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Testimonials
Expert Front Yard Makeover Contractors in New Haven County, CT
Excellence Masonry and Contracting offers expert front yard makeovers throughout New Haven County. Whether you need a new walkway in Milford or a full landscape renovation in Southbury, we deliver high-quality results.
An impactful front yard makeover strategically guides the eye and creates a clear, welcoming sense of arrival. Our designs often focus on creating a generously sized, elegant main walkway and a planting scheme that frames, rather than hides, your home's architecture. We solve common problems like awkward foundation plantings or a lack of year-round interest by using a layered approach with a backbone of evergreen shrubs, supplemented by seasonal perennials and landscape lighting. The goal is to create a cohesive, polished composition that has curb appeal in every season and enhances your home's best features.
Why Choose Us?
There are many construction, landscaping, outdoor living, and design companies to choose from- here is what makes us different.
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Our Approach is Thorough and Integrated- no stone is left unturned, and as a design-build company, we have an unmatched ability to assess, plan, and execute projects efficiently.
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The Team We Have is Experienced and Robust- our construction team is comprised of experts who are our family, friends, as well as long-time employees and subcontractors. Our company sprouted from a family business started 25+ years ago, and some members of our crew have more than 50 years of experience.
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Industry-Leading Warranties and a Client for Life Guarantee- on new installations and applicable repairs, we provide warranties well beyond State minimums, and well beyond what most construction, landscaping, masonry, or other companies offer. Our client for life guarantee means that we intend to stand by you and our work, for the life of our business. Our goal is to provide many services and complete many projects for you and the people you know over time. With this intention, we will always be available to address issues, make repairs, or provide maintenance for completed projects- regardless of warranty terms.
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Transparency and Consistent Communication- with us, all cards are on the table from our first conversation, through the end of the project. We want to provide you with all pertinent details, considerations, and options so you are educated and completely in control of your project and your money. Throughout the project, we uphold this commitment to transparency and communication by providing daily updates and informing you of any changes or new information immediately.
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Commitment to Professional Responsibility and Top-Quality- in our view, it is our responsibility to ensure your project is done to the highest possible standard within your budget and within the parameters of feasibility. You will not feel like it is "on you" to know what's best or to manage the project when you work with us, which is a common complaint we hear from clients' past experiences. We also have a commitment to top quality, which we display in our work, our team, our industry partners, and our process.
Our Approach to Projects
Of course, every project and every situation is different, and so is our approach.. Below is a general and simplified outline of our process. We can also bid and build to your preexisting plan or design.
1.
Discovery/Consultation
We start with a conversation to understand your intent for the project, assess your property, and determine the best next step- usually a rough estimate, quote or design agreement. Rough pricing, options, and preliminary considerations are discussed. Email, call or fill the form below to get in touch!
2.
Design / Planning
The design and planning phase is where we value engineer your project- and establish the scope of work, project pricing, and our installation/construction plan. This phase will look a bit different for each project and each scenario, with some requiring more design and pre-construction work than others.
3.
Construction
This is when the proposed plan comes to life! Expect a stress-free, transparent, and efficient construction experience due to our thorough design and planning process and consistent communication. Our team respects you, your project, and your property.
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Walk-Thru & Clean-Up
After the project is completed, we will walk through the project to go over any pertinent information and maintenance information, as well as to confirm that the project is completed as expected.
FAQ's
What is typically included in a front yard makeover?
A full front yard makeover is a comprehensive project that can include a new walkway and front steps, new foundation plantings and garden beds, landscape lighting, lawn repair or replacement, and masonry features like columns or retaining walls. The goal is to create a cohesive, beautiful, and welcoming entrance.
Does a front yard makeover increase my home's value?
Absolutely. Enhancing your home's curb appeal provides one of the highest returns on investment of any home improvement project. A professionally designed and installed front landscape makes a powerful first impression on guests and potential buyers.
What is the most important element to focus on in a front yard design?
While every element is important, the walkway and front entrance are the primary focal points. A well-designed, safe, and inviting walkway guides visitors to your door and sets the tone for your entire property. We often start the design process there.
How can you design a low-maintenance front yard?
We focus on 'smart' design choices. This includes selecting hardy, slow-growing shrubs and perennials that don't require constant pruning, using high-quality hardscapes like pavers or natural stone that are durable, and applying a thick layer of mulch in garden beds to suppress weeds.
Can a front yard makeover be done in phases?
Yes. If you have a large project in mind, it can often be broken down into logical phases. For example, we could install the main walkway and steps in year one, and then address new plantings and landscape lighting in year two. We can create a master plan that allows for this flexibility.
Does a front yard makeover increase my home's value?
Absolutely. Enhancing your home's curb appeal provides one of the highest returns on investment of any home improvement project. A professionally designed and installed front landscape makes a powerful first impression on guests and potential buyers.
Can a front yard makeover be done in phases?
Yes. If you have a large project in mind, it can often be broken down into logical phases. For example, we could install the main walkway and steps in year one, and then address new plantings and landscape lighting in year two. We can create a master plan that allows for this flexibility.
What is the most important element to focus on in a front yard design?
While every element is important, the walkway and front entrance are the primary focal points. A well-designed, safe, and inviting walkway guides visitors to your door and sets the tone for your entire property. We often start the design process there.
How can you design a low-maintenance front yard?
We focus on 'smart' design choices. This includes selecting hardy, slow-growing shrubs and perennials that don't require constant pruning, using high-quality hardscapes like pavers or natural stone that are durable, and applying a thick layer of mulch in garden beds to suppress weeds.
What is typically included in a front yard makeover?
A full front yard makeover is a comprehensive project that can include a new walkway and front steps, new foundation plantings and garden beds, landscape lighting, lawn repair or replacement, and masonry features like columns or retaining walls. The goal is to create a cohesive, beautiful, and welcoming entrance.