Boerne, TX – Kendall County
I conducted a site visit, created a thorough project takeoff, and estimated the costs to provide an expert second opinion on a landscaping project.
I found that the landscape estimate provided to my client is about 6% (or $7,200.00) higher than what the work should reasonably cost.
This does not necessarily mean the contractor is being dishonest. Sometimes higher pricing reflects overhead, profit goals, or contingencies that were not transparent. My experience and the scope of work lead me to believe that the contractor is asking my client to pay more than necessary for this project.
My role here was to simply provide an expert second opinion so my client can make an informed decision.
Recommendations:
The demo of vegetation along the right-of-way will be by others.
Rough grading and fill for lot leveling is not within the scope of work.
The steel catwalk will need to be installed before the landscape project starts or at least be completed 1 week before turf grass installation.
Use prefab green steel edging instead of the specified black edging.
Do not use the weed barrier on slopes.
Specify the Yucca Rostrata to be 3’ CT (clear trunk) instead of 1 gallon and Prostrate Rosemary 3 gallon instead of 10 gallon.
The retaining wall backfills, sleeves, and drain pipes are by others.
Add larger river rock stones 5”-8” to make the dry creek look more realistic.
Ask the landscape contractor to offer compost for the plants.
Specify the 100-gallon live oaks to be 4” caliper or greater.
Ask the builder to confirm where the driveway and quarry block wall sleeves are located.
Specify the boulders and firepit cap to be sandstone.
Determine who is responsible for connecting the gutter downspouts to rigid piping and trenching and burying to the nearest appropriate fall location.
Discuss with the irrigator the need for hydro mulch area irrigation.
Leave (1) 2” driveway sleeve open for future landscape lights.
Ask the landscape contractor to confirm the fine grading of the native seed area is included.
The payment terms need to be revised to ¼ down 1 week before the start day, weekly draws for work completed, and the balance due upon substantial completion.
Project Year: 2025
Project Cost: Less than $1,000