Garden design and build

ive been to a new customer 2 weeks ago.they have been away for 3 weeks on holiday. no time for garden, but have 3 medium sized dogs.the garden is a tip, not touched for 1 yr. hedges un-cut, bind-weed? everywhere. bad access. narrow long drive with no turning.brief is : they have a friend who can do 'decking' !! lolthey want to have a balcony when they have the money, they have a lighting ring around the garden. the side is different level.he states half way through he wants a large brick-wall knocking down so drive is bigger .he would not commit to any budget saying its out of necessity.i said id have a think and phone him back.would you ask if he actually wants me to do a design only or design and build ? (his wife will do plants/pots) and he will cut the hedges ! so no planting scheme is needed.im a bit resiliant as he seems a bit confused, i guess budget is low like most people round here.ive done a basic design and am learning sketch-up.so would you phone and say what ive done/recommend and charge £150 or ask more detailed questionairre and measure up fully/consultation and then make changes they want and charge £300 ? many thanks

Replies

David Beasley Garden Design September 15, 2009 at 11:14am

If you have not measured up properly then the plan you've already done is worthless!

I would try and get a full blown design job out of it if you can and put your quote down in writing/a contract prior to doing anything.

The current un-tidyness of your clients garden may be down to the facts they are either very busy people and don't have the time to garden (hence being able to afford a 3 week holiday) or they don't really care about the garden, are a bit lazy and may be using you to get free ideas before getting their 'mate' to do all the construction work on the cheap. I suspect the latter and advice that you either get some money for the design work or steer well clear.
NIGEL GRAHAM September 16, 2009 at 2:59pm

Hi Robin,
Give him a ring and tell him you have a few ideas, tell him your fee for a consultation, if he only wants to pick your brains he will decline.
Lawncare-4u.co.uk September 16, 2009 at 8:27pm

Yes - youve taken all my thought i think
i agree.
think ill just give him a call (if i can find his number !) and say i have a few ideas and have done a rough design and tell him its £150 for a basic design or £300 for full details/and consultation.

i never realised this side of the business (garden design) , clients etc etc.
i see how you have to be 100% professional and guard your ideas until a deposit/fee is paid, and again they have to trust you. - i guess this sorts out those clients that are genuine and serious.

many thanks to all of you guys -rob