He should just get bids Alex. Even if he is in escrow he can get people out there. The tough part is how to delegate the jobs,all at once,or hire individual trades to put it together. What you could start with are bids from contractors that do both the landscape and the hardscape. They could also do the shade cover. Tell them to bring pictures and referals.Even if your BIL decides to piece out the work or do portions of it himself this would be a good start. Word to the wise, prices are all over the place so get several bids. You might go to the local nusery(not home depot)and ask for a couple of referals.