Over my years of landscaping design and installation I have encountered many claims, schemes, and flat out frauds. Below are only a few examples of what I find appalling about the “cut-throat” world of landscaping. But please, keep in mind as you read this (and I hope you do), there is so much more that we do and know that I cannot disclose because I know our competition is watching (you know who you are!).

From Sacramento to the Bay Area and everywhere in between, I have redesigned, overhauled, or flat out had to start the design process over again. “Landscape Designers”, for the most part, claim to put their “full focus into the layout of your yard with the creative influence that comes with this total attention”. Huh? I’ve read that a number of times and it still makes no sense. “Total attention” does not equate with “creative influence”. Experience, education, artistic vision, research, and intimate knowledge of your clients, their lifestyles, hopes, dreams, and ambitions all contribute to the creative sphere of influence!

Scotland Yards, as a Designer / Contractor, we have the experience coupled with the knowledge of the construction costs and process. This means we know how things should be constructed — in terms of code, structural soundness, and functionality. But we also possess the artistic talent to make the function aspect aesthetically pleasing! What does this mean? It just means that, unlike the Designer who is focused on your dreams and not your budget, we keep you focused on reality where cost and lifestyle are paramount. Still, if you choose to higher a designer (which there are some good ones out there), ask them to design your yard with your real world budget in mind. If you have no idea what an average project costs that they’ve designed, ask them!

True: The California State Contractors License Board suggests you get at least three estimates before committing to any contract. This is sound advice. We encourage our clients to do the same. Why? Because we believe that by seeing more contractors, you will have a better understanding of who we are and how we work — dedicated to you and your project. Furthermore, by knowing who is out there, you will have the peace of mind of knowing you went with the best contractor available to you.

I don’t know about you, but when I see a "SALE" at a store where they are discounting an item 10 to 20% off, I immediately think…maybe it was 10 to 20% over-priced in the first place! When I see that in the construction world, I think…hmmmm…

Okay, lets play a game. Lets pretend that you see the "10 to 15%" incentive and the little ad reads "call for details" or "mention this ad". First and foremost, do NOT mention the ad until AFTER you receive their estimate. Why? Because who’s to say that, knowing you saw the ad, they didn’t MARK UP their cost by that 15% only to deduct it later? It’s a deceptive tactic that some (not all) use. But, by playing it smartly, it can work to your advantage (that’s assuming, of course, that you want what they are selling to begin with).

In conclusion, the only thing I am certain of is that if I discounted my contracts by 10 to 20% off…well…I wouldn’t be in business very long.

There are contractors who do all of their work "in-house" (not having to hire other contractors to complete their projects). And then there are other contractors who use, nearly exclusively, sub-contractors to complete their projects (sub-contractors are just other contractors who perform skill specific tasks for prime contractors). The essential difference between the two is price.

But it goes deeper than that. Contractors who use other contractors will, unquestionably, add on an additional 10 to 20% to the aspects of the project where other contractors are required. Frankly speaking, if we used sub-contractors, I would too. Why should I assume liability where reward does not exist?

Then there is the scheduling aspect of the project. If you hire a contractor who uses "subs" you are subject to your contractors delays (as can happen) but the sub-contractors delays as well.

And lastly, if you should chose to use a contractor who uses "subs", I would invest a little of my time investigating who they are. Honestly, my concern would be whether they chose the "sub" for price or for quality and timelines.

Accountability. It’s plain and simple.

Licensed landscape contractors will have a six (6) digit number that ties them to their classification (C-27) with the state. For example, our number is 811946. If you want to check your contractors history with the state, all you have to do is go to the CSLB Web site and punch in their number and you will have their history right at your finger tips (or in our case, go to the title page and we’ve provided a link for you!). It will tell you about their insurance, bonding, workman’s comp, and any judgments against them. Fun stuff, folks!

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the unlicensed guy. And lets be honest, that is exactly how he / she wants it. There is no accountability. If a job goes bad on them, they simply change their phone number and move on to the next job.

But they had a license? Look closer! More than likely it is a Business License. Business Licenses are essentially permits granted by the city to perform minor tasks where a contractor´s license isn’t necessary (i.e., mowing lawns, using a blower, weeding, et cetera).

I guess the way I see it, next to your significant other, a home is one of the biggest investments most people will make in a lifetime. Why would anyone risk depreciating the value of their home with shoddy workmanship or poor planning just to save a few dollars?

This one is just common sense. You don’t build a home, a bridge, a city and so forth without a plan. Why would you treat your most valuable investment any other way?

If you have a plan — a good plan — you know where the project starts and you know where it ends (both in terms of work and cost). But the benefits of a plan extend beyond that.

Before the plan is even developed, you should be considering at least the following three things: Are you in it for the long run; Are you a short term owner; Or are you considering the home as a future rental? Finding out this answer should govern the development of the plan.

Our plans take all the above into consideration and so much more. "The difference is in the details" is not just something we say — it’s what we live by.

Our hope of this page, if absolutely nothing else, is that it gives you a little bit better insight as to who we are and how we work. Part of our goal is to help educate and inform our friends in the community about beneficial landscaping and what it can do for the quality of your life and the value of your home.

Thank you for your time and attention.

Russ Savage
Owner of SCOTLAND YARDS