Question
Hi my name is Jeff. I'm a landscaper. My question is how do i charge for retain walls and patios in the Hamilton NJ area. What is the rule of thumb or what specific way of pricing a job on this type of work?

Thank you hopefully you can help me.


Jeff

Answer
Hello,

Basically,you need to take into account the cost of materials,labor,overhead and site conditions. Walls are usually charged by the lineal foot and patios by the square foot. Factor in the above categories and then divide that into the unit of measurement charged such as lineal or square foot.  The complexity of the design would also be a factor. An engineered or a professional architecturally designed retaining wall will cost more,for instance,than a simpler,non-engineered retaining wall. The cost of designing structures must also be figured into the cost estimate.


I am not familiar with your local cost of materials (local costs can greatly vary) and so I cannot advise you on that. If your budget permits think about hiring an estimator. Estimators have a built up a feel for determining costs and evaluating work and site conditions. A great amount of cost estimating work is based on intuition that has been obtained from experience.

Good books on the subject include Kerrs Cost Data for Landscape Construction and Walkers Building Estimators Reference Book. Good luck. Let me know if I can be of further help.

Mark Harshman
http://www.mahdrafting.com
Email: [email protected]

http://www.allexperts.com/ep/724-104627/Landscaping-Design/Mark.htm