Herb & Mona Ricks — Backyard Renovation Proposal

This proposal is built around a simple idea: you should know exactly what you're paying for, and you should get to choose what matters most. Rather than a single fixed bid, we've organized your project into a pricing menu — three categories, each with tiers you control. Pick what fits your priorities and your budget, and we'll build your total from there.

The Vision

What We're Building Together

Your backyard has the bones of something special — and this project is about unlocking it. The goal is a low-maintenance, private outdoor oasis that works for everyday living, quiet mornings, and easy entertaining.

We're talking about a defined patio space with a shelter overhead, thoughtful privacy screening along the perimeter, native plantings that thrive in Georgia's climate without constant attention, and the personal touches — Mona's garden bed, a reflection bench, a bird bath — that make a yard feel like yours.

The project centers on two focal investments: the shelter structure that anchors the outdoor room, and the hardscape that ties the whole space together. Softscape, native plantings, and thoughtful accessories round out the design. Every element has been chosen with your goals in mind: reduce maintenance, increase shade and privacy, and create a space where you can truly relax — now and for years to come.

How This Menu Works

Three Categories. You Choose Each One.

Your project is organized into three independent categories. Select your preferred option in each — then we combine them into your final project total.

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Category 1

Patio & Walkway Surface

Choose your patio size and surface material. Two size options, three material tiers — from standard concrete to premium flagstone.

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Category 2

Shelter Structure

Choose the overhead structure that anchors your outdoor room. Three tiers from an open-top pergola to a premium cedar hardtop gazebo.

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Category 3

Site Prep, Plants & Accessories

Leveling, privacy screening, native plantings, Mona's garden bed, planters, reflection bench, bird bath, and irrigation — all included in one fixed band.

Mix and match from each category — we'll build your custom total from your selections.

Category 1

Patio & Walkway Surface

Your patio is the foundation of the entire outdoor room. This category has two decisions: how large you want to go, and what material you want underfoot. Make both choices independently — we'll price them together.

Step 1 — Choose Your Size

Option A

Compact

545 sq ft

500 sq ft patio + 45 sq ft walkway + 224 sq ft gazebo pad (included in all options).

Option B

Full Design

795 sq ft

750 sq ft patio + 45 sq ft walkway + 224 sq ft gazebo pad (included in all options).

Step 2 — Choose Your Material

Material	Description	Option A — 545 sq ft	Option B — 795 sq ft
Standard Poured Concrete	Clean broom-finished surface. Durable and widely available. Basic slip resistance. Photo coming soon Standard Poured Concrete	$4,360 – $7,630	$6,360 – $11,130
Exposed Aggregate Concrete Recommended	Concrete with embedded stone aggregate. Superior slip resistance, natural beauty, ideal for Georgia wet summers and aging-in-place. Exposed Aggregate — Example A Exposed Aggregate — Example B	$3,815 – $9,810	$5,565 – $14,310
Irregular Stepping Stones (Rio Flagstone)	Natural flagstone-style irregular pavers. Highest visual impact, most labor-intensive. Irregular Stepping Stones / Rio Flagstone	$7,493 – $12,519	$10,930 – $18,261

💡 Why We Recommend Exposed Aggregate

The textured surface is significantly more slip-resistant than standard concrete — important for everyday safety as you enjoy this space for years to come. Georgia's frequent afternoon summer rains make slip resistance a practical concern, not just a preference. And the natural stone aggregate gives the patio a finished, organic look that complements the surrounding plantings beautifully — without the maintenance demands of natural stone.

Category 2

Shelter Structure

The shelter is the anchor of your outdoor room — it defines the space, provides shade and weather protection, and sets the visual tone for the entire backyard. Choose the tier that fits your lifestyle and budget.

Low Tier

All-Wood Pergola (10×12)

$680 – $850

Open-top lattice structure. Classic natural wood look. Provides partial shade and defines the outdoor room. Great entry-level option with timeless appeal.

⭐ Recommended

Mid Tier

Aluminum Hardtop Gazebo (10×12)

$1,179

Full hardtop roof, weather-resistant aluminum frame. Comes with netting and curtains for privacy and insect protection. Low maintenance, long lifespan — and the best value at this price point. Our top pick for value and livability.

High Tier

Cedar Wood Hardtop Gazebo (13×11)

$1,300 – $3,000+

Premium cedar construction with a galvanized steel roof. Larger footprint, highest durability and curb appeal. A statement piece for the backyard.

A Note on Permits

Permanent shelter structures in Gwinnett County may require a building permit depending on footprint and attachment method. FSP Landscapes handles permit identification and filing as part of the project process — no surprises at scheduling time.

Category 3

Site Prep, Plants & Accessories

This category covers everything that makes the space feel complete — the grading and leveling that makes it functional, the plantings that make it beautiful, and the personal touches that make it yours. This is a fixed-band category: one price range covers the full scope below.

Item	Description
Backyard Leveling & Grading	Foundation work for proper drainage and patio installation. Ensures long-term stability.
Green Giant Arborvitae Screening	Privacy planting along the perimeter. Fast-growing, low-maintenance, year-round green.
Native Plant Additions	River birch, white oak, blueberries, oakleaf hydrangeas, ferns — selected for Georgia Zone 7b–8a performance and low maintenance.
Mona's Garden Bed (3×6)	Raised bed with premium soil mix. Ready for herbs, vegetables, or cut flowers.
Container Planters	Decorative containers per design — positioned to frame the patio and shelter.
Reflection Bench	Seating accent placed to capture the best view of the finished space.
Bird Bath	Garden accent — a finishing touch that brings life and movement to the yard.
Irrigation Repair / Upgrade	Existing system repair plus new zone additions to cover expanded planting areas.

Category 3 — Estimated Range

$8,000 – $14,000

This range reflects variability in plant sizing, irrigation complexity, and final accessory selections. Confirmed pricing is provided at the contractor quote stage.

Putting It Together

Four Ready-Made Scenarios

Not sure where to start? We've pre-built four combinations that represent the most common decision paths. Use these as a starting point — or mix and match your own selections from the categories above.

Scenario	Shelter	Patio Surface & Size	Site Prep / Plants	Total Range	Midpoint Est.
A — Entry	Wood Pergola ($680–$850)	Standard Concrete, Compact	$8,000–$14,000	$16,040 – $19,480	~$17,760
B — Recommended ⭐ Best Value	Aluminum Hardtop ($1,179)	Exposed Aggregate, Compact	$8,000–$14,000	$15,994 – $21,989	~$18,992
C — Full Footprint	Aluminum Hardtop ($1,179)	Exposed Aggregate, Full Design	$8,000–$14,000	$17,744 – $26,489	~$22,117
D — Premium	Cedar Hardtop ($1,300–$3,000+)	Stepping Stones, Full Design	$8,000–$14,000	$23,230 – $32,261	~$27,746

ℹ️ A Note on Scenario B's Pricing

Scenario B's starting price is actually slightly lower than Scenario A's — because exposed aggregate's low-end rate ($7/sq ft) is a dollar less than standard concrete's ($8/sq ft). The recommended option is also the most affordable entry point. Quality and value aligned.

All scenarios include Category 3

Site prep, leveling, privacy screening, native plantings, Mona's garden bed, planters, reflection bench, bird bath, and irrigation are included in every scenario. The $8,000–$14,000 band is confirmed at the contractor quote stage.

Moving Forward

Next Steps

We're genuinely excited about what this backyard can become for you both. Once you've had a chance to review this proposal, here's how we move from menu to momentum — we handle the complexity so you don't have to.

1

Choose Your Scenario

Tell us which scenario fits best — or which elements you'd like to adjust. Mix and match from the menu; we'll build your custom total.

2

Contractor Quotes

We gather confirmed quotes for your selected scope — no surprises, no estimates that balloon at contract time. You see the numbers before anything is signed.

3

Permit Review

We identify what requires Gwinnett County approval and file before scheduling. Hardscape, structure, and irrigation permits are handled for you. Compliance is built in, not bolted on.

4

Project Kickoff

Once permits are in hand and materials ordered, we set your start date. Hardscaping first, then softscaping timed for peak Georgia planting season.

"This is a space you'll enjoy every day — and we're here to make the process as smooth as the decision-making."

— The Frankly Spoken Productions Landscape Team