The Novara Landscape Process for Marin and Sonoma Builds
Designed in 3D before construction starts. Built by our own crew. Delivered exactly as designed.
See Your Marin or Sonoma Landscape Before Construction Begins
Most landscape contractors hand you a 2D sketch and a price. You imagine the rest. Then you wait, hope, and find out at the end whether it matches what you pictured.
Novara works differently. Every project starts with a full 3D rendering of your finished property. You walk through it digitally. You approve every detail. You know exactly what you are getting before any excavation begins.
That single shift in process is why our clients sleep better during construction, why mid-build change orders are rare, and why the finished property looks identical to what we showed in design.
Walk Through Your Marin or Sonoma Property in 3D With Novara
After our initial site visit, our design team builds your finished property in 3D. Every retaining wall. Every patio stone. Every plant. Every lighting placement. Every transition between spaces.
You review the rendering from every angle. You request changes. We update the model. You approve the final design before we order materials or break ground. The project you see in 3D is the project you get in real life.
No other landscape contractor across Marin and Sonoma builds with this level of design clarity.
How Every Novara Landscape Project Comes Together
Free Consultation and Site Walk
Day 1We meet you at your property. We walk every inch of the space, listen to your goals, and identify the structural realities of the site including grade, drainage, sun exposure, soil, and access.
You share your budget range. We share what is realistic to build for that range and what tradeoffs come with each direction. The consultation is free with no pressure to commit.
3D Design and Written Estimate
Within 2 weeksOur design team builds your finished property in 3D. Every detail rendered. Every material specified. Every dimension confirmed.
We follow up with a 3D walkthrough and a detailed written estimate. You approve the design and pricing before any materials are ordered or ground broken.
Permits, Materials, and Schedule
Before constructionWe pull every required permit with your local jurisdiction across Marin or Sonoma County. We order all materials. We confirm the start date and walk through the construction schedule with you.
You know exactly when work starts, what each phase will look like, and how long the project will take. No surprises. No delays we did not warn you about.
Construction by Our Own Crew
On scheduleThe same Novara crew builds every project. No subcontractors handed your home off to. Esteban is on site. Steven manages communication. The crew that built our flagship Belvedere Estate is the crew on your project.
When construction is complete, we walk the property with you, address any final touches, and back the entire build with our two-year workmanship warranty.
Real Novara Landscape Builds Compared to Their 3D Designs
These are real projects we delivered across Marin and Sonoma. Left side shows the 3D rendering they approved before construction. Right side shows the finished property. Identical, every time.
The 3D Design
The Finished Property
The 3D Design
The Finished Property
Why Marin and Sonoma Homeowners Trust the Novara Process
3D Preview
Before construction starts
No Surprises
Locked scope and pricing
Our Own Crew
No subcontractors
2-Year Warranty
On every project
A 3D rendering protects you. It eliminates the gap between what you imagined and what gets built. It locks scope, materials, and pricing before a shovel hits the ground. It gives our crew a clear blueprint to follow on every project we touch across Marin and Sonoma. And it gives you the confidence to approve the project knowing exactly what your property will look like when we finish.
Real Reviews from Marin and Sonoma County Homeowners
Every Mill Valley project we build comes with a story. Here is what our clients say in their own words.
The Novara Landscape Process FAQ
How long does the design phase take?
The 3D design phase typically takes one to two weeks from your initial consultation. Larger or more complex projects can take longer. You receive the 3D rendering and a written estimate together so you can review the full project before approving anything.
Do I have to pay for the 3D design upfront?
The initial consultation and basic 3D rendering are part of our quoting process at no upfront cost. For very large projects requiring extensive design work, we may discuss a design retainer that gets credited to the project if you move forward.
Can I make changes to the 3D design before approving it?
Yes. The design phase is meant for revisions. You request changes, we update the model, and we keep iterating until the design matches what you want. Once you approve the final design, we lock the scope and pricing before construction begins.
What if I want to make changes after construction starts?
Mid-construction changes are possible but rare on Novara projects because the 3D design eliminates most of the surprises that cause changes elsewhere. If you do request a change, we provide a written change order with clear pricing and schedule impact before any extra work begins.
How accurate is the 3D rendering compared to the finished project?
The rendering is an exact representation of what we will build including dimensions, materials, plant placements, and finishes. See our render-vs-reality comparisons here. Plant maturity is the only factor that changes over time as the landscape grows in.
Does Novara handle the permits for landscape projects?
Yes. We pull every required permit with your local city office and county across Marin and Sonoma. Retaining walls over four feet, large hardscape installations, drainage modifications, and certain irrigation work require permits. We handle the entire permitting process so you do not have to.
How long does the actual construction phase take?
Construction timelines vary based on project scope. A small patio install might take one week. A full outdoor build with multiple structures, plantings, and hardscape can take six to twelve weeks. We give you an exact schedule before construction starts and stick to it barring weather or permit delays we cannot control.
How do I get started with the Novara process?
Call us at (707) 494-8197 or request a free consultation here. We schedule a site visit at your property anywhere across Marin and Sonoma County, walk the space with you, and follow up with a 3D design preview and written estimate within two weeks.