Before answering this question, let's first define "estimate." An estimate is an approximate price for completing a well-defined job.
If we receive a complete and accurate set of landscape plans, detailed construction documents, and project specifications for a project that we are interested in and qualified to work on, then "yes" we will sometimes provide an estimated price for completion of the project at no cost to the customer. We only provide such services to existing and potential clients who have expressed a genuine interest in wanting to use Wayside as their landscape contractor, and who are located within our serviceable business territory. We also only provide such estimates on projects for which we can realistically schedule commencement of work in a timely fashion. In general, we do not seek to "bid" on work in which we are unfamiliar with the project designer, the customer, or some other aspect of the project; Wayside does not get involved in this type of "free estimating."
Most of the time when people ask us if we give free estimates, what they really mean is do we design landscapes for free. Our estimate, or price, must be based on a plan and a detailed set of specifications, which are the end product of the design process. It is impossible for us, or anyone for that matter, to give a meaningful price without a plan that was generated through the design process. To do so would be merely guessing. At Wayside, we charge for our assistance in conducting the design process and in generating plans and specifications needed to develop the landscape (see LANDSCAPE DESIGN / CONSULTATION CONTRACT for details).
So, the usual answer to the above question is "no" for the same reasons other professionals (e.g., doctors, lawyers, architects, webmasters, financial planners, consultants, etc.) do not provide their services for free. A qualified landscape designer has many years of concentrated education and experience behind his/her counsel. The landscape design process (see WHAT IS LANDSCAPE DESIGN?) is both time consuming and exacting. It requires skill, creativity, and the ability to communicate effectively with others using several different types of media. In order to be effective, designers must form a partnership with their clients; all parties must be committed to the project, and trust each other. Such commitment and trust is easier when the designer is formally working (i.e., under contract) for the client. Free plans generally do not have the client's best interests at heart; they are usually at best a guess as to what the salesperson thinks they can get the potential client to buy - this is salesmanship, not design.
<< Previous Question | Next Question >>
