new construction landscape

[copper]

I'm new to this and am only doing this part time, I have been asked to bid on several new construction homes, Sod front yards some beds and bushes. I can get sod for about $125 pallet. What is the best way to price these jobs, All dirt prep work is done by builder.

[Woody]

You're probably going to have to use the "Search" feature up top to get an accurate idea. Where I'm at the grasses are different, the soil is different, heck, even the labor rates are probably different.

Maybe someone closer to you will chime in and give you an idea.

[MASTERMOWER]

All soil work done by builder!?!

Yeah, rough grading perhaps. You're laying sod? You're gonna want a nice final grade if you want the lawns to look nice.

[gafireman224]

Master mower is right you need to think about things like soil amendments like top soil and how you are going to level it there are alot of things to think about when talking about new construction. Where are you getting your sod from in Georgia i can get it for 93 dollars a pallet but I buy from a grower it's cheaper that way just some of the many things to think about good luck.

[bullethead]

I'm surprised they even ask you what your bid is. In Texas, the large production home builders just tell you what they are going to pay for the install -take it or leave it. Production home landscaping is a high volume/low margin game. Good luck, been there done that - couldn't afford the T-Shirt after trying it.

[Scott]

If they're spec houses, I wouldn't put too much thought process into it.

Ask what other houses they have done and look at what they're doing currently. Count the # of 3gal and # of 1gals. Hope you have a connection to a plant supplier other than a local nursery, HD or lowes.

Just give package deals, ie.
#1
-12ea 3gals
-10ea 1gals
- XX amount of mulch
- sod is $.XX per sf installed

#2
-15ea 3gals
-20ea 1gals
- XX amount of mulch
- sod is $.XX per sf installed

they just want the bottom dollar.

Heads up, you won't make any real money upfront but you might get a few custom houses out of it down the road.

a builder that I used to work for decided to cut cost and lowered the budge to only 2600 for irrigation and plants, "make it happen". I think I may have done 10 or so but it didn't take long for my standards to be infringed upon. I'll never claim those houses as any of my projects! hahaha! Sorry Mr. Homeowner.

[OLD HAT]

have you tried talking to another landscaper in the area? mabe sub it to him? That is what I am having to do right now to get a name for myself, I am subing the install and keeping a maintenance and making a little on both. Works well for both of us, anytime my landscaper sees a mowing job he hollers at me to bid it and I give him a finders fee and when I find a landscaping job I sub to him and get a fee on top. We have a good set up so far, we are both making money!