Getting better landscaping quotes

Getting a landscaping quote

When I first commenced as a designer, a client suggested I offer an advisory, value-added service by continuing as an independent consultant. My role is to guide them through the rest of the build process, since I helped create the vision for their garden. They needed help in getting and interpreting the landscaping quotes that they were receiving.

The more gardens I have designed, the more I have realised the need for the service. There’s a minefield of things to navigate. For clients without experience, it is not easy to determine which trades are needed. You may be going with gut feel and intuition rather than technical know-how.

There are two broad ways I assist with landscaping quotes: the first is in sourcing trades. The second is to perform (paid) site visits during construction to ensure that the design intent is being implemented.

We will explore the first.

So what’s in the scope in helping you with your landscaping quote?

I decided very early in my design business that I wanted to stay independent of the landscapers. I wanted to ensure that I knew what they were doing.

I like the assurance that the client receives the highest-quality artistry (as far as I could objectively tell). I studied landscape construction and got involved in construction projects.

Over time and experience, I have come to know how to judge who’s got their heart in the design and the task at hand.

Sourcing trades generally involves emailing requests for landscaping quotes on the design. I discuss potential landscapers with my clients.

Then I email the quote request to a select panel of qualified landscapers. To the extent required, I also clarify specifications with suppliers and trades.

Bright flowers used around pool area in Brighton landscape design in Melbourne

Once I am satisfied I have all of the relevant information, I then catch up with my clients (either in person or Zoom). We go over all of the quotes to consider (yes, there is more than one!).

There are several advantages to this:

It saves the client’s time. If you have ever got multiple quotes, you would know it can take a long time. There are many back-and-forth discussions with various trades.
Practical quote assessment: Have seen many different quotes and worked on many projects. Thoroughly test the multiple quotes for scope and price. If the client did this themselves, they may find it hard to compare quotes (everyone quotes differently) and to identify what is missing.
Landscaping quotes have minimal’prem’ (premium); know some trades have markups because they can cover off any contingencies. o, I went to the bottom to get as fair a quote as I could for both parties (the client and the trade) by inquiring about any “abno” mal” iss” es.

I’m more than open to candidates the clients put forward. I also have a network of landscapers I have worked with in the past. It is just a matter of my being their agent in organising and communicating with those involved. My goal is to obtain a better landscaping quote that achieves the design intent and meets the client’s financial goals.

During this process, I investigate and present facts to my clients. My clients then use this information to make an informed decision. They decide with whom they want to work to implement the design (construction) or undertake specific (artistic or styling) elements of the design.

As you can imagine, even with final plans in place, things are still fluid. Financials, project specifications, and the manner in which to achieve the result may change during the quoting process. So the scope in this phase manages all of that. Any parts of the design that need modification for actual implementation (e.g., plant or material substitutions) will be reconsidered to the extent they impact the quoting process.

View of front garden from the driveway in Blackburn garden design

Benefits to the client from our involvement with landscaping quotes

For a minimum fee, I do the following:

Use experience to only get quotes from a select few
Save my clients’ time and do all the legwork
Investigate discrepancies.
Clarify aspects of the landscaping quotes from all parties concerned and trade types.
Go to great pains to make sure that quotes are comparable. If that is not possible, at least identify the outliers and the reasons as to why
Come up with some solutions to the challenges, and, if possible, work with suppliers and landscapers to develop a more cost-effective approach to achieve your dream garden!

Testimonials from past and current clients on our assistance with landscaping quotes:

“Parveen has developed a fantastic plan for our new home during the last months of the build, with lots of complex features.

She’s been great with organising the quotes and trades during the project coordination part, saving us a lot of time and stress.

We would recommend her to anyone planning a garden or garden renovation, large or small.”

Sarah Abrahamson

Corten wall lightbox used in Glen Waverley garden design

Colourful perennial garden design with white arbour in Blackburn

“It has been an absolute delight to work with Parveen. Right from our initial contact, she was prompt and always timely.

She listened to our brief and then presented us with an excellent garden design incorporating all our requests.

Parveen assisted with the selection of contractors to handle everything from the removal of the current garden and intricate stonework to finalising the decorative pebbles and toppings, as well as sourcing the plants.

Parveen is highly professional, creative and personable, and I would definitely recommend her services.”

Bev B

Other resources

Hungry for more information on our processes and how we can help you?

Then check out the following write-ups which could assist!

Navigating our Initial Design Consults

Why engage a Garden designer

Choosing plants for your garden

In the meantime, visit my past projects below or contact Landscaping Victoria, Master Landscapers or the AILDM for a list of registered landscape contractors that are able to execute your design!