Quote:
Originally Posted by Gunny2403
A detailed written estimate with drawing is worth it. A quick number is not. Ask what you get for that charge. It costs a legitimate contractor at least $100 to make that visit and prepare a quote. Many will refund the fee if you purchase their services
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I tend to agree. Without being a landscaper myself I would think that an accurate estimate needs far more than eyeballing the yard and giving a "not to exceed" number. Things like the type of ground, cost and location of plants, picking the kinds of structures wanted such as edging, rock, decorative items, (new or replacement) if those were to be supplied by the contractor, possibly moving one or more sprinkler heads, etc. etc. , would all go into figuring the final cost. It would take not only a detailed examination of the area and an in-depth conversation with the client in order to ascertain exactly what was wanted, but also a fair amount of paperwork figuring sources of materials, cost, transport, etc., , plus producing a detailed drawing and preparing the contract/work order to be approved by the client, all apart from the actual labor.
I think it all comes down to reputation. But for landscaping (especially for landscaping) I would much rather pay for a detailed estimate than give the job over to "oh, I think we can do this for "X" dollars". A conscientious contractor SHOULD do detailed upfront work in order to assure client satisfaction at the end, and that upfront work takes time and expertise, which translates into money.