[TexaninVA]

I’m wondering what others have experienced as “standard business practice” in dealing with a major landscaping job.

We just dealt with a designer for one of the largest local landscapers and whose name all would recognize. They’ve been around here for many years. The designer gave us an excellent potential solution and weaved together plants, colors, walls, and lighting in a most impressive way. What gave us pause however is the way she approached the business aspect.

Here are several examples:
• While she had a drawing, and a two page detailed work plan on which she based the price, she would not provide us copies, nor what she based her price on.
• The price was not itemized except in a most general way.
• There was no specific listing of what plants would be purchased/planted, vs a number of plants currently on our lot to be relocated.
• She wanted 50% cash down up front.
• When she proposed the lighting solution, it was obviously way overpriced, and details scant as to control system and such.
• When I asked her about running the design through the ARC, she said there was no need to do that. She said … “I do this for a living … I know they will approve it.” (which misses the whole point of the ARC process I thought)

So, are these more or less normal practices for landscapers? Any comments or thoughts by those who have had work done? If you’ve had a good experience with a landscaper and designer, please provide names and numbers. While I liked the technical solution she presented, I’m not too keen on the way she conducted herself. Disappointing actually.

Thanks in advance for any observations you may have.