Backyard Work

Can people provide thoughts on pricing for preliminary work on a South Slope backyard garden? The space (currently a dirt patch) is roughly 21′ x 19′ and we are looking to get the following done:

– Preliminary removal of a few inches of dirt from the entire space (dirt is of a clay nature and heavier)
– Further digging around the periphery (average of 24″ across and 10″ down)
– Laying a concrete pad with flagstone pavers in the center of the space (roughly 250 sq.ft. area)
– Installing lateral wooden slats across pre-existing posts from the neighbors fence (17′ across, 6′ height)
– Laying about 20 sq.ft. of gravel in other areas.

We hired a landscape/garden architect to prepare a design and provide advice – her feedback was that this could all be done for somewhere between $6,000 and $10,000. So far, I’ve received two quotes of $18,000 and $24,000, and both seem truly excessive to me. And now, I’m not sure who’s right? Is our architect way off, or are the tw o contractors I chose taking me for a ride?

Would appreciate your thoughts on this.

(Please note that the actual gardening and planting is a separate project that I expect to cost $5,000 or $6,000)

lenny

in General Discussion 7 years and 2 months ago

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lenny

in General Discussion 7 years and 2 months ago

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Yes, I’d say a bit more than 100 sq ft will go to planting – maybe about 200 sq ft? And yes, about $5,000 to $6,000.

kassie319 | 7 years and 2 months ago

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Is the garden designer also telling you to factor 6k to plant ~100sq.ft?

resident2 | 7 years and 2 months ago

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Price differences can depend on how specific are the architectural drawings. Do your drawings spell out exact materials to used, how deep all footings etc are. Drainage defined? Exact specifics. Are the two contractors quoting from specific construction drawings or left to work out a quote on what their “normal Practice”/standard is?
Labor, disposing of garbage etc are all expensive when you add up the workmans comp, liability insurance etc.
Also what I have been finding in the last couple of weeks or so is that contractors do not want to quote for actual costs of materials or they add a large contingency due to expected tariff increases. You can cut some overhead costs by buying the materials yourself. Of course that means a lot more of your time, sourcing, arranging deliveries etc.

lenny

in General Discussion 7 years and 2 months ago

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Wow, interesting. I guess my gut about the cost was pretty off. And you’re all keeping in mind that it’s another $6,000 for the planting, right?

newtomehouse | 7 years and 2 months ago

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If this is all going through your building the 18k seems low and the 24k seems about right

yudashasom | 7 years and 2 months ago

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Assuming the dirt and materials have to go through your building, or go a long distance by hand, those prices are realistic. $6-10k in labor and carting alone, $3-5k in materials and a little something left for your contractor.

Guest User | 7 years and 2 months ago

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Who is providing the actual design/drawings in either case? If the landscape architect’s fee is separate from the 6/10K, maybe that makes sense. I suspect the higher quotes include drawing/design in their fees.