ᐅ Is the landscape gardener’s price justified – can anything be omitted?
Created on: 10 Sep 2019 15:18
C
chrisw81Dear forum members,
Next year, we plan to start developing our garden:
Plot size 600 m² (about 6460 sq ft), house footprint 100 m² (currently being completed), shed 24 m² already on site.
Paving for the parking area about 50 m² (about 540 sq ft), plus a path to the house around 10 m² (about 108 sq ft).
Deck made of Bangkirai wood, max. 30 m² (about 320 sq ft).
Rainwater infiltration via drainage (concrete rings 1.60 m (5 ft 3 in) deep).
Also need to level the ground (parts require raising by 10–20 cm (4–8 inches)).
The landscaper plans to remove and transport 15 cm (6 inches) of soil everywhere, with excavation for the parking and terrace being a bit deeper.
Due to the 15 cm (6 inches) excavation and ground raising, several cubic meters of new soil will be needed.
Rolled turf will be laid on top.
The total price for everything including materials is 48,000 euros gross, calculated for only 250 m² (about 2690 sq ft) of garden area, with a minimal estimate for the filling as well.
So, it could easily end up costing even more.
Transport costs for removal and delivery represent a large portion, and building the terrace alone costs €10,000 (which seems a bit high to me).
My question is: Is this price justified? I expected it to be considerably less. I would estimate material costs and transport fees at about €15,000 (maybe €20,000) net, leaving a rather high labor cost of around €15,000–20,000 net.
That seems quite a lot for roughly two weeks of work.
Unfortunately, the offer does not separate material prices and hourly wages.
Maybe there’s room to save in some areas, for example, is it necessary to remove 15 cm (6 inches) everywhere if some areas are going to be filled further anyway?
Have you paid similar amounts?
I look forward to your opinions and experiences.
I can also share the offer document if needed.
Next year, we plan to start developing our garden:
Plot size 600 m² (about 6460 sq ft), house footprint 100 m² (currently being completed), shed 24 m² already on site.
Paving for the parking area about 50 m² (about 540 sq ft), plus a path to the house around 10 m² (about 108 sq ft).
Deck made of Bangkirai wood, max. 30 m² (about 320 sq ft).
Rainwater infiltration via drainage (concrete rings 1.60 m (5 ft 3 in) deep).
Also need to level the ground (parts require raising by 10–20 cm (4–8 inches)).
The landscaper plans to remove and transport 15 cm (6 inches) of soil everywhere, with excavation for the parking and terrace being a bit deeper.
Due to the 15 cm (6 inches) excavation and ground raising, several cubic meters of new soil will be needed.
Rolled turf will be laid on top.
The total price for everything including materials is 48,000 euros gross, calculated for only 250 m² (about 2690 sq ft) of garden area, with a minimal estimate for the filling as well.
So, it could easily end up costing even more.
Transport costs for removal and delivery represent a large portion, and building the terrace alone costs €10,000 (which seems a bit high to me).
My question is: Is this price justified? I expected it to be considerably less. I would estimate material costs and transport fees at about €15,000 (maybe €20,000) net, leaving a rather high labor cost of around €15,000–20,000 net.
That seems quite a lot for roughly two weeks of work.
Unfortunately, the offer does not separate material prices and hourly wages.
Maybe there’s room to save in some areas, for example, is it necessary to remove 15 cm (6 inches) everywhere if some areas are going to be filled further anyway?
Have you paid similar amounts?
I look forward to your opinions and experiences.
I can also share the offer document if needed.
H
HilfeHilfe10 Sep 2019 15:20Well, 15-20 for how many people? It’s already quite tight; I would probably tackle it alone.
Get a counteroffer. I’m just afraid it won’t be much cheaper.
On the one hand, the costs do add up quickly: excavator, disposal, delivery, truck, materials—and there is a wide range in prices. Labor costs in the trades, both main construction and secondary trades, have increased significantly over the past 2-3 years. Plus, landscaping is very time-consuming.
On the other hand, there will definitely be enough work available. An acquaintance already had to turn down 10 new garden projects just this year.
On the one hand, the costs do add up quickly: excavator, disposal, delivery, truck, materials—and there is a wide range in prices. Labor costs in the trades, both main construction and secondary trades, have increased significantly over the past 2-3 years. Plus, landscaping is very time-consuming.
On the other hand, there will definitely be enough work available. An acquaintance already had to turn down 10 new garden projects just this year.
HilfeHilfe schrieb:
Well, 15-20 for how many people? That’s already quite tight; I might consider doing it alone. I don’t think more than two people will be working on it.
haydee schrieb:
You should ask for a counteroffer. I’m just afraid it won’t be much cheaper.
On one hand, the costs do add up quickly: excavator, disposal, delivery, truck, materials—and there’s a wide range for all of these.
Labor costs in the skilled trades, both main and subcontractors, have risen significantly in the last 2–3 years.
Plus, landscaping is time-consuming.
On the other hand, there will definitely be enough work available. A friend of mine has already turned down 10 new garden landscaping projects just this year. Then the question is whether most of it could be done without an invoice, if the landscaper is willing to cooperate.
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