landscaper quote, are we being unreasonable

[Woodsview]

Hi
we moved into a new build and knew the garden would need sorting out. We had two guys round, both used by some people who we have met on our development as was a good starting point, one gave an eye watering estimate, the second one still a decent amount but just within our budget. The first one gave a detailed estimate and the second a few bullet points in an email after chasing him, he thought he was the only up for the job and sent a figure by email. As we had seen the second guys work and it was really good we felt this was the better option.

He promised a plan of what we wanted and detailed description of the work. We have been waiting for 4 weeks to get this detail and the plan was just squares on a tiny page emailed across, we keep getting stalled with he is very busy, he has asked us to accept the figures and he will then send the plan. He has also said he could originally do August but now said it’s likely to be September.

We haven’t been asked to pay anything upfront as a deposit which is good but we have advised we can’t progress without some detail on the work, some breakdown ie patio and separate seating area but we have been told he can’t break down or his cost as he does matrix working and the plan will come once we accept the figures. He sent examples of what he sends once the quote is accepted which to be honest is still very basic.

we spoke to the lady who had her garden done and she said he was the same with her and push him but he’s not giving on anything, my husband said that as his work is good that it might be worth going with this as trying to find a decent landscaper isn’t at all easy without recommendations but I’m panicking as we are talking a lot of money here, you could buy a medium sized car with this quote and it’s not a big garden but because it’s a new build it needs quite a bit of groundwork and if I’m honest it’s took us years to save this money.

am I being unreasonable to expect details, at the moment it’s a bit like going for a meal and having the menu say
potato for starter
beef for main
apple for dessert
theres a total for each which includes labour but nothing else, no description whatsoever and no plan to support this.

we explained we need the detail so we don’t assume everything is included and then when he starts there’s more costs.

DH is a landscaper and he’s been screwed over so many times creating detailed plans for people who never went ahead (or worse, kept the plans and got someone else to do it). So he just stopped in the end. I can see where this guy is coming from, especially if he’s busy.

Do not touch this guy with a barge pole.
We had a bathroom fitter like this, he continually delayed our job, never sent detailed costings of parts and labour and had every excuse in the book why he wasn't working. He was a horrible person too.
On the face of it the landscapers work may look good but I bet if you looked closely it would be shoddy. He's a lazy person if he can't provide the proper breakdown of costs then his work will be lazy too. Find someone else is my advice.

It sounds like in your area the labourers are in short supply. Have you tried putting a bid on Check A Trade or My Builder.com? At least then you are opening up to some healthy competition. Both those quotes sound like BS.

Listen to your gut don’t go with him, find someone else take your time. You’ll be thankful you did.

Could it be he is dyslexic or doesn’t have the digital skills to do what you’re asking. There are so many trades out who are qualified by experience and incredible at their jobs but need to talk and provide basic drawings rather than doing everything online.

The fact he’s busy, comes recommend and gives a fair quote speaks volumes for him and his workmanship.

Might not be the case but reminds me of my old neighbour best landscape gardener in the area, such a perfectionist with incredible reviews and feedback. Could work it all out in his mind, never charged but would run a mile from a computer 😘

I would absolutely not agree to anything without a proper written detailed thorough plan & agreement. He sounds unprofessional, unorganised & unreliable. I wouldn’t put myself through the stress with him.

Go back to the drawing board, contact some more landscapers, and ask for references/examples of other works, and make it clear upfront that you won’t go ahead without a detailed, thorough written quote & that you want reliability in terms of agreed dates. Once you’ve got at least 3 detailed quotes/agreements then you go ahead & chose the best one. It’s usually better to go with the median price rather than the cheapest & if you can’t afford the most expensive one. But if you you generally get what you pay for so if you can afford it pay for the best.