I've been working on improving the landscaping and hardscaping at my home for a few years now and I finally used SketchUp to bring my ideas to life with a detailed 3D render. I've compiled everything into a comprehensive 30-page proposal, which you can view [here](https://imgur.com/a/4Qjb968). However, I'm feeling a bit nervous about presenting it to potential contractors because I worry it might come off as overwhelming and make me seem like a difficult client. My goal is to clearly communicate my vision while also remaining open to professional input to avoid costly mistakes. I'd love to hear your thoughts! Is there too much information in the proposal? How can I simplify it to attract contractors? Should I consider breaking it up into smaller bids? And do you have any thoughts on the design itself?
2 Answers
It sounds like you put a lot of effort into your proposal! However, a 30-page document might be intimidating for contractors. I usually advise keeping bids concise and to the point. It's okay to share your vision, but consider focusing on the most critical elements. Contractors often prefer clear, actionable items over overwhelming detail. Also, separating your project into phases can make it easier for them to bid.
From a design perspective, I would suggest condensing your ideas. While it's great to have a detailed vision, it's often better to let contractors bring their expertise into play. You might want to provide the essential specs and let the rest come organically during discussions. Also, consider scaling down the project or separating it into smaller sections for bidding; it could attract more contractors.
That makes sense! I’ll try to trim it down and focus on the essential aspects for clarity. Thanks!
Thanks for the insight! Could you suggest what key elements I should highlight instead?