Tendering
Finding a contractor to build your garden
Tendering – comparing quotes from landscaping companies
Once you have your ideal garden design you’ll be wanting to contact landscaping companies to carry out the works. For projects in Essex and Suffolk Tapestry Design Studios unreservedly recommend Holland Landscapes from Colchester but they are by no means the only landscape gardeners in the area. You’ll find plenty of reliable landscaping companies across the UK on the APL website.
It’s important when contacting competing landscaping companies that they all have the same understanding of your needs. In other words that they are quoting like for like.
We can produce a tender document for the contractors. A tender document specifically details what needs to be carried out, which materials are to be used and the quantities required. This ensures that each landscaper is pricing on a like-for-like basis.
Advice on choosing a landscape gardener
Most garden designers will admit to developing an affection for each invidual piece of their work. The team here are no different and we all want the best for our clients and their gardens. That’s why we encourage homeowners to choose landscaping companies wisely.
Chris Baker of Holland Landscapes in Colchester has over 30 years experience, created award winning gardens and most importantly of all, has a reputation for trustworthiness
Before you approach landscape gardeners for a quote, please be sure that you are talking to companies that will be able to do your job well. After all, nothing takes away the sweetness of low prices like the bitter taste of disappointing quality.
Avoid rogue traders with thorough research
- Is the company a member of an organisation such as the Association of Professional Landscapers?
- Check online and ask friends and collegues for reviews and recommendations.
- Are their vehicles, machinery and staff well presented?
- Even for the smallest landscaping jobs, contractors should be fully insured and comply with CDM regulations
- Does this company have staff with the right knowledge skills-sets to carry out your work? Think reading plans, carpenters, brick layers, drainage experts, fencers, electricians, machinery operators, plantspeople, painters and decorators, turf layers and more – it’s very varied work.
Always remember that unlike buying off the shelf goods like kitchens or bathrooms, landscaping is open to a little bit of artistic interpretation and to variations in skills-sets. Try if you can to see examples of finished gardens. Preferably five years old or more – that way you’ll be able to see if their workmanship can stand the test of time.
Finally, when the tender documents come back from their respective landscaping companies along with costs and timelines. Remember that price isn’t everything. You’ll be working closely with the landscaper for some time – can you get along with him or her? Because if you’re not comfortable with the people you probably won’t be happy with the work either.
More about Holland Landscapes, our preferred landscaping company