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We have carried out many such projects alongside our domestic work. It can be a challenge, but well worth the effort, especially if you can build up a relationship with the builder and architect which will bring in future work. Don't be put off by the numbers, most projects are phased, if you work with the site agent, so that the work can be split into manageable parts. Good luck
Hi Colin
Many thanks for the positive reply, i visited the site today and the site manager seemed a decent bloke. Although the site was in chaos and i couldn't imagine any plants going near the place.Trying to price it seemed impossible - even phased. It is only 10 houses and communal areas. The only way i can see not getting it drastically over or under is day rate?
Any further tips? Thanks in advance
Ian, almost certainly, they won't accept a day rate, there will be a sum in the builder's contract for 'Landscaping' and they will want to know your price before they accept it.
It isn't as difficult as it seems, sometimes we would supply and spread top soil(the best way!), it could be 'prepare existing ground', but more probably the builder will supply and basically level the ground prior to you getting on site, BUT if that's the case, he must get in a reasonable condition for you to start planting.
Pricing the plants is easy - you have the numbers, a wholesaler will gladly supply and you put on your margin. Planting is whatever speed you work at - if in doubt, do a dummy run with say 10 plants to give yourself an idea.
Cut through the chaos on site. All sites are 'chaotic', but they do come together by the time us 'important' people get there!
I am now well past my 'sell-by' date and now(thru choice!) only do garden maintenance, but going back, I loved the 'buzz', 'stress', immense satisfaction of site work........... not to mention......it pays well!!
I can't remember what it was called but it was like grand designs.
The architect mention the cost of £30 per square metre for planting and £100 per square metre for hard landscaping.
Maybe somebody can verify whether these numbers and costs are correct?
I'll do something tomorrow morning
I'll look out for it!
Prices sound pretty right, hard landscaping even £110+
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Anything below a metre and your insaurance costs up .<br />
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Your risk assessment Is down to the safety and movement on the site, especially since it is a new build site .
Just be a bit savvy with the architect drawing do not put tall shrubs in front of windows .
Also when you bye from the wholesaler, plants and trees we normally charge 20% on top for business usage .
Thanks David
Planting plan 'sketched out by architect'.. if they or you want any help with a planting plan, I can assist.
Jane