Larger projects are billed against clear milestones tied to progress, not arbitrary dates. This keeps payment aligned with the work actually delivered, and gives you a transparent view of where both the project and the budget stand at any point.
Milestones & allowances
A typical schedule is built around a few predictable stages. The exact structure is laid out in your agreement before any work begins.
- Deposit — secures your place in the schedule and funds the procurement of materials and plants.
- Progress milestones — align with completed phases of work, such as site services, structural installation or planting.
- Allowances — cover selections that are finalized during the project, like specific stone, plants or lighting.
- Change orders — document any agreed adjustments to scope, with cost and schedule impact noted before work proceeds.
Why milestones, not dates
Tying payments to progress protects everyone. You pay for work as it is delivered, and the project stays funded through each phase without large lump sums sitting ahead of the work. It also makes the relationship between scope, budget and schedule easy to see.
How allowances work
Some selections are best made during the project, once you can see the space taking shape. An allowance sets a budget for those items now and is reconciled against your final choices later — so the estimate stays realistic while you keep flexibility on the details.
Tracking and transparency
Everything is tracked and visible. Decisions, allowances and any changes are documented, so you always know what has been spent, what is committed and what remains. If anything affects the budget, we raise it before it happens — never after.