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.
Depending on the type of work (such as securing a road, as I can see in the picture), I wouldn't really care whether I can do it myself or not – I would prefer to have the advantage of hiring a company that I can push hard if needed and that is liable if something goes wrong.
Of course, a lot of time goes into it, but when something is finished, the feeling of happiness is like being on a high.
@Müllerin The prices that the landscaping contractors quoted were well above 35,000 euros (about 37,000 US dollars)... That would never have been worth it to me since I’m an ordinary worker.
@Müllerin The prices that the landscaping contractors quoted were well above 35,000 euros (about 37,000 US dollars)... That would never have been worth it to me since I’m an ordinary worker.
Yes, doing it yourself is rightly a source of pride. But I find it much more practical to focus on the interior finishing. If you still have the time and motivation, you can continue working outside as well.
I only know many DIYers who still don’t have a garden after 5 years. For us, everything was finished and already green after 5 weeks, with a beer on the terrace—priceless.
I only know many DIYers who still don’t have a garden after 5 years. For us, everything was finished and already green after 5 weeks, with a beer on the terrace—priceless.
We had the garden prepared, meaning old debris removed, soil loosened, topsoil added, a dry stone wall built, and a path laid. I also helped with planting the shrubs.
But, you know, a maximum of 250m² (2690 sq ft), so not 35,000.
Though we might have paid that if the land had required it. No, actually – we probably couldn’t have afforded a plot with such extreme exterior costs without compromising on the house itself.
It’s good the way it is.
But, you know, a maximum of 250m² (2690 sq ft), so not 35,000.
Though we might have paid that if the land had required it. No, actually – we probably couldn’t have afforded a plot with such extreme exterior costs without compromising on the house itself.
It’s good the way it is.
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