Pools are great places for family and friends to enjoy each other’s company on hot summer days. Land & Water Design is dedicated to helping people have such wonderful experiences. But, for those living in these Virginia and Maryland counties: Fairfax, Prince William, Montgomery, Carroll, Howard; and Anne Arundel counties, here is some very important information for you to understand when planning your pool’s project.
Essentially, these counties have very strict environmental regulations and getting construction plans through the review process is, frankly, not easy. The important details about these regulations will be spelled out below, but first, here are some broad guidelines that must be understood by homeowners when they start their planning processes.
First and most important, start planning early. For a pool & hardscape too be ready by next summer, you need to contact Land & Water Design in September or October. Your registered landscape architects will need a minimum of four to six weeks to develop your plans. From there, they will go through the long review process described above. As this process continues, be prepared for unanticipated changes or delays. Your architect will be on hand to explain to them as they occur. Also, be prepared for review expenses. Have them explained as thoroughly as possible during the design development phase so there will be fewer surprises later.
Process Outlined
Upon contracting with Land & Water Design, our design team will outline exactly what your county will require to bring your vision to reality. The county review process for example, in Fairfax County, can take on the average 3-6 months to review and approve your plans. This is especially true when it comes to swimming pools and complex hardscapes.
Next, expenses, when planning your project it is important to note the upfront expenses. They will include the initial landscape architectural design fees ($5K-$15K+), civil engineer & surveying fees ($10K+) Conservation & Utility Bonds ($2K-$10K) and Building Permits ($2K). Any required bonds will be returned when the project has been given an approved final inspection.
All of this information is not to scare you. It is to help you understand how much time and costs are needed to design your project and see it through to approval. Once approved, a building permit will be issued and before you know it you will be enjoying your new pool and all of its surrounding amenities.
Now that we have outlined the process to design and build your pool project, what better time to contact Land & Water Design to start you developing your master plan now? We are here to help you every step of the way, starting from your ideas to your pool.
Last, to talk to a Land & Water Design’s owner and registered landscape architect, Don Nesmith, call our office at 571 758 5730 or fill out the contact form on our website to schedule a free on-site consultation.
