Help with Pricing a Job

Im trying to price a job for a gentleman. This is what he wants and I have estimated. 15 dwarf spruce pines, 15 azaleas, 1 Jap. Maple Red, 1 Dog wood, 13 ventguards for the vents on the house, 2 tons of dirt, 200ft of bed edging, 12x18 to put plastic and cover with brick chips and approx. 35 yards of mulch. Tell me what you think. I dont know how to price planting. Bededging I usually charge a $1 a foot. Mulching cost of product times 1.75. Need help on the rest. Thanks Brad

[Steve]

Lawn care business tips

Hi Brad, How much will the plants cost you and the mulch? How does this size job compare with others you have done?

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[Yard Elements]

The Way I do my Landscaping is pretty simple but effective for me.

Figure the price of all materials, add 10% for markup on products alot of times if you talk to the vendors you can get a contractor discount or a large purchase discount that will help you get a higher profit still charge, Base Price + 10% even if you get a deal.

Then break each item down into small sections IE

How long will it take you to get the dirt, loaded unloaded and drive time+ Gas,
How long will it take you to grade out the dirt.

How long will it take to deliver the mulch figuring drive time and gas.
How long will it take you to grade the mulch etc.

How long will it take you to plant the plants are they 5 gallon, 3 gallon ETC.
Make sure to take into consideration the Hardness or Softness. If your bringing in top soil it should be quick. I usually Charge 7.00 Each for 1 Gallon plants, to plant them.

After you Figure ALL the time it will take you really figure it, then add an hour or two to be safe.

Take the amount of hours, cost of all materials, equpiment rental, and markups then * That by your hourly Wage and add a few dollars just to be safe.

This has worked for me, if you charge 1 per foot or something like that when you hit hard pan or rain extremes you be screwing your self.

I am pretty good at the landscape side of things the maintenance is a whole different story if any one has any suggestions please check out my other post and help bid my next job!

Thanks

[Steve]

What have you come up with so far for your bid on this project?