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. 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.

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 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. Two decisions: how large you want to go, and what material you want underfoot.

Step 1 — Choose Your Size

Option A

Compact

545 sq ft

500 sq ft patio + 45 sq ft walkway + 224 sq ft gazebo pad.

Option B

Full Design

795 sq ft

750 sq ft patio + 45 sq ft walkway + 224 sq ft gazebo pad.

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. 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. 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.

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. 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.

⭐ Recommended

Mid Tier

Aluminum Hardtop Gazebo (10×12)

$1,179

Full hardtop roof, weather-resistant aluminum frame. Includes netting and curtains. Low maintenance, long lifespan — our top pick for value and livability.

High Tier

Cedar Wood Hardtop Gazebo (13×11)

$1,300 – $3,000+

Premium cedar construction with galvanized steel roof. Larger footprint, highest durability and curb appeal.

A Note on Permits

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

Category 3

Site Prep, Plants & Accessories

Everything that makes the space feel complete — grading, plantings, and the personal touches that make it yours. Fixed-band pricing.

Item	Description
Backyard Leveling & Grading	Foundation work for proper drainage and patio installation.
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 — Zone 7b–8a selected.
Mona's Garden Bed (3×6)	Raised bed with premium soil mix. Ready for herbs, vegetables, or cut flowers.
Container Planters	Decorative containers to frame the patio and shelter.
Reflection Bench	Seating accent placed to capture the best view of the finished space.
Bird Bath	A finishing touch that brings life and movement to the yard.
Irrigation Repair / Upgrade	Existing system repair plus new zone additions for expanded planting areas.

Category 3 — Estimated Range

$8,000 – $14,000

Confirmed pricing provided at the contractor quote stage.

Putting It Together

Four Ready-Made Scenarios

Pre-built combinations representing the most common decision paths. Use as a starting point — or mix and match your own.

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 starts slightly lower than Scenario A because exposed aggregate's low-end rate ($7/sq ft) is a dollar less than standard concrete ($8/sq ft). The recommended option is also the most affordable entry point.

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.

Moving Forward

Next Steps

Once you've reviewed this proposal, here's how we move from menu to momentum.

1

Choose Your Scenario

Tell us which scenario fits best — or mix and match elements. We'll build your custom total.

2

Contractor Quotes

We gather confirmed quotes for your selected scope. You see the numbers before anything is signed.

3

Permit Review

We identify what requires Gwinnett County approval and file before scheduling. Compliance is built in.

4

Project Kickoff

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