backyard renovation bid

[socal123]

my lot size is about 8500 sq ft or so.

Most new Irvine buyers don't see lots that big. Which makes your next comment even harder to fathom:

Not really huge...

But if you're doing pool/bbq/etc on that size of a lot... 6-figures is what I've seen. Did you try contacting the TI sponsor Resort Backyards? Sounds like something in their price range.

Good luck... and when it's done, post pictures so us Irvinites can be even more envious.

Yeah Resort style might call you back at that price range.. I know they don't like to call people back for 40K and under. 

That guy still hasn't call you back. Amazing.

I haven't had 3 people call me back for 120K plus job...Alderete Pools...no call back...Atlas Pools...no call back...Exclusive Landscapes...actually came out for bid....no call back. Maybe they are too swamped with work. wth!

 

[socal78]

Yes, I had somebody from Resort Style Backyards come out.  But it appears they wanted $2000 or so in a design fee before giving me an itemized bid.

Just curious - is that a typo? My brain saw $200 and thought "that sucks". Then my eyes said hang on, that says 2 Grand! It seems like a nominal, consultation fee might make sense but $2,000...?? Wow. I remember when I custom designed my kitchen. I sat with a designer every day for about 2 weeks, eating up the clock until the plans were just right. Still - There was no cost or obligation at all even after all that.

 

[socal123]

Yes, I had somebody from Resort Style Backyards come out.  But it appears they wanted $2000 or so in a design fee before giving me an itemized bid.

Just curious - is that a typo? My brain saw $200 and thought "that sucks". Then my eyes said hang on, that says 2 Grand! It seems like a nominal, consultation fee might make sense but $2,000...?? Wow. I remember when I custom designed my kitchen. I sat with a designer every day for about 2 weeks, eating up the clock until the plans were just right. Still - There was no cost or obligation at all even after all that.

no typo!  But it was for a "detailed plan".  The other companies provided that complimentary.

 

[zubs]

Sometimes homeowners will take a design that one contractor created, and use another contractor to build it.

Therefore, some skin in the game is necessary.
However, I don't know if $2,000 is fair market price.

 

[freedomcm]

jeez, is that full blueprints and a 3-D walkthrough visualization?

 

[eyephone]

Yes, I had somebody from Resort Style Backyards come out.  But it appears they wanted $2000 or so in a design fee before giving me an itemized bid.

Just curious - is that a typo? My brain saw $200 and thought "that sucks". Then my eyes said hang on, that says 2 Grand! It seems like a nominal, consultation fee might make sense but $2,000...?? Wow. I remember when I custom designed my kitchen. I sat with a designer every day for about 2 weeks, eating up the clock until the plans were just right. Still - There was no cost or obligation at all even after all that.

no typo!  But it was for a "detailed plan".  The other companies provided that complimentary.

Other companies give it for free if you sign a contract with them.

 

[cba6777]

Got 3 people to come out for backyard estimates for pool/spa/solid roof outdoor room/travertine hardscape.  2 of the companies where a bit wishy washy about the price. One company we liked was dreamscapes by mgr and their bid came in at 122K for everything...onlything extra not included in bid was plants/trees around pool area...about 5K extra.  I'm not necessarily looking for the cheapest bid but this company seems to do good work. Anyone with similar experience think this is a fair bid?

SoCal - maybe we can share notes on scope and contractors.  I've had 4 contractors come out to my place for bids and I've gotten 3 of them back.  Sounds like similar scope as yours.  My bids are ranging from $130-$160K.  I've done alot of research on materials.  My biggest concern is getting an honest contractor that will do the scope of work on budget and on time.  I worked with a landscape architect to lay out everything so they should be bidding on the plans.  However, when we meet, they didn't realize some of the details of the work when we talk.  It would be great to share notes

I've had 3 bids so far. The most specific and best was from dreamscapes by mgr.  I'm not doing my front yard, just the
backyward which includes pool/spa/covered outdoor patio(hardcover), and travertine pavers.  I live in Covenant Hills area of Ladera and my lot size is about 8500 sq ft or so. Not really huge but I think big enough to make it look good. So the 120K bid from dreamscapes does not include plants/trees/the actual bbq(may use my own) or audio/visual etc.    Kind of weird the one company Exclusive Landscapes in ladera came out..a guy named Tony Gariano...spent over an hour with us....and then never called back or presented a bid despite several calls/emails. Maybe some guys are too busy and don't want a 6 figure job!

Seems excessive. All the stuff you want is over the top. Keep in mind you might not see the return on the amount spent vs another house nearby. (In the future)

When we looked in Covenant Hills, there was a house that was simply amazing. (On Katy Rose? Adele?) The backyard was just to die for, with the pool, waterfall, covered patio, etc. A little out of our price range, but knowing what you want to do with your backyard would definitely not price you out of the neighborhood in that area of Ladera.