Hey folks! I'm starting a major landscaping project in my backyard in Austin and I've received a quote that seems kinda steep. I want to know if it's typical for the area or if I should consider negotiating. Here's a breakdown of the costs: Fencing is quoted at $21,000 for 227 linear feet, landscape lighting is $10,574.97 for a variety of lights, a putting green comes in at $9,438.08 for 390 square feet, and the pool alone is $110,400 for a 20x10 plunge pool. Deck framing is set at $39,282.11 for 930 square feet, with Trex decking priced at $16,536. Other items include soils and mulch for $11,370.62, grading for $8,562.30, and a bunch more. The total project cost is $314,737.36. Can someone help me figure out if any of these figures seem too high or too low? I'd really like to know if there's anything specific I should question or try to negotiate on. Thanks!
3 Answers
I think the quote seems about right, especially with the pool costing a significant portion of it. I paid $78,000 for a pool in San Antonio more than a decade ago. I'd definitely question the mobilization fee though; what exactly does that cover? On the plus side, they itemized everything really well, so you can adjust things based on your budget.
It's definitely a big project, so the quote might actually reflect that. I just revamped my backyard in Austin too and it wasn't cheap at all. I got a few estimates and some were quite insane. If you're feeling uneasy about this one, I'd suggest getting a couple more quotes to compare. Just a heads up, I can't comment on the pool since I don't have one, but everything else seems in line with high-end projects around here.
Absolutely not! I got a quote for $5,500 for 200 feet of fencing. That's a way better deal! Keep in mind, the price can vary significantly based on material and design. When I did my fence, I spent about $6,000 for a high-end red cedar, dog-eared style for under 300 feet. It’s worth a serious look!