Estimating, Bidding and Installing Your Project

Whether you’ve never worked with a landscape or hardscape contractor, or you’ve simply not worked with us, it helps to have a sense of how the process works. If questions come up while reviewing the below information, please contact us.

#1 First Meeting & Introductory Site Visit
(Estimate Request)

The first step in the landscape project process is getting to know potential clients.  A brief or a sit down meeting on site to discuss and gather information about your personal style preferences, expectations, and vision for your landscape.  On large scale or design projects, determining a rough idea of budget for the project is important to consider at this time.  

Things to think about in the planning process; modern design vs traditional, natural stone vs manufactured stone,  lighting if you spend time outside in the evening, fire pit or kitchen space, calming water feature, dogs or kids that need flat green space?  

Many estimates are free of charge, but we do charge for 3D design work.  This fee can be credited back towards a project.  All clients find this design helpful in visualizing their space and potential final result.  

At the end of our first meeting, our staff will assess the property, take necessary measurements, collect and gather all pertinent site information to begin the estimation process. 

#2 Estimating the Project

Acer will use all of the information gathered during the initial site visit to build your project proposal.  If a design is requested, that process will begin, and communication may be necessary during the design to gather additional feedback.  Your project proposal can often be emailed back to you.  On some projects it is a good idea to get together again and discuss the estimate and proposal so that questions can be answered, or changes and adjustments can be addressed.  

#3 Planning Project

This is when we will get into any specifics that have not already been addressed.  Choose your final materials, colors, fixtures, lighting and other design basics as well as your plants, soil and decorative features.  Acer will schedule necessary deliveries and schedule with Diggers Hotline to mark your property of all public utilities.   

#4 First Day on the Job

Crew arrives and is able to discuss any pertinent matters and answer any last questions you might have.

#5 Project Underway

At this point, the design and build project is in progress – which might include digging, grading, installing trees, excavation for ponds, paving and retaining walls. Note that this is now a construction site and temporary dirt, mud, stone, debris, etc will be present.  Our crew will clean up tools and large messes daily as best as possible.  

#6 Final Day on the Job

After completion the crew will perform a final clean up so that you can fully enjoy the completed landscape project.  An Acer rep or crew member can walk through the finished project with you and answer any questions or make any last minute adjustments.  Enjoy!