23+ Sample Landscape Proposal

What Is a Landscape Proposal?

A landscape or landscaping proposal is a printed or written document by a landscape architect that provides critical information regarding the plan of the landscaping artist to gain the client’s trust to create the landscaping construction project. Landscaping is a popular project in urban areas, like suburbs, communities, or villages. The landscaping process revolves around the idea of developing a piece of land within the owner’s property and turning it into beautiful and picturesque scenery. It is a challenging industry to be in, especially when multiple agencies are offering the same services. The landscape proposal agencies prepare for clients must be clear and comprehensive.

According to the industry statistics in the United States from IBISWorld entitled Landscaping Services in the US – Market Size 2002 to 2027, the market size of the landscape industry reaches an estimated amount of 105.1 billion US dollars. Despite the overwhelming amount for the first quarter of the year, the market growth in 2021 is currently at -0.2 percent.

Necessary Elements of a Landscape Proposal

Landscape proposals have since developed to more than pricing and plan where the client needs to sign a contract afterward. Instead, these documents are more comprehensive and focus on the presentation of work experiences and work quality. Below is a compilation of the vital components of a landscape proposal.

Cover letter: The cover letter serves as the initial introduction for the client. For residential customers, it can be in the form of a personalized thank you letter from the CEO for allowing them to put in a project bid, discussing the advantages of hiring the agency, and inviting them to inquire about other information. In commercial projects, the cover letter is a response to the request for proposal (RFP).Landscape bid: It is the landscape project’s bid proposal, detailing the costs of materials, labor, equipment, and other associated expenses. It must also reflect the final bid amount for the project and the additional discounts or packages.Project’s visual representation: Whether you present a client with a CAD drawing, illustration, or rendering, it serves as an essential supplement to a landscape proposal. Including the visualization helps with showing the client of possible work plans for the space. Providing visual aids to your customer to connect with your proposed plan and represents professionalism and skill. The representation also allows your customers to get a hold of your concept for the project.Client testimonials: Giving a little push to your present clients with certified recommendations or testimonials aid you in landing the landscaping project. Remember to include testimonials with positive feedback on the job. Providing these statements to new clients encourages them to trust and be confident in your abilities to provide them with a beautiful outcome.Services information: One of the ways to give an idea of the provided services is to present a business brochure. You can also provide an interactive virtual brochure for your client. Remember that the content of the brochure is critical to delivering the services you offer. Details must include comprehensive action plans, a list of experiences and specializations, case studies, and example projects.  Certificate of insurance: Providing insurance certificates grants clients peace of mind. It also tells your clients that you are professional and responsible when it comes to handling projects. Therefore, making them confident to engage business with the company.Landscaping contract: An essential document in a landscape proposal. It is best to provide clients with digital and printed contracts. Digital contracts give as little downtime as possible and let your clients review the text more efficiently.Business card: Attaching a professional business card makes it easier for clients to contact you once their done reviewing every piece of information coming from your landscape proposal. Calling you much sooner than later to negotiate the deal after accepting the bid.

How to Create a Landscape Proposal

Whether you’re creating your first landscape proposal or you already presented one for previous clients, starting one isn’t always an easy task. Various elements come into play when creating a landscape proposal, and you must identify them moving forward. Below are helpful steps to guide you to begin and end your proposal with the prospect of selection.

Step 1: Familiarize Yourself With the Client’s Needs

It is necessary to get a good idea of what your clients want the space to look like. Clients expect that their principal visions become a reality, and creating a landscape proposal disregarding it will not land you the job. Inquire about necessary questions and obtain clarifications to get clarity on their thoughts.

Step 2: Take Measurements and Make a Materials List

Taking precise measurements saves up on costs of materials and labor. Without accurate measurements, there is a chance of too much or too little material to work with, which heavily influences the project schedule. When it comes to creating a material list, consider researching market prices and be up to date with changes in trends. Remember never to send a price quote if you do not have complete numbers.

Step 3: Draw Up Your Design

Adding a CAD drawing or illustration to your landscape proposal establishes professionalism and builds a trusting relationship with the client. Including the design into your proposal guarantees that you and your client are within the same wavelength with the vision and helps you accurately tackle the issue of costs and project planning.

Step 4: Estimate Costs, Timeline, and Budget

Estimate the labor hours for the project, especially if you’re looking to hire project subcontractors. Aside from labor costs, create an estimate of the materials and equipment you need for the project. Don’t forget about miscellaneous fees like transportation costs. From the cost estimates, create a suitable timeline to complete the project. Upon the finality of the agreement between you and the client, the timeline reflects on the contract. Finally, create a cost breakdown for your client, and start creating a project budget to see whether it is profitable.

Step 5: Create Your Contract and Finish Your Proposal

Once everything is settled, construct your contract to contain clauses and statements that protect both parties best interests. It is best to have a legal attorney when drafting a landscape contract to solidify the completion of the proposal and the arrangement.

FAQs

How do you compose a quote for a job on landscaping?

First, you have to identify whether you charge a fixed rate or an hourly rate. After that, you have to identify the project’s scope of work, estimate material and labor costs, and identify your overhead fees. Once you have this information, create a summation of the total costs and add your markup prices.

How much is the average budget for landscaping projects?

Landscaping projects range from 5,000 to 100,000 US dollars, depending on the scale and materials. As a general rule, it is best to spend 10 percent of your property’s value for landscaping purposes.

Does landscaping increase property values?

Landscaping not only increases the visual appeal of a property, but it also increases the value of a property by up to 15 percent, according to a Virginia Tech study. It also includes that a landscaped home has a significant price advantage over houses lacking landscape areas. The advantage rating ranges from 5.5 percent to 12.7 percent.

When it comes to making a client’s landscaping dream come true or expressing their visions, a landscape proposal is necessary to have a detailed document that benefits the client and the landscaping agency. For a landscaping agency, providing a comprehensive landscape proposal shows professionalism, and showcases their experiences and previous landscaping projects, which helps to increase the chances of sealing a contract. Use and download the landscape proposal samples above to aid your company in gaining more clients.