Search results for "Common law" in Home Design Ideas

Model: Cascade Traditional. This traditional, 378 square-foot Kabin has a laundry room and a fully vaulted loft. It also features a common room with a vaulted ceiling to maximize space, 1 bathroom, and a 40 sq. ft. covered porch. This backyard cottage is constructed to Built Green’s 4-star standards.

Model: Cascade Traditional. This traditional, 378 square-foot Kabin has a laundry room and a fully vaulted loft. It also features a common room with a vaulted ceiling to maximize space, 1 bathroom, and a 40 sq. ft. covered porch. This backyard cottage is constructed to Built Green’s 4-star standards.

Like many West Coast cities, Seattle is facing a severe housing shortage at a time when labor and material costs have skyrocketed. Combined with a lack of available dirt, housing vacancy rates stubbornly hover under 5%.
A response to this housing perfect storm has been the evolution of a new housing prototype called a detached Auxiliary Dwelling Unit (DADU). This is commonly referred to as a Mother-in-Law (MIL) unit. As the name implies, this is a small, self-contained housing type that allows for additional housing to be built on an existing lot, creating greater density within our urban fabric. Generally thought of as either starter housing or aging-in-place concepts, these are extremely efficient floor plans that squeeze all the basic living functions into a compact space while envisioning the urban fabric as one's living room. In the case of our little DADU, our footprint is 20' x 20' and provides a ground level garage/music studio and an upper level apartment.
The misconception of these structure - thanks in large part to the misinformation campaign of the Not-So-Big-House movement - is the smaller translates into cheaper. Since these are essentially small houses, the truth is these are very expensive structures on a cost/sf basis. We conceptualized this structure as inexpensively as we could think of and it still ended up costing more than $400,000 or around $500/sf.
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Like many West Coast cities, Seattle is facing a severe housing shortage at a time when labor and material costs have skyrocketed. Combined with a lack of available dirt, housing vacancy rates stubbornly hover under 5%.
A response to this housing perfect storm has been the evolution of a new housing prototype called a detached Auxiliary Dwelling Unit (DADU). This is commonly referred to as a Mother-in-Law (MIL) unit. As the name implies, this is a small, self-contained housing type that allows for additional housing to be built on an existing lot, creating greater density within our urban fabric. Generally thought of as either starter housing or aging-in-place concepts, these are extremely efficient floor plans that squeeze all the basic living functions into a compact space while envisioning the urban fabric as one's living room. In the case of our little DADU, our footprint is 20' x 20' and provides a ground level garage/music studio and an upper level apartment.
The misconception of these structure - thanks in large part to the misinformation campaign of the Not-So-Big-House movement - is the smaller translates into cheaper. Since these are essentially small houses, the truth is these are very expensive structures on a cost/sf basis. We conceptualized this structure as inexpensively as we could think of and it still ended up costing more than $400,000 or around $500/sf.

This expansive kitchen was done by Bilotta senior designer in collaboration with Nancy Epstein, founder and CEO of Artistic Tile, for Nancy’s son and daughter-in-law’s home. Frameless Rutt Regency cabinetry is featured in two different finishes: linen white paint on the perimeter and stained walnut on the island. Almost all surfaces are Calacatta Gold marble but in a variety of formats and finishes, obviously all by Artistic Tile. The backsplash, including the dramatic arched wall the houses the range and hood, features elongated brick tiles with a honed finish. The underside of the arch is lined with polished mosaics and the countertops are 2” thick slabs, polished. The flooring is the only surface in a different material – for that they used Artistic Tile’s “Vestige Ash”, a limestone with a brushed finish in a chevron pattern that creates texture and really shows the stone’s veining. In an article in Traditional Home, written by Amy Elbert, Nancy commented, “Everything has some weight, some girth to it. A common design mistake is making things too skinny. You want to feel the tile’s majesty and its beauty.” Rita added, “We always played with a delicate balance between contemporary and traditional elements.” The two stainless steel undermount sinks are Franke with Dornbracht faucets. There are various different work zones making it also a very functional space, aside from being sophisticated and elegant overall. There is the cooking area with the 36” range and custom hood on one wall; the island holds the main sink and a dishwasher; another wall houses the full height, 36” wide stainless steel refrigerator and freezer; and the sink wall (with a beautiful view to the backyard) has another dishwasher as well as refrigerator drawers. The circular dining table for six is by Zoffany and the chairs are “Normandie” by Artistic Frame with Duralee fabric.
Photo Credit Francesco Lagnese

This expansive kitchen was done by Bilotta senior designer in collaboration with Nancy Epstein, founder and CEO of Artistic Tile, for Nancy’s son and daughter-in-law’s home. Frameless Rutt Regency cabinetry is featured in two different finishes: linen white paint on the perimeter and stained walnut on the island. Almost all surfaces are Calacatta Gold marble but in a variety of formats and finishes, obviously all by Artistic Tile. The backsplash, including the dramatic arched wall the houses the range and hood, features elongated brick tiles with a honed finish. The underside of the arch is lined with polished mosaics and the countertops are 2” thick slabs, polished. The flooring is the only surface in a different material – for that they used Artistic Tile’s “Vestige Ash”, a limestone with a brushed finish in a chevron pattern that creates texture and really shows the stone’s veining. In an article in Traditional Home, written by Amy Elbert, Nancy commented, “Everything has some weight, some girth to it. A common design mistake is making things too skinny. You want to feel the tile’s majesty and its beauty.” Rita added, “We always played with a delicate balance between contemporary and traditional elements.” The two stainless steel undermount sinks are Franke with Dornbracht faucets. There are various different work zones making it also a very functional space, aside from being sophisticated and elegant overall. There is the cooking area with the 36” range and custom hood on one wall; the island holds the main sink and a dishwasher; another wall houses the full height, 36” wide stainless steel refrigerator and freezer; and the sink wall (with a beautiful view to the backyard) has another dishwasher as well as refrigerator drawers. The circular dining table for six is by Zoffany and the chairs are “Normandie” by Artistic Frame with Duralee fabric.
Photo Credit Francesco Lagnese

A classical garage conversion to an ADU (Guest unit). This 524sq. garage was a prime candidate for such a transformation due to the extra 100+sq. that is not common with most detached garage units.
This extra room allowed us to design the perfect layout of 1br+1.5bath.
The bathrooms were designed in the classical European layout of main bathroom to house the shower, the vanity and the laundry machines while a secondary smaller room houses the toilet and an additional small wall mounted vanity, this layout is perfect for entertaining guest in the small backyard guest unit.
The kitchen is a single line setup with room for full size appliances.
The main Livingroom and kitchen area boasts high ceiling with exposed Elder wood beam cover and many windows to welcome the southern sun rays into the living space.

Like many West Coast cities, Seattle is facing a severe housing shortage at a time when labor and material costs have skyrocketed. Combined with a lack of available dirt, housing vacancy rates stubbornly hover under 5%.
A response to this housing perfect storm has been the evolution of a new housing prototype called a detached Auxiliary Dwelling Unit (DADU). This is commonly referred to as a Mother-in-Law (MIL) unit. As the name implies, this is a small, self-contained housing type that allows for additional housing to be built on an existing lot, creating greater density within our urban fabric. Generally thought of as either starter housing or aging-in-place concepts, these are extremely efficient floor plans that squeeze all the basic living functions into a compact space while envisioning the urban fabric as one's living room. In the case of our little DADU, our footprint is 20' x 20' and provides a ground level garage/music studio and an upper level apartment.
The misconception of these structure - thanks in large part to the misinformation campaign of the Not-So-Big-House movement - is the smaller translates into cheaper. Since these are essentially small houses, the truth is these are very expensive structures on a cost/sf basis. We conceptualized this structure as inexpensively as we could think of and it still ended up costing more than $400,000 or around $500/sf.

A classical garage conversion to an ADU (Guest unit). This 524sq. garage was a prime candidate for such a transformation due to the extra 100+sq. that is not common with most detached garage units.
This extra room allowed us to design the perfect layout of 1br+1.5bath.
The bathrooms were designed in the classical European layout of main bathroom to house the shower, the vanity and the laundry machines while a secondary smaller room houses the toilet and an additional small wall mounted vanity, this layout is perfect for entertaining guest in the small backyard guest unit.
The kitchen is a single line setup with room for full size appliances.
The main Livingroom and kitchen area boasts high ceiling with exposed Elder wood beam cover and many windows to welcome the southern sun rays into the living space.

These clients had a need to create an accessible space for their aging family at their home. Approximately 1000 SF of single story living space was added onto their house, as well as large common space and an accessible bathroom with roll in shower.

I was asked to design a kitchen of a house that was built by the owner in 1952 and the only changes that had been done to the kitchen over the years was the floor. The challenge was to come up with a design that was to please not only the 89 and 92 year old owners, but also their son and daughter-in-law. After doing extensive research, I came up with a kitchen that has made both the owners and the children ecstatic.

This wonderful, architecturally significant, home is loaded with charm & character. Built by the Excelsior Amusement Park architect, it’s a widely sought after all-brick American Craftsman with extensive detail to attention, handcrafted design, meticulous workmanship, and the use of natural materials. The attractive design features 9 ft ceilings, window seats, prominent porches, and wide roof overhangs with exposed rafter tails & brackets and beams. The home is well kept and nicely updated with generous room sizes, open kitchen, and a flowing layout. The lower level offers a great apartment style in-law suite with 2nd kitchen and separate private exterior entrance at the walk out level patio, perfect for rental or high-demand Excelsior Airbnb. The nearly half-acre large yard has ample space for expansion and features an oversized 2car garage. A short walk to downtown Excelsior restaurants and shopping, Excelsior Commons, and Lake Minnetonka with resident boat slip allotment program.

This wonderful, architecturally significant, home is loaded with charm & character. Built by the Excelsior Amusement Park architect, it’s a widely sought after all-brick American Craftsman with extensive detail to attention, handcrafted design, meticulous workmanship, and the use of natural materials. The attractive design features 9 ft ceilings, window seats, prominent porches, and wide roof overhangs with exposed rafter tails & brackets and beams. The home is well kept and nicely updated with generous room sizes, open kitchen, and a flowing layout. The lower level offers a great apartment style in-law suite with 2nd kitchen and separate private exterior entrance at the walk out level patio, perfect for rental or high-demand Excelsior Airbnb. The nearly half-acre large yard has ample space for expansion and features an oversized 2car garage. A short walk to downtown Excelsior restaurants and shopping, Excelsior Commons, and Lake Minnetonka with resident boat slip allotment program.

Model: Cascade Modern. This modern, 378 square-foot Kabin features a laundry room, partially vaulted loft, a common room with vaulted ceiling to maximize space, 1 bathroom and a 40 sq. ft. covered porch. This backyard cottage is constructed to Built Green’s 4-star standards.

Effective residential construction project management is crucial in today’s fast-moving building industry. It means overseeing every step of building a home, from planning to finishing, to ensure projects are completed time, within budget, and with high quality. Unlike commercial projects, residential projects require special attention to meet homeowners' unique needs and wishes, requiring a customized approach from the beginning to the end.
In 2025, the construction sector will use advanced technologies like AI and integrated project delivery (IPD) to streamline processes and improve stakeholder collaboration. However, project managers face significant challenges, including managing risks, maintaining quality control, and ensuring effective communication among team members.
A WIP Report (Work-in-Progress Report) is a key tool that helps track a project's budget, progress, and resource use. It provides clear insights, making managing costs easier, avoiding delays, and making informed decisions.
By adopting best practices and using modern construction management tools, project managers can overcome these challenges and deliver successful residential construction projects that meet client expectations and contribute to a sustainable future.
This article provides a brief overview of residential construction project management, highlights its importance, and touches on the challenges faced by project managers while incorporating the latest trends and technologies in the field.
Types of Residential Construction Management
Here are the different types of Residential Construction Management:
Single-Family Homes: These are standalone houses built for individual families. Managing these projects involves overseeing construction from planning to completion, ensuring that the home meets the owner's preferences and budget.
Multi-Family Housing: This includes apartments, condominiums, and townhouses. Projects of this type require managing multiple units, often with shared facilities, and ensuring compliance with local building codes.
Custom Home Building: This involves constructing homes tailored to specific client needs. Close collaboration with architects and designers is required to ensure the house reflects the owner's personality and preferences.
Home Renovation and Remodeling: These projects focus on updating or expanding existing homes. They often involve working with subcontractors for specialized tasks like electrical or plumbing work.
Components of Residential Construction Project Management
Managing a residential construction project requires carefully coordinating people, materials, and timelines. A well-structured approach ensures efficiency, cost control, and high-quality results.
Roles and Responsibilities
A project manager plays a vital role in residential construction. They oversee every step from planning to completion and ensure the project stays on schedule, within budget, and meets quality standards.
Project Manager’s Role in Home Construction
The project manager is responsible for organizing tasks, managing resources, and solving problems that arise during construction. They coordinate between different teams, track progress, and ensure safety regulations are followed.
Collaboration with Contractors, Architects, and Stakeholders
Successful residential construction requires teamwork. Project managers work closely with architects to bring designs to new heights, coordinate with contractors to manage labor and materials, and keep stakeholders (such as homeowners and investors) informed about project updates.
Client Communication and Expectations Management
Clear communication with clients is essential. The project manager keeps homeowners updated on timelines, changes, and challenges. Setting realistic expectations and providing regular updates, they help avoid misunderstandings and keep the project running smoothly.
Project Scope & Planning
Practical project planning sets the foundation for a successful residential construction project. It ensures clear goals, minimizes risks, and keeps the project on track.
Defining Project Objectives and Deliverables:
Clearly outlining what needs to be done and what the final result should look like is essential. This involves setting specific, measurable goals that align with the homeowner's vision and budget.
Managing Homeowner Expectations and Scope Creep:
Homeowners often have changing needs or ideas. Effective project managers must manage these expectations to prevent "scope creep," which can delay projects and increase costs. This involves open communication and setting clear boundaries.
Ensuring Compliance with Zoning Laws and Permits:
Before construction begins, it's crucial to ensure that all necessary permits are obtained and that the project complies with local zoning laws. This step avoids costly fines and delays, ensuring the project moves forward smoothly.
Budgeting & Cost Control
Proper budgeting is essential for keeping residential construction projects financially viable. Effective cost management prevents overspending and ensures profitability.
Accurate Cost Estimation for Residential Projects
A precise cost estimate considers labor, materials, permits, and unexpected expenses. Using historical data and Sage 300 CRE for financial management improves accuracy and helps set realistic budgets.
Budget Allocation and Tracking
Allocating funds efficiently ensures that each phase of the project receives the necessary resources. Tracking expenses through Construction & Financial Dashboards allows for real-time monitoring and early detection of budget deviations.
Preventing Budget Overruns
Uncontrolled costs can derail a project. Regular financial reviews, automated alerts for overspending, and contingency planning help keep expenses in check and prevent financial strain.
Scheduling & Timeline Management
Timely project completion is crucial in residential construction. Effective scheduling minimizes delays and ensures a smooth workflow.
Creating Detailed Project Schedules
A structured schedule outlines all tasks, deadlines, and dependencies. Breaking down the project into phases, planning, execution, and finishing, helps maintain order and clarity.
Preventing Delays & Meeting Deadlines
Delays can result from labor shortages, weather conditions, or supply chain issues. To avoid problems, it’s good to check for risks ahead of time, add extra time to schedules, and keep everyone on the same page.
Using Gantt Charts and Critical Path Methods
CPM for Construction helps identify critical activities that directly impact project completion, while Gantt charts provide a visual timeline of tasks. Both tools optimize scheduling and improve efficiency.
Residential Construction Project Management Phases
Managing a residential construction project effectively requires a structured approach through various phases. Each phase plays a critical role in ensuring the project's success, from initial planning to completion.
Pre-Construction Phase
The pre-construction phase sets the foundation for a smooth and efficient building process. Proper planning at this stage helps prevent costly changes and delays later.
Site Analysis & Approvals: A thorough site analysis assesses soil conditions, topography, and environmental factors. Feasibility studies evaluate project viability, including costs and regulatory compliance. Obtaining zoning approvals, permits, and other legal clearances is crucial before breaking ground.
Selecting Materials and Procurement Strategies: Choosing the right materials impacts durability, sustainability, and cost efficiency. A well-planned procurement strategy, including bulk purchasing and reliable supplier partnerships, ensures timely delivery and cost savings. Using Sage 300 CRE for procurement management helps streamline material sourcing and financial planning.
Construction Phase
The construction phase transforms plans into reality. Effective coordination and strict quality control ensure a successful build.
Resource Allocation and Workflow Coordination: Efficiently managing labor, equipment, and materials is key to maintaining progress. Using CPM for Construction, project managers can allocate resources strategically, prevent bottlenecks, and optimize workflows for timely completion.
Project Closeout & Handover
The final phase of residential construction project management is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition from construction to occupancy. Proper closeout procedures guarantee quality, client satisfaction, and long-term project success.
Final Inspections and Quality Assurance: Before finishing the project, a final inspection checks that everything meets safety rules and quality standards. Any problems need to be fixed quickly. Using Procore helps make inspections and tracking issues easier, ensuring a high-quality final product.
Client Walkthrough and Support: A final check helps homeowners see the finished work, ask questions, and make sure it meets their expectations. This is also a chance to explain important home features and maintenance tips. Good communication here builds trust and strengthens relationships.
Warranty Management and Feedback: Efficient warranty management ensures clients get quick help for any issues after construction. A clear process for tracking requests and keeping in touch with homeowners boosts satisfaction. Collecting feedback helps improve future projects. Using S-Curve Forecasting tracks performance trends and refines management strategies.
Software for Residential Construction Project Management
The integration of technology in residential construction project management has revolutionized the way projects are planned, executed, and monitored. Digital tools streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve communication, making them essential for modern construction firms.
Importance of Digital Tools
Investing in digital tools is crucial for construction firms as it transforms the industry by enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration across the entire project lifecycle. They also improve project management by streamlining processes, automating tasks, and facilitating real-time stakeholder communication.
Top Construction Management Software for Residential Projects
Several software solutions are available for managing residential construction projects:
Procore: Known for its comprehensive project management features, including document management and collaboration tools.
Sage 300 CRE: Offers robust accounting and financial management capabilities, ideal for large-scale construction projects.
Buildertrend: Specializes in residential construction, providing tools for project scheduling, budgeting, and client communication.
CoConstruct: Focuses on custom home building and remodeling, offering features for estimating, scheduling, and project management.
WIP Reports: Useful for tracking work-in-progress and managing project finances effectively.
Features Comparison and Best Use Cases:
Procore: Best for large projects requiring extensive collaboration and document management.
Sage 300 CRE: Ideal for firms needing robust financial management.
Buildertrend: Suitable for residential builders focusing on client communication and project scheduling.
CoConstruct: Perfect for custom home builders who need detailed estimating and scheduling tools.
WIP Reports: Useful for firms needing to track project finances closely.
How Software Improves Project Efficiency
Construction management software significantly enhances project efficiency in several ways:
Automating Accounting and Job Costing: Software like Sage 300 CRE automates financial tasks, reducing manual errors and improving budget tracking.
Streamlining Document Management and Communication: Tools like Procore centralize documents and facilitate real-time communication among team members, reducing misunderstandings and delays.
Mobile-Friendly Solutions for Real-Time Tracking: Mobile apps from platforms like Buildertrend allow for on-site access to project data, enabling real-time tracking and decision-making.
These digital tools and software solutions are essential for modern residential construction project management, offering benefits such as improved efficiency, enhanced collaboration, and better financial control.
Challenges in Residential Construction Project Management
Residential construction projects face a variety of challenges that can impact their success. Here are some of the key issues project managers encounter:
Managing Subcontractors and Labor Shortages
One of the biggest challenges in residential construction is managing subcontractors and dealing with labor shortages. Subcontractors often have their own schedules and priorities, which can lead to delays if not coordinated properly. Additionally, labor shortages can slow down projects and increase costs due to the need for overtime or hiring temporary workers.
Budget Overruns and Unexpected Costs
Budget overruns are common in residential construction due to factors like material price fluctuations, unexpected site conditions, or changes in project scope. Effective budget management involves regularly monitoring expenses and having contingency plans for unexpected costs.
Changing Construction and Eco Rules
Construction and Eco Rules are always changing, so project managers need to keep up with the latest regulations. This involves following guidelines for saving energy, protecting the environment, and ensuring safety. Ignoring these rules can lead to fines, delays, or even stopping the project.
Best Practices
To ensure your residential construction projects run smoothly and successfully, follow these essential best practices:
Setting Clear Project Goals and Milestones
Clearly defining what you want to achieve is the first step to success. Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. This helps everyone involved understand what needs to be done and by when. For example, instead of saying "build a house," say "build a house with three bedrooms and two bathrooms within the next nine months."
Stakeholder Collaboration
Good communication is key to keeping everyone on the same page. Regular meetings with contractors, suppliers, and homeowners help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that everyone knows what's happening and what's next. This open dialogue also helps resolve issues quickly, preventing small problems from becoming big delays.
Using Data-Driven Insights for Decision-Making
Making decisions based on facts rather than guesses is crucial. Use data and analytics to understand project progress, identify potential issues early, and make informed decisions. For instance, if data shows that a particular material is consistently causing delays, you can plan ahead to avoid those delays in the future.
Proactive Risk Management Strategies
Things don't always go as planned, so being prepared is essential. Identify potential risks early and have a plan to manage them. This might include having backup suppliers, planning for weather conditions, or setting aside extra funds for unexpected expenses. Being proactive can prevent small issues from turning into major problems.
Conclusion
Effective residential construction project management requires careful planning, clear communication, and the right digital tools. From single-family homes to multi-family housing and custom projects, managing timelines, budgets, and quality is essential for success.
By following best practices, using project management software, and staying ahead of industry trends, project managers can ensure smooth execution and client satisfaction despite challenges like labor shortages, budget overruns, and regulatory compliance; modern technology and strategic planning help mitigate risks.
Construction firms can improve efficiency, enhance collaboration, and maintain financial control by adopting advanced tools like Procore, Sage 300 CRE, and Buildertrend. A well-managed project delivers a quality home and builds trust and long-term success in the industry.
FAQs
What is residential construction project management?
It involves overseeing all aspects of building residential properties, from initial planning and design to construction and completion, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the desired quality standards.
How can I prevent budget overruns in my construction project?
Accurate cost estimation, continuous budget tracking, and having contingency plans for unexpected expenses are key strategies to prevent budget overruns.
What are the main stages of a residential construction project?
The primary stages include design, pre-construction, procurement, and construction.
How does construction management software improve project efficiency?
It streamlines processes like scheduling, budgeting, and communication, providing real-time data access and collaboration among stakeholders, which enhances overall project efficiency.
How can I ensure my project complies with local building codes and regulations?
Engage professionals familiar with local laws, obtain all necessary permits before starting, and conduct regular inspections to ensure adherence to building codes and regulations.

After years of searching for the perfect spot to build their cabin in Hood River Valley, Oregon, Risa discovered a defunct state park for sale known as Dimmick Park. Originally spanning 22 acres, the park had been flooded in the 1980s and was later traded to the Western River Conservancy. To protect the East Fork of the Hood River that boarders the property, the conservancy imposed restrictions on the deed before listing it for sale.
Risa and her family, along with her brother-in-law’s family teamed up to purchase the property. They chose the cabin’s site to take advantage of the best possible view of the majestic Mt. Hood to the south. For several years, the two families camped on the land in a vintage Airstream and a refurbished shipping container while designing and building the house. Construction began shortly after the COVID-19 shutdown in 2020, and the cabin took shape with the help of subcontractors and a lot of sweat equity.
Designed to accommodate the two families as a weekend retreat, the cabin features a bedroom and bathroom at each end and a double-height living space in between. An upper level includes a den and a bunk room connected by a steel and wood staircase and bridge. The house opens up to a view overlooking a meadow, complemented by an in-ground pool and a cedar hot tub that enhance the outdoor space. The simple form of the house was inspired by the classic barn structures commonly found in the surrounding orchards and farmlands.
With a tight budget, much of the finishing work was completed by the two families themselves. Risa’s brother-in-law, a GC who has a steel shop, fabricated and installed all the metalwork, contributing significantly to the project’s personal and budget-conscious approach.

The homeowner requested MHG Greens&Gardens to “spruce up” their well kept, but overgrown and monotonous garden.
Both, the front and the backyard areas have excellent possibilities for their youngest daughter’s December wedding photo shooting, but they need to be brought into time.
The garden was once the family meeting place, with the endless swimming pool parties, the weekend BBQ’s at the gazebo, but the children left for college, and…
The challenge was to perk up this once a family garden kingdom, it wasn’t going to be an easy road to revitalization. There were thousands of family memories on each corner of this garden.
We drew a plan, first we started in those areas that need to be worked on and that would make a difference, such as the side garden next to the cover patio.
This specific area had several add on throw the years, and they were not too attractive, but extremely need. The home owner had added up to date utilities, solar power equipment and other modern technology necessary. Our challenge was to hide or cover all of them from the human eyes.
We designed a live wall with Firebush, a semi-woody shrub with bright red flowers that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Rain Joe or ‘Sunshine’ Ligustrums were set in the front of the firebush hedge, because they perform well in full sun and are ideal as a low-growing hedge and fast-growing in the landscape.
To add additional interest, we used two boulders and garlanded them with 'Born of Fire' Bromeliads. The plants were bordered with red mulch and zoysia grass.
The gazebo had turn into the temporary storage space. All the outdoor kitchen equipment in the gazebo has been updated and the walkways were festooned.
The existing palms on each gazebo walkways, a native coconut palm tree and a fox tail palm tree were surrounded with zoysia grass, ferns, caladiums, cordylines, and several old Spanish urns, family treasures found hidden in the garden, were creatively placed.
The swimming pool’s back wall area was bejeweled with cordylines, Podocarpus conifers and Poinsettias.
The swimming pool’s water feature and its three tiers of planters were adorned with Crineon (Festival Burgundy Cordyline/ Cordyline x 'JURred') a glossy, exceptionally dark, rich red-burgundy leaves that are spectacular during December (during the weeding days) with its light pink and white blooms and hedged by Café de la India shrubs (Rubiaceae flowering hedge).
The top tier, the crown of the garden was decked with three species of Sansevieria. As I have heard from my childhood years, these plants are commonly known as cow tongue or mother-in-law’s tongue, but I also heard that they were used to attract good luck to the household and ward off evil spirits.
“Without a doubt, that there will be classic and elegant weddings pictures at our spruced up tropical garden” said the father of the bride to MHG Greens&Gardens.

The swimming pool’s water feature and its three tiers of planters were adorned with Crineon (Festival Burgundy Cordyline) a glossy, exceptionally dark, rich red-burgundy leaves that are spectacular during December (weeding days) with its light pink and white blooms and hedge by Café de la India (Rubiaceae flowering hedge) and on the top tier, three species of Sansevieria. As I have heard from my childhood years, the plant is commonly known as cow tongue or mother-in-law’s tongue, used to attract good luck to the household and ward off evil spirits.
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