Landscaping lasts a long time: cheapest isn’t always best

Author: Doug Bishop; Published: Mar 9, 2011; Category: New Mexico Landscaping; Tags: Affordable Landscaping, Landscaping Quote, New Mexico Landscaping; One Comment

Is the cheapest landscaping always the best? Definitely not, when you consider that you will be living with the results of a landscaping project for years. On the other hand, there is no reason to spend more than you need to. How do you get the best value for money spent on landscaping?

My best advice is to get multiple quotes and compare apples to apples. That does not always mean to go with the cheapest quote, however, because price is only one of the selection criteria. Sometimes, who’s selling the apples makes a difference.

We have somehow developed a reputation for being expensive. When new acquaintances ask about my profession, I tell them I’m a landscape architect at The Hilltop. Sometimes they respond, “Oh, I can’t afford you guys.” On questioning them about this, I often find that they’ve received an estimate from us, but have nothing to compare it to. If they had gotten other quotes from reputable contractors, some may have been 10% lower or higher, but the price would be in the same ballpark, and there would be a basis for comparison and evaluation.

I’ve been in many competitive bid situations, and have been able to see all the bids once the jobs were awarded. Every single time, we are neither the lowest nor the highest bidder. We’ve been awarded many of those jobs, even though we weren’t the lowest bidder, because of another reputation we have. Many people say they are more comfortable paying a little more, because they know where to find us if there is a problem, and they know we will resolve the problem. It’s hard to put a price on that, but worth it if you have a problem, and worth factoring into your selection criteria.

Choosing a price in the middle can give you some assurance that you are getting what you are paying for. You may get a sense you’re being high-balled by the most expensive price, but you might have concerns about the quality you will get with the lowest price. Those are often valid concerns.

When people say they’re planning to get a number of quotes, I encourage them, because it only reinforces the justification behind our price. I also suggest that, whoever you select as your landscape contractor, make sure that they are licensed and insured.

So if you are considering a new landscape project, keep your bases covered. Don’t assume that you are getting more for your money by choosing the lowest bid, or that you’re getting the best work possible by selecting the highest.

When do I get a landscaping quote, and when can I see a plan?

Author: Nicolas Carpenter; Published: Feb 14, 2011; Category: Residential Landscaping; Tags: Landscape Design, Landscaping Quote, Residential Landscape; No Comments

Starting with an accurate drawing and description of the existing site, the planning process begins.

How much effort goes into a residential landscape design and why does it take longer than five minutes for the Hilltop to give you an estimate after walking around your property? At The Hilltop, we don’t guess how much to charge our customers. We are highly committed in giving all of our customers the best design options with the most accurate proposal we can. That means starting with an accurate description of the existing site, making plans that meet the needs or goals of the property owner, and basing a price on the specific items included in the plan.

My name is Nick, and I’ve been a site analysis technician for three years at The Hilltop. After you call our office and meet with a salesman, a site analysis tech (possibly me) will come to your residence to measure and take photos of the areas you discussed with the salesman. Site analysis is a very crucial aspect of landscape design. The architect needs to know specific information about the site in order for the design and construction to function properly. Measuring a site might take longer than you would imagine, depending on how large the site is and how much existing landscaping is in place. Occasionally, I have been at sites for more than three hours taking measurements and photos, and making detailed notes.

Some important information we’re careful to note includes location of roof canales, how the water drains from the site (if at all), location of doors and windows, direction the house faces, and also screening for privacy. Once the site analysis tech returns from the site he or she will begin drafting a final copy for the architect. The next step is to discuss observations noted in the field with the salesman and the architect.

Now the design process can begin. Lots of time and effort goes into each and every one of our landscape designs. This part of the design process has got to be the coolest to watch as my site plan is transformed from ordinary to extraordinary. I work with Landscape Architect Jim Deflon, who is one of the best freehand designers I have seen. Working with him, I’ve had the opportunity to learn a lot of drafting tips and new techniques from one of the best in the state.