Hardscaping Pricing: Why You Need Drawings Before Quoting

Question: Lawn service adding hardscaping in Hamilton, NJ. Need field-usable pricing method for retaining walls and patios—by sq ft or by job? Want to avoid losing money.

Answer: Never Estimate Without a Survey-Based Drawing

Accurate estimates require drawings from a careful site survey. "Guesstimating" on-site leads to losses. Break the project into square/linear foot units to allocate total cost.

Field sketches are a start, but refining details, checking material prices, and referencing specs require office time. If the client provides a concept or final drawing, still return to the office to prepare the estimate.

—Mark Harshman | mahdrafting.com