Quality Construction Standards

Dreamscapes By MGR want your hardscape and softscape installations to be as beautiful and functional not just the day we complete your job, but 5 and 10 years down the road. To help make this a reality we go above and beyond the normal construction standards and county code requirements. The following are some highlights of a standard Dreamscapes installation:

CONCRETE

WE USE 2500 PSI CONCRETE. YOU GET A SOLID CONCRETE SURFACE THAT IS MORE DURABLE.
Standard is 2000PSI

ALL CONCRETE SUBBASE SHALL BE 2” THICK PEA GRAVEL AND TAMPERED FIRMLY INTO SOIL BEFOR POUR
Many contractors will use standard sand or pea gravel and no compaction. This doesn’t allow for as solid a foundation.

ALL FLAT WORK SHALL RECEIVE A MIN. OF #3 REBAR EVERY 18”O.C BOTH WAYS. THIS GIVES YOU A GOOD SOLID FOUNDATION FOR YOUR CONCRETE.
Standard in the industry is 24” O.C. Some contractors will also use wire mesh in place of rebar. We have found rebar much more reliable over time. Also beware of some inexperienced contractors who just pour the concrete right on the dirt ground! For obvious reasons we wouldn’t recommend this practice.

WE ONLY USE CUSTOM FINISHERS TO FINISH CONCRETE
Most contractors use in house labors that don’t specialize in this field. Are dedication to detail is why this is an important practice. Would you rather have a worker that specializes in concrete finishing doing your job or the laborer that digs the trenches and does it on the side?

NOT ALL CONCRETE IS CREATED EQUAL. WE BUY ONLY THE BEST CONCRETE AVAILABLE FROM PREMIUM CONCRETE SUPPLIERS FOR EACH PROJECT.
Many contractors use the cheapest concrete they can purchase. We have learned from years of experience that using more expensive concrete suppliers gives us a much more reliable and exceptional quality concrete.

WE ADD 3” SLEEVES UNDER CONCRETE FOOTING FOR FUTURE LIGHTING / IRRIGATION / ELECTRICAL ETC…
Many contractors don’t take the thought or time to install these sleeves. This can dramatically affect future upgrades or additions to your landscape.

WE ARE ONE OF THE FEW LANDSCAPE FIRMS THAT SPECIALIZE IN CUSTOM POURED IN-PLACE CONCRETE CAPS

This is a very specialized technique that few contractors offer. If they do, make sure they’re not using a very thin form with no extra detail. You’ll also want to see some of their work and make sure it’s level and smooth. If done right these caps add a unique, rich look to any home landscaping and can be done on all wall caps, steps, fireplace mantle, and pool/spa coping.

SOD

WE ADD 15-15-15 STARTER FERTILIZER W/ GYPSUM & MINERALS
Many contractors just use standard topsoil. This doesn’t give your sod as solid a foundation as our specialty mix. This is important because you want to make sure your new sod has good soil with plenty of nutrients.

WE GRADE SOIL & COMPACT W/ ROLLER FOR PROPER GRADE AND DRAINAGE.
Many contractors don’t spend the time to do this.

LAY DOWN STARTER SEED BEFORE INSTALLATION OF SOD.
Many contractors don’t want to spend the time or expense doing this. This practice allows for a full, healthy lawn with no bare spots.

DRAINAGE

WE USE SDR-35 QUALITY PIPE
Most contractors use Coex plastic pipe. SDR-35 is much thicker than standard Coex pipe and therefore much more durable. While there is no industry standard or county code for the type of pipe used, we believe in using the most robust materials possible.

WE GLUE ALL PARTS OF DRAINAGE SYSTEM.
Many contractors just use fitted parts that can easily separate over time. It’s more time consuming to glue each part, but we’ve found this to be the best route for long-term success.

IRRIGATION

WE TEST WATER PRESSURE TO DETERMINE PROPER QUANITY OF HEADS PER VALVE FOR PROPER COVERAGE.
Many contractors will just guess at this and hope it all comes out okay.

WE USE HIGH END VALVES W/ ANTI-SIPHON
Many contractors use cheap, inferior parts from a local hardware store. We buy all irrigation valves and Schedule 40 plumbing from a professional irrigation supplier.

HIGH END SPRNKLER HEADS W/ KICKERS TO AVOID BREAKAGE
Most contractors use plastic sprinkler heads that are easily broken when kicked or hit with a mower. We use sprinkler heads that incorporate a U-shaped Kicker that gives the head some mobility. The head shouldn’t crack when accidentally kicked or hit.

WE USE ONLY HIGH END IRRIGATION TIMERS
We don’t cut corners like some contractors when it comes to the timer either. We use only high quality timers that will stand the test of time.