Gracie
You concept has merit BUT it can only apply to very specific sutiuations. There are many variables with every type of work.
You metioned landscaping, that is so depenedent upon the needs of the homeowner that it would be difficult to compare apples to apples. Yes you can say $35 ft for a queen palm installed but what if the palm is located in a not so accessible area, or are all queen palms created equal! The same applies for stone $XX per ton but then the variable is how many tons do you need...how far is it to carry it to install?? No job is the same and then of course there are always the changes to the original contract!
Just look at trying to get a price for shades for your house. Everything effects the price, ie.manufacturer; solar, trac, roll-up etc; the fabric, the degree of visible light; motorized or not--- wired or battery--how many remotes----wall switch--even the brand of motor; do you want installation, Etc. Very hard to compare what you want to someone who simply posts it cost be $1500 for shades when you know the range can be $1000-$5000.
We had a custom built wall to wall entertainment center built. There were many variables that entered into the price ie, size; painted vs stained -- well that determined if he was going to use #1 (stainable) or #2 (paintable)grade wood which greatly effected the price; glass vs wood shelvfs, cabinet doors; moulding top and bottom, type of lighting and hindges; and finally any electronics built in allowing you to operate your equipment. No one standard fits all and for different set-ups the the price could be $1000 a part.
I think with landscaping and most other construction work the reputation of the contractor you are dealing with is by far the better guage of getting quality work and a quality product at a fair price....and someone who willl stand behind their work. This type of work varies by consumer, thats why as you stated a contractor will give you an ify answer unless you are a serious customer. AS someone else mentioned, contractors such as T&D have a great reputation but because they are so busy they only take on certain jobs and you must wait a fairly long time just to get an estimate. The same is happening with smaller or even independent contractors who have developed a good reputation...there is a reason why!
Oh i forgot to mention, just as contractors are individuals, the consumers (you and I ) are even moreso! What you may consider a fair price for a particular piece of work, well my perception may or may not agree with you... its only human nature.
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