(no subject)

[msmemory_archive]

There oughta be a way to issue an RFP for landscapers. All the crews around here seem to advertise "free estimates" but the sheer level of effort on my part to call, set up appointments, discuss the project and alternatives, check references, collect and compare, why, it's huge!

I have some specific items I want done. Then I hope to have found a crew with clue, who might well say "have you thought about taking out that there, and putting in a whatsit?" Especially, I want ones who know something about plants (so I can say "keep the lilac, get rid of that spiky green thing next to the chimney.") I don't plan on getting tied into a mowing contract, but I have not ruled out the possibility altogether, now that jducoeur is working full time plus.

Comments

[iheronimus.livejournal.com]

I just contracted for a bunch of landscaping stuff, plus a mowing contract. The individual costs were lower with a comprehensive contract - (and the weekly mowing charges are half the cost of my previous vendor = partly due to economic conditions). Landscape companies are losing customers right and left, and I have found them to be quite responsive to a package deal.

[rickthefightguy.livejournal.com]

I cannot sufficiently recommend Angie's List. TOTALLY worth the money, at least in Chicago.

[laurion]

No kidding. Getting bids is a lot of work, and I suspect most people end up picking something after the first two or three on the basis of 'reasonable sounding, nice people'. Probably not as bad as certain government no-bid contracts, but an established RFP practice would be nicer...