What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
At Smarter Scapes LLC, we believe in fair, transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Each project is custom-quoted based on size, scope, and materials. Here’s what you should know:
Free Estimates: We offer free on-site or virtual estimates to assess your needs accurately.
Upfront Pricing: Once we understand the project, we provide a clear, detailed quote so you know exactly what to expect.
No Surprise Charges: We don’t nickel-and-dime you with unexpected charges halfway through.
Material Options: We provide choices at different price points so you can stay within your budget without compromising on quality.
Discounts: We occasionally offer seasonal promotions and package discounts for multi-phase projects—just ask!
Payment Flexibility: We offer structured payment plans on large projects and accept multiple forms of payment.
We’re not the cheapest—and that’s on purpose. We use the right materials and the right crew to get it done right the first time.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
We aim to make working with us easy and stress-free. Here’s what our process looks like:
Initial Contact & Discovery
*********************************************************. We'll ask a few key questions to understand your goals, timeline, and budget.
Site Visit or Virtual Consultation
We schedule a time to see your space in person or virtually. This helps us assess the scope of work and give tailored recommendations.
Design & Proposal
We create a detailed plan and quote based on your needs. This includes materials, timeline, and total cost.
Agreement & Scheduling
Once you approve the proposal, we finalize scheduling, permits (if required), and a deposit to lock in your project start date.
Execution
Our experienced team gets to work. We keep you updated at every step and aim for minimal disruption.
Final Walkthrough
We do a quality inspection with you to ensure everything meets your expectations. We also provide maintenance guidance if applicable.
Follow-Up
Our commitment doesn’t stop when the job is done. We follow up to ensure satisfaction and offer ongoing support if needed.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
At Smarter Scapes LLC, our team brings together decades of hands-on experience and formal training in landscaping, hardscaping, construction, and project management. Here's what sets us apart:
30+ Years of Industry Experience: We've been building and maintaining outdoor spaces since the early 1990s. Our real-world experience spans everything from high-end residential patios to large-scale commercial hardscape installations.
Certified Hardscape Installer Training: Our crew members have completed manufacturer-certified training programs in paver systems, retaining walls, and permeable paving solutions—ensuring your project meets or exceeds industry standards.
Drainage & Erosion Control Education: We’ve trained extensively in water management and grading, which is key to ensuring your investment holds up long term.
Ongoing Equipment & Safety Training: Our team regularly participates in safety and equipment training to stay up to date on best practices, especially with heavy machinery, cutting tools, and mechanical installation systems.
Leadership & Business Development: Our management team also brings business acumen to the table, having taken courses in project management, customer experience, and operations efficiency—so every job is handled professionally from start to finish.
We believe that combining technical know-how with ongoing training and real-world mastery is the best way to deliver outstanding results every time.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
Started cutting grass at just 12 years old to buy my own shirts and shoes—and I never stopped building from there. Over the years, what began as a simple hustle evolved into a passion for transforming outdoor spaces and helping people love where they live.
After high school, I got married, started a family, and worked my way into landscaping and hardscaping full-time. I learned the ropes from the ground up, working long hours and investing in the right tools, people, and training. Eventually, I launched my own company to serve clients who wanted more than cookie-cutter results—they wanted craftsmanship, communication, and creativity.
After that we started more advanced outdoor installations. From there, I began taking on larger projects, expanded into commercial work, and refined my specialty in permeable pavers and mechanical installations.
Smarter Scapes LLC was born from that foundation—with a mission to bring both beauty and function to every project, whether it's a custom paver patio, a driveway overlay, or a full-scale outdoor living design.
What types of customers have you worked with?
We’ve worked with a wide range of clients—each with unique goals, budgets, and properties. Our typical customers include:
Homeowners looking to transform their backyards with patios, fire pits, walkways, or retaining walls.
Real estate investors and Airbnb owners who need durable, guest-ready outdoor spaces that increase curb appeal and booking value.
Commercial property managers who require reliable, code-compliant installations and ongoing maintenance for large-scale hardscape and snow removal projects.
HOAs and developers looking for cohesive outdoor design and professional execution across multiple units or shared community spaces.
Clients with drainage issues who need practical, long-term water management solutions that protect their property.
Whether it's a small front walkway or a large commercial paver overlay, we approach every job with professionalism, clear communication, and a focus on long-lasting results.
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
One recent project we’re especially proud of was a complete backyard transformation for a family in East Nashville. They wanted a low-maintenance space that felt like an extension of their home—somewhere they could relax, entertain, and let their kids play safely.
We designed and installed a multi-level paver patio with integrated seating walls, a fire pit, and subtle lighting. We also corrected some serious grading and drainage issues that had been flooding the yard every time it rained. The final touch was a natural stone walkway and planting beds that softened the edges and made the whole space feel warm and inviting.
The project took just under 3 weeks from start to finish. That included demolition, regrading, base prep, hardscape installation, and the finishing details. Despite a few rain delays, we stayed on track thanks to strong planning and a dedicated crew.
The best part? The family now uses their backyard every single day—and they’ve referred two neighbors to us since!
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Don’t just shop price—shop value. The lowest bid might look good on paper, but if it means cutting corners on prep work, drainage, or material quality, you’ll likely end up paying for it twice.
Here are a few key things we tell customers to look for:
Experience & Reviews: Choose someone who has real-world experience in the type of work you need—and check their reviews, photos, or ask to see a past project.
Clear Communication: A quality contractor should walk you through the process, answer your questions, and provide a detailed quote that covers materials, timelines, and expectations.
Proper Prep is Everything: Whether it's pavers or a retaining wall, what’s underneath is just as important as what’s on top. Ask about base prep, drainage, and compaction.
Licensed & Insured: Always verify credentials. This protects you in case anything goes wrong.
Warranties & Follow-Through: A contractor who stands behind their work is worth their weight in stone (pun intended). Ask if they offer workmanship warranties or post-project support.
At Smarter Scapes LLC, we’re not always the cheapest—but we are committed to doing it right the first time. Your outdoor space is an investment, and you deserve a team that treats it that way.
What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
🧠 1. What’s your vision or goal for the space?
Are you looking for a space to entertain? Solve drainage issues? Add curb appeal? Knowing your "why" helps us guide the design and functionality of the project.
💰 2. What is your budget range?
You don’t need an exact number—but a ballpark helps us make the right recommendations and present options that align with your priorities. We can often phase projects to make them more affordable.
📏 3. How do you want the space to function?
Do you want seating? A grill area? Fire pit? Walkway to the garden? Thinking through usage helps shape the layout and materials.
🛠️ 4. Are there specific materials or styles you love (or hate)?
Knowing if you prefer modern pavers, rustic natural stone, or low-maintenance options gives us a head start on recommendations.
📆 5. When do you want the work completed?
Do you have a special event coming up? Do you want it done before a certain season? Timeline flexibility can affect scheduling and availability.
🚿 6. Are there known issues—like drainage, slopes, or access limitations?
Sharing any past challenges or property quirks upfront helps us plan smarter and avoid surprises.
Asking yourself these questions before meeting with a pro like Smarter Scapes LLC helps you get more accurate estimates, clearer timelines, and better results. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
