Estimating jobs
Whether you are providing a simple service like pruning bushes or if you are installing an elaborate three-level deck, people will want to know in advance how much a job will cost. As a result, it is imperative to develop good estimation skills from the beginning. The problem is that estimation is a science, and it is easy to take a false step that could cost you a lot in terms of time and resources.There are a number of software packages (such as CLIP and LandPro Systems) developed specifically for landscape designers that you can use to help you make good estimates. But here is an overview of how to make an educated guess on your own.
Your mission is to determine what your costs will be and then add a profit. Your costs will include everything from materials (plants, mulch, topsoil, etc., which you have marked from your wholesale or retail price) to labor (both your own employees and subcontractors), equipment (yours and those you rent) and your business overhead (anything you plan to claim such as the cost of doing business, such as home office expenses, gas, etc.).
Your estimate should describe the exact services you are offering, the materials you will provide and anything else relevant to the job. The standard in this industry is to provide a free estimate and that is what we recommend.
Set prices
Of course, before you can give an estimate, you must obtain a price that you can use as a reference. Landscape business professionals recommend having an hourly rate, both for you and your employees. But you will not share that rate with your clients, it is only for your eyes, so you can calculate how much to charge for a job.There are many ways to determine your rate. First, compare your prices with those of your competition. Ask for help from friends and family to help you get in touch with companies in your target market area that offer services similar to what you plan to offer. If you are doing business in an area that has many subdivisions with houses and lots of similar size, the process will be relatively easy.
Job Schedule
In the first days of managing your landscape business, it will be easy to find out where you need to be on a given day. But when the phone starts ringing, you may have trouble coordinating jobs and, unless you have a good system to track those jobs, you could miss an appointment and lose a customer. Therefore, you may want to invest in a software package specially designed for landscapers to help you track your business. Once you have entered data into these programs, you can print a schedule for the day you can take with you in your vehicle. Always remember to include travel time in your schedule and use an online map site like Google Maps to plan your route for the day.Staffing
When you have more work than you can handle personally, you may need to start hiring employees. These are the types of employees you can find that you need:- General landscape assistants for cutting, maintenance and installation assistance.
- Chemical applicator licensed for fertilizer and pesticide / herbicide applications. Most states require a license or certification for workers who apply pesticides and herbicides.
- An estimator to make visits to the site, size the work and generate estimates for customers.
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