ᐅ Is the landscape gardener’s price justified – can anything be omitted?
Created on: 10 Sep 2019 15:18
C
chrisw81
Dear 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.
Our garden is 500 m² (5,382 ft²), where we installed 30 meters (98 feet) of L-shaped retaining walls, a natural stone staircase with walls, flower beds, 120 m² (1,292 ft²) of paved area, a terrace of 45 m² (484 ft²) with edge decking, a garden shed foundation, a fence, a parking space, and lawn including drainage channels and connection to a cistern. There is also a seating area with a fire pit, surrounded by walls made of lawn edging stones and a privacy screen.
In total, we paid 40,000 gross, and that included really expensive, high-quality materials. Just counting the cost of the materials alone, I would not have lifted a finger myself...
I should also mention that most other quotes were 80,000 or more for the same scope of work. So it’s definitely worth spending time searching!
In total, we paid 40,000 gross, and that included really expensive, high-quality materials. Just counting the cost of the materials alone, I would not have lifted a finger myself...
I should also mention that most other quotes were 80,000 or more for the same scope of work. So it’s definitely worth spending time searching!
Bookstar schrieb:
Our garden is 500 m² (5,382 sq ft), where 30 m (98 ft) of L-shaped concrete blocks were installed, along with natural stone stairs with retaining walls, flower beds, 120 m² (1,292 sq ft) of paving, a 45 m² (484 sq ft) terrace with edge decking, garden shed foundation, fence, parking space, and lawn installation including drainage channels and connection to the cistern. Also, a seating area with a fire pit and surrounding border/wall made from lawn edging stones and privacy screening.
In total, we paid about 40k gross, and that included really expensive, high-quality materials. Just if I calculate the cost of the materials alone, I wouldn’t have lifted a finger...
But I have to add, most other quotes were 80k and above for this scope of work. So it definitely pays off to shop around!Very nice bargain. Any photos?