Landscape bed prep

[Nebraska]

Had a woman call last week who wants the sod removed for her do it yourself project. Measured out...flat...came to 1800 SF. I really did not have time for this so I shot her a price of $500 (thinking I'd be high)...she didn't flinch and said yes... We own a sod cutter so no rental involved and disposal of the sod will be at my brother's acreage; he's trying grow grass on the 'back 40'..

My concern is her lack of resistance...Was I too low? My estimate to cut it out and haul it away was for 2 men nor more than 1.5 hours; including hauling and disposal time...

[mdvaden]

Reaction is not a good gauge for price. I usually try to bid the work for what its is worth.

This gets me to thinking about a project a while back. I bid $2250.00 for pruning - that was 2 & 1/2 days work. I handed the estimate over the table as we sat on the patio, and asked the lady to think it over and give me a ring. She said she already made up her mind - she was ready and said to go ahead.

Some people get shocked over $80 projects that are priced dead-on-b_lls-accurate.

It is honorable though that you at least are taking the time to reflect on the matter. If you put forth consideration and thought for all your tasks, you will develop a great system for your needs.

[Stonehenge]

I don't know that it's high for the work that was bid, just that projects of that size always seem to turn into more trouble....something wasn't done exactly the way they expected, etc, pretty soon you've made two other trips out there to inspect or discuss or whatever.

Just not worth it. The likely reason she didn't flinch was you were probably one of the only ones to be willing to do the work.

[Bexter]

I don't know about the price but I think your off on your time ...

From your figure of 1800 sq' I come up with 167sq meters ... now if your cutting around 5cm (2") then you will have around 8.35m3
That’s quite a truckload or 2 ...if you look in the thread building dump boxes. It would take 2 loads in a truck that size.
You can cut that in half if you only take 2.5 cm (1") but my experience has been that it is usually closer to 5cm if it's good sod your taking off.
I also didn't allow for the fluffing up of the excavation ... you could add up to 35% more for that.
I think 2 men will piss away half a day easy on this.

[PSUscaper]

I'd try this....

Go in a week early and spray with round-up.....

then come back, till, and talk her into adding topsoil to the areas to make raised plantings.

Instead of tilling, you could do what I do....just use your mini-x to scrape up the dead grass after spraying..........and leave it there in the beds......then add topsoil.

I like to leave the grass in the beds (as long as it is sprayed) leaves good organics for the soil.....

steve

[Nebraska]

Well guys......we did it on Friday afternoon. One guy used the sod cutter....the other guy was hauling wheel barrows to the dump trailer. All was completed in 1.5 hours. Add another 1/2 hour for the dump process. My brother now can struggle with putting down 215 rolls of sod himself if he does not come up with some Beer :cigar: At least it rained last night to keep it watered...I have a feeling that Sunday will be spent doing a favor!:rolleyes: Not a bad trade off considering he bailed us out last winter when two trucks went down..
Schedule this type of work on a Friday and I find the guys work faster....everyone wants to get off asap on Friday.