the trim and color of their house and the view from their kitchen window." Lesson #2: Plan for phases The design also includes an additional patio on the lower level of the property, adjacent to the waterway, which may be added at a later date. This patio includes the Bristol Outdoor Fireplace and two water features from the Belgard Elements Collection. Project Contractor: Jim McCaskey, CLP idea of how to phase out their dream scenario, which creates a long-term relationship between the contractor and the homeowner." Contractors can choose from the free or customized service in the Design Studio. The free service offers several existing design plans that already include 3-D animated fly-throughs, 2-D photorealistic screen shots, project dimensions, and Belgard product materials lists. Or contractors can submit an existing plan and convert their designs into 3-D images with animation.The costs associated with this service start at $99 and vary depending on the project. A recent study conducted by Belgard found that contractors who have used the Design Studio achieved average closure With proper planning, modular outdoor living projects can be seamlessly phased as needed to fit your client's budget. This living room includes 13 separate modules that can be ordered, shipped and installed at various intervals. One way to phase the project would be as follows. Pre-construction: Run a gas line for the fireplace and wiring for lighting and the water pumps. No water lines are required for this project, since these particular water features are self-contained and do not require direct plumbing. Install concrete pads where the fireplace and pillars will eventually be installed. www.landscapeirrigation.com Once the design is finalized, put together a plan for phasing the project that takes into account budget requirements, the existing landscape and homeowners' ideal outdoor space. A typical scenario would be to install the flat surfaces first, then build up and, lastly, embellish. O'Neill offers advice for phasing out this type of scenario. "It's extremely important to know where each element will be placed so that you can account for preconstruction needs," said O'Neill. "Also consider how the space will be used to leave adequate room for function." Phase 1: Install patio over graded property and concrete pads. This patio is designed with Belgard Mega-Arbel and Belgard Mega-Lafitt pavers. Phase 2: Remove pavers from fireplace pad and install fireplace and water features. This example includes five separate modules from the Bristol collection: gas fireplace, chimney, hearth, and two water features. Phase 3: Remove pavers from pillar pads and install walls, pillars, and lighting. This design features six separate wall insets capped with Weston Stone and two Bristol pillars. The walls could be added in sections or installed in a single phase. Landscape and Irrigation 19