Differentiating Between Garden Designers, Landscape Architects, and Landscapers:
Week 3 - Landscapers
Before we delve into the final installment of our 3-week blog series on Garden Designers, Landscape Architects, and Landscapers, take a moment to review our previous posts on Garden Designers and Landscape Architects.
When it comes to landscapers, there's no one-size-fits-all definition. If you were to ask 10 different people what a landscaper does, you'd likely receive 10 different answers. For the purpose of this guide, we'll categorize landscapers into two groups: design/build landscapers and installation-only landscapers who work based on garden design plans or homeowner's instructions.
Design/Build Landscapers: Many companies in this category may provide a rough design sketch on graph paper or offer computer-aided design (CAD) services. Since these companies are responsible for both the design and installation of the landscape, they are able to provide a comprehensive quote for the entire project. Some design/build companies specialize in installing nursery stock, patios, fire pits, retaining walls, and may operate heavy equipment, while also sourcing local materials for the homeowner. They often collaborate with local garden designers and landscape architects who refer clients to them for implementation.
This collaborative relationship between the client, installer, and designer/architect can create a synergistic effect, resulting in a successful project. It's like a grand reveal with fireworks and music!
Many design/build companies are considered "general contractors." If you haven't worked with a general contractor before, you may find that they often do some of the work themselves and hire subcontractors for tasks such as concrete work, carpentry, electrical work, and tree services, among others. They typically charge a markup for coordinating and bringing these services together. For example, if a general contractor receives a bid from an electrician for $4,000, they may bill the client $5,200 for the same electrician's work, retaining a $1,200 markup, which compensates them for their coordination efforts. As the saying goes, "nothing in life is free."
Costs for design/build landscaping projects can vary significantly. For instance, you may find a landscape/build crew in Washington state offering a bargain rate of $75 per man-hour. This means that if you have three workers on-site for one hour, you would spend $225 for transplanting a tree.
Here's where you need to put on your thinking cap. How do you determine if the price quoted for 20 yards of gravel is three times the amount charged by another local installer? While gravel costs are relatively low, compared to a project like a 400 square foot mortared flagstone courtyard. A quote of $14,000 for materials and installation may be considered high or standard depending on your region. As a hint, this is the average rate in King/Snohomish county in Washington state. It's important to ask the contractor for examples of similar installations they have completed and to check their licensing, bonding, and insurance status on your state's website.
A contractor who was licensed, bonded, and insured three years ago but has let it lapse may not be reliable. Always get any warranty for craftsmanship, if applicable, in writing, and make sure it includes specific details about the timeframe and requirements for any potential issues that may arise after the installation is completed.
Landscapers:
Many landscape professionals follow a regular maintenance schedule for their clients and also provide installation services. The range of services they offer is diverse, from installing hardscapes, irrigation, and lighting, with results that depend on the expertise and care of the installers.
While most landscapers do not hold formal education in horticulture or design degrees, they often have years of experience in garden installation and can offer valuable suggestions to homeowners. They frequently bid on projects based on plans provided by architects and garden designers and are accustomed to working according to precise specifications. For those who have established long-term relationships with designers, these clients are highly valued as they ensure future work. However, caution is advised, as some unscrupulous contractors may "ghost" clients after receiving a deposit. To avoid such issues, it is advisable to seek referrals and avoid choosing solely based on a low-priced offer from an unreliable source, such as an individual advertising on Craigslist.
In GardenGirls' experience, such individuals may either be attempting to avoid paying child support by working under the table or may cut corners on the job, leading to costly consequences later on.
As for costs, they can vary significantly. For basic maintenance services, such as mowing, blowing, and clean-up, rates may range from $35.00 to $65.00 per man-hour, depending on the region. In the Pacific Northwest, the average rate for such services is around $65.00 per man-hour. However, for landscape professionals who offer additional skills, such as installing hardscapes, irrigation, lighting, and nursery stock, the rates can be higher, averaging between $70.00 to $90.00 per man-hour in the Pacific Northwest. This means that a team of four working on an installation project for eight hours can cost between $2,240.00 to $2,800.00 before sales tax. It is important to note that the cost of living and services in the Pacific Northwest can be higher due to the presence of corporate headquarters of major companies, such as Microsoft, Boeing, Amazon, and Starbucks. GardenGirl advocates for fair wages for all professionals in the industry.