As a homeowner seeking landscaping estimates, I've always been able to get free estimates for big projects from contractors, but recently I reached out to a landscaper who asked for $200 just to come out and give a proposal after our initial conversation. They mentioned they would include an analysis of the current plants and soil. I want to get a general estimate before diving into details like yard size and specific work I want done, but is it standard to be charged for such estimates? Am I being unrealistic for thinking I can get multiple estimates without paying $200 each?
2 Answers
A lot of contractors are adopting this approach, so nothing is truly free. Paid estimates are becoming the norm as they help manage time and resources better for the contractors. It’s not just landscaping—many industries are starting to follow suit.
It's becoming more common in the landscaping industry to require paid estimates, particularly to discourage clients who only want free proposals without the intention to hire. In fact, I've switched to a paid estimate model that’s refundable if you choose to go ahead with the work. This helps save time on projects where clients might not be serious about hiring. Just ask the contractor if they credit the fee towards the project if you go with them!