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When looking at bids, you could be comparing apples to oranges. How do you make things  simpler and ensure accurate bids? First, your landscaper MUST make a personal visit to your property for  a visual inspection. Second, be sure to walk through the yard with them, and speak to them and point out  areas of concern. This is the perfect time to repeat your needs and wish list. By doing all this, you’ll  ensure that you’re both on the same page and you’ll get the most accurate bid for the work you want. If  you’re interviewing multiple landscapers and aren’t specific enough during this walk through, you won’t  be comparing apples to apples. After the visual inspection, your landscaper should give you a detailed  description of the work that needs to be done. He should also provide an estimated time frame for the beginning and completion of the work. If the landscaper doesn’t give you the bid immediately after the  inspection, ask how soon you can receive a bid. For most projects, your landscaper may be able to give  you hints as to cost and timeframe, but sometimes it may take more time and effort to put together an  accurate bid. The more you want done, the longer it may take to put together a bid.

When you have multiple bids for a job, there’s more to consider than just the bottom line price.  The old saying – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is – holds true when it comes to bids. The

low-ball landscaper could be using inferior materials or uninsured helpers in order to save cost. Be wary!
In the end, the homeowner has to deal with the consequences of a low-ball landscaper. If a bid is ridiculously low, ask why the price is so different.

When comparing landscaping bids, you should also consider the estimated time frame. Will the job  be started and completed in a reasonable amount of time? If a landscaper is in high demand, it may take  slightly longer for the work begin and to be completed – but remember that they would be reliable, and the final product would meet or exceed expectations. Try not to rush things. If you rush and pick a landscaper  known for their poor work, you may get the project done in the timeframe you’d like, but the quality of  the final product will make you regret it. Go with a trusted, well experienced professional. The final  product will be spectacular, worth the wait, and well worth the initial investment!

When you have picked the winning bid, remember that you should never have to pay the full  amount up front. You might be asked for one-third or half of the money up front. If your landscaper asks  for the entire amount before starting work, consider it a red flag, and reject their bid.

When working with Scarlett’s Landscape, you can be confident that you’ll be getting a fair price and a quality product that will give you joy for years to come! We understand and value the trust each and every client gives us and we don’t take that for granted. Investing in your home or property is an important decision and we take that very seriously. We look forward to the privilege to server you and make your outdoor living dreams a reality!