Why exterior bids come in high
- Layers of markup: when a general contractor subcontracts the landscape, irrigation and hardscape work, each layer adds overhead and margin
- A vague scope: "renovate the entry" gets priced with cushion for everything that might be included
- Over-specified materials, like premium pavers or large boxed trees where standard sizes would look the same in two years
- Everything priced as one phase, when the property could split it across budget years
- Work that isn't needed, such as replacing irrigation that only needs repairs
None of this means the contractor did anything wrong. General contractors are often the right choice for large, multi-trade projects. But for work that is mostly landscape, irrigation, hardscape and demolition, going to a specialist directly can cut out a layer of cost.
How to check a bid in five steps
1. Ask for line items
Quantities, materials and unit prices for each part of the job. A single lump sum is impossible to compare.
2. Confirm the scope is what you need
Walk the site and separate must-haves (safety, drainage, failing walls) from nice-to-haves.
3. Get a specialist's estimate for the same scope
Give a landscape contractor the same drawings or scope sheet so you're comparing like with like.
4. Ask for options, not just a price
A good contractor will show what changes if you use different materials, phase the work or keep part of the existing landscape.
5. Check for rebates
Turf removal and smart controller rebates from several Valley cities can offset part of a conversion. Our water rebate guide lists the programs by city.
Presenting it to regional managers and ownership
Ownership doesn't want three PDFs. They want a recommendation they can approve. A one-page summary usually does it:
- The problem and why it needs fixing now (safety, curb appeal, water cost, resident complaints)
- Two or three options side by side: full scope, value-engineered scope and phased scope, each with its price
- What each option saves over time, such as lower water bills or less maintenance
- Your recommendation, and the timeline to finish before the season that matters, like leasing season or monsoon
Photos sell projects. Before photos of the problem areas, plus examples of similar finished work, make the approval conversation much shorter.
How Pro Turf helps
Our office team spent 25+ years as multifamily and HOA property managers, so we know what regional managers and owners need to see. Send us the bid or the scope. We'll walk the property, give you an honest second-opinion estimate for the exterior construction work, and put together options you can present: full scope, value-engineered and phased, with line-item pricing and photos. If the original bid is fair, we'll tell you that too. Request a review or call (602) 922-8873.
