When considering a landscape construction project, the attraction of selecting the lowest cost landscaping company can be strong. However, opting for the cheapest bid often leads to unforeseen complications and expenses.
This article will discuss 15 potential hidden costs and long-term consequences of simply choosing the lowest cost landscaping company, ensuring that you make an informed decision for your landscaping needs.
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1. Project Results that Don’t Satisfy Your Vision
A proper landscape construction estimate should include sufficient time for the company to meet with you on several occasions to truly uncover your vision. It requires skill and experience to help turn ideas and concepts into reality. It is truly worth investing in a company with a track record of satisfied customers who have successfully turned their visions into completed projects.
Simply choosing the lowest-cost landscaping company may result in a scope of work that doesn’t fully align with your vision. These companies might rush the meetings with you and manipulate the vision in a way that benefits them, not you.
At the end of the project, you may be left feeling somewhat unsatisfied. An experienced landscaping will have a developed process to ensure all of your expectations are met and exceeded.
2. Proper Scope Comparison between Quotes
When receiving multiple quotes, it’s important to ensure an “apples-to-apples comparison.” Some quotes may include certain items, while others do not.
Carefully analyzing these differences is essential to understanding what you’re getting for your money. A lower bid might exclude desired elements, leading to additional costs later.
Without a proper comparison, you might be misled by a lower initial quote that doesn’t account for all the required work.
For example, one contractor might include a $20,000 French drain in a larger project because they know there will be drainage issues without one. A less experienced contractor may quote the project without considering drainage issues and, therefore, not include the cost of a French drain. When comparing the quotes solely on cost, the less experienced contractor’s quote appears more attractive. However, after some heavy rainfall, you may be required to dig up parts of the project to install a drainage solution.
3. Insufficient Warranty
When considering the cost of a landscaping project, make sure to understand the scope and length of any warranties that are included.
Sometimes companies may remove warranties from the quote in order to lower the cost. This lack of support can leave you footing the bill for any repairs or replacements.
For example, if a patio or retaining wall begins to shift or crack, the absence of a warranty means these issues fall entirely on you to fix.
4. Improper Estimating Leading to Requests for More Money
Estimating landscape construction projects takes a great deal of experience to perfect. If you receive a construction quote that is far lower than expected, or lower than other estimates, the company may have improperly estimated the job.
This can be a genuine mistake; however, sometimes companies will intentionally omit items while estimating and create ambiguity around them in the contract. Then, once they land the job and the project is underway, they will issue change orders for additional funds, claiming it was not clear that those items had to be included.
This tactic can significantly escalate the overall cost, far exceeding the initial quote.
Investigate past projects of the landscape contractor and see if their projects were completed on budget.
5. Company Insolvency and Bankruptcy
The longevity and stability of your landscape contractor are crucial.
Companies that consistently win bids based on the lowest cost might not last long.
They may go bankrupt or rebrand under a new name, making it impossible to claim warranties or follow up on issues. This instability can leave you without recourse if problems arise later.
6. Inadequate Knowledge Regarding Permits and Approvals
Experience and knowledge in navigating local bylaws and obtaining necessary permits are vital.
Inexperienced contractors may underestimate the time and cost associated with permits, leading to project delays and additional costs.
For instance, if your project starts without the proper permits, work could be halted, turning your property into a construction zone for weeks or even months.
7. Lowest Cost Landscaping may Lack Safety
During Construction
If a landscaping company is trying to win a project based on the lowest cost, they may be tempted to compromise safety during construction.
These contractors might prioritize cost-saving over safe work practices, leading to unsafe conditions for workers and residents. This is unacceptable by any standard. Employees deserve safe working conditions everyday. Homeowners, and neighbourhood residents also deserve safety when landscape construction projects are underway.
Implementing Safety Features into the Project
Similarly, important safety features like railings or guards might be removed from an estimate in order to save money.
This can compromise the usability and safety of the space, leading to potential hazards.
8. Poorly Written Contracts
A poorly written contract may contain vague language and intentional omissions that make the initial bid appear more attractive.
However, as the project progresses, these ambiguities can lead to unexpected expenses. Key components and necessary tasks may be left out of the contract, forcing you to pay for costly change orders to address these gaps.
This not only inflates the final cost well beyond the original estimate but also causes delays and potential disputes, ultimately undermining the value of choosing the seemingly cheaper option.
9. Lack of Project Management
Insufficient Communication
Effective communication with a project manager ensures that your vision is understood and accurately translated into the final design.
However, the lowest cost estimate may cut corners by providing minimal project management oversight. This can lead to misunderstandings, mistakes, and misaligned expectations, which are costly to rectify. Without a dedicated project manager to facilitate regular updates and address concerns promptly, you may find yourself frequently intervening, which consumes your time and resources.
Moreover, poor communication can result in delays and rework. Decisions may be made without your input, leading to unsatisfactory results that require costly revisions. The lack of a clear communication channel also means that any issues or changes during the project are not addressed efficiently, further escalating costs and causing frustration.
Ultimately, the savings from a lower initial quote are quickly eroded by the hidden expenses and headaches associated with inadequate project management and communication.
Dedicated Crew
Some companies may not prioritize your project, treating it as secondary to other commitments. They might not show up consistently, as their crews are spread across multiple projects.
This inconsistency can significantly extend your project timeline, turning what should be a 1-2 month project into a 2-4 month ordeal, leaving your property unusable and in a messy state.
In addition, having crews manage multiple projects simultaneously may lead to fragmented and inconsistent work on your project. This can result in frequent delays and mistakes, increasing overall costs.
Without a dedicated crew, there is less familiarity with your project’s specific needs, resulting in subpar workmanship and overlooked details that require costly corrections. The initial savings from a lower quote are quickly outweighed by these inefficiencies and additional expenses. Investing in a company that provides a dedicated team ensures smoother progress, better communication, and higher quality, ultimately offering better value for your money.
10. Construction Planning and Phasing
Companies offering the lowest estimates often lack the resources or expertise to meticulously plan and phase the construction process, leading to a disorganized and disruptive work environment.
Without careful planning, your property may become cluttered and less functional, causing inconvenience and potential damage. Proper planning ensures that construction activities are systematically organized, minimizing disruptions and maintaining the tidiness and usability of your property throughout the project.
11. Using the Proper Equipment
Some companies may not have the proper tools and equipment to complete your project correctly, leading to a higher likelihood of cutting corners to save time and effort.
For example, a company without the proper stone saw may leave larger gaps between interlock stones in a patio or driveway, avoiding precise cuts. Ironically, they are “cutting corners” by not cutting the corners, compromising the quality and longevity of the work.
This lack of proper equipment can result in substandard results and may also require costly repairs or replacements sooner than expected.
12. Short Term Aesthetics over Long Term Quality
Lower cost landscaping estimates often prioritize short-term aesthetics over long-term quality and functionality.
While the initial appearance may be attractive, the materials and workmanship may not endure over time. Companies offering these lower estimates may use cheaper, less durable materials that look good initially but quickly deteriorate.
For example, opting for inexpensive, porous pavers might save money upfront, but these materials are prone to absorbing water and are more likely to crack during freeze-thaw cycles. While these pavers might look great on day one, they will develop cracks and discoloration within a few years, leading to higher maintenance costs and the need for premature replacement.
This approach can ultimately result in greater expenses and frustration, undermining the perceived savings from the initial lower estimate. Investing in higher quality materials and skilled workmanship ensures a landscape that remains beautiful and functional for many years, providing better value in the long run.
13. Poor Workmanship on Hidden Items
A landscape construction project involves numerous crucial details that might not be visible in the finished result. Key aspects like grading, drainage, and below-grade construction require experienced attention.
These elements are often concealed when the project is completed, but if not executed correctly, they can have long-term negative impacts.
For example, if the sub-base for a stone patio or interlock driveway is not properly prepared, issues will arise. Using the wrong type of gravel, insufficient quantities, or failing to compact the sub-base adequately can lead to uneven settling and shifting of the pavers over time.
This can cause an uneven surface and potential trip hazards, problems that may not become apparent until years later. Proper attention to these hidden details is essential for the durability and safety of your landscape.
14. Repairs and Replacements
Materials and Workmanship
The initial savings from choosing the lowest cost landscaping company can be quickly offset by the hidden costs of repairs and replacements.
Poor-quality materials and workmanship often lead to frequent maintenance and replacements, significantly increasing the total cost of ownership.
Improper Plant Selection
Inappropriate plant selection can lead to higher maintenance costs and replacements.
Lower cost quotes might choose cheaper, less suitable plants that require more care or fail to thrive, adding to your long-term expenses.
Careful selection of native plants that will thrive in the given environment will ensure that your gardens are beautiful and functional for a long time.
15. Post Project Support
Post-project support is vital for addressing any issues that arise after completion.
Unfortunately there are many contractors that are “one-and-done”, disappearing once the project is finished.
Reliable support is essential for ensuring your landscape continues to meet your needs and expectations.
How Should You Choose a Landscape Company?
Guide to Selecting the Right Contractor
Choosing a landscape company you can trust is critical.
Refer to our previous blog article for detailed guidance on selecting the right contractor for your project. We provide a checklist of 17 questions to ask to evaluate landscape contractors.
Ensure they have a solid track record, proper certifications, and a transparent approach to project management and contracts.
Do yourself a favour and …
Don’t Always Choose Lowest Cost Landscaping Company
While the lowest cost landscaping company might seem like an attractive option, the potential pitfalls and long-term costs often outweigh the initial savings.
By considering factors like project scope alignment, warranty, company stability, safety, and total cost of ownership, you can make a more informed decision.
Investing in a reputable and experienced landscape contractor like Creative Concepts ensures a higher quality, more reliable, and ultimately more satisfying outcome for your landscape construction project.
Contact us today to get an estimate for your landscape construction project!
