ᐅ Landscape gardening disaster or does it really have to be that expensive?

Hello,

unfortunately, we are still looking for a company to help us with our garden and to pave our terraces and paths, or to cover the driveway with gravel.

We had actually thought (perhaps naively) that our planned budget of 20,000 for the garden and carport would be sufficient, but based on the quotes we have received so far...

For reference: we requested paving of 110 sqm (1,184 sq ft) including the crushed stone base underneath, and filling 120 sqm (1,292 sq ft) of driveway with a layer of gravel where crushed stone is already present. For the paving, we initially asked only for standard 10x20 cm (4x8 inches) concrete blocks.

Not only do you have to chase companies to even get an appointment or, after the appointment, to receive a quote. No, the first two quotes would have made us reach for a drink: one was 28,000 and the other 25,000 – are they crazy???

I know they are all very busy, but this is just not acceptable anymore.

We are still waiting on the last three companies, but if this continues, I’m not optimistic. Honestly, I just find this outrageous.

Have your experiences been similar, or have we just been unlucky?

What do you want to hear now? Was everything better in the past? My Polish friend always says: if you want something nice, do it yourself or pay for it. Then you get something nice. Outdoor landscaping consumes huge amounts of money—work, materials, heavy equipment. The landscape gardener is in demand and doesn’t need your project. He drinks his schnapps and says: alright, I’ll add another vacation to Mallorca to the offer.

Caidori schrieb:
For reference: we requested a quote for paving 110 sqm (1,184 sq ft) including the gravel base underneath, and filling 120 sqm (1,292 sq ft) of driveway with a layer of gravel where there is already some crushed stone.
For the paving, we initially inquired about standard 10x20 cm (4x8 inch) concrete pavers.

For these reasons (foundation of the sublayer), the construction path is planned where the driveway will eventually be. But it seems that is already the case for you.
And yes: before installing this unattractive concrete paving, we chose a fine gravel surface. The cost for a mortared border around the entire house and driveway, including attractive gravel for paths and driveway, was in the four-figure range.

The landscaping contractors require a long lead time as well. It’s best to schedule now for spring 2019.

ypg schrieb:
For these reasons (foundation of the sub-base), the construction access road is planned right where the driveway will later be.

We have the same, but the gravel wearing course is still missing. That would complete the driveway topic.

The concrete pavers were requested for the terrace, carport, and path around the house; everyone said that more expensive stones could be installed at the same cost if they aren’t larger than 30x60 cm (12x24 inches).
But the fact that such amounts are already quoted for the cheapest stones, hmm...

HilfeHilfe schrieb:
What do you want to hear now? Was everything better in the past? My Polish friend always says: if you want it to look good, do it yourself or pay for it.

Well, I just wanted to know if such amounts are now considered normal.
Of course, they can set prices as they like, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s currently "normal"—it could also be due to an unfortunate choice of company.

That’s what I’m trying to find out right now.

Caidori schrieb:

Well, I just wanted to ask if such amounts are now considered normal.
Of course, they can set prices however they like, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s actually “normal” right now – it could also be a case of having chosen an unlucky company.

That’s what I’m trying to find out.

In urban areas, it’s seen as normal.
That doesn’t make it any more pleasant...

Two skilled workers billed at about 45 EUR (net) per hour each. That amounts to roughly 1,000 to 1,200 EUR (gross) per day for the team... And then you still have to add the cost of machines, materials, etc. on top...

Prices are unfortunately normal. The lead time from quotation to completion is at least 6 months.