The DIY Assist Program

The DIY Assist Program is a “test-pilot program” developed to help homeowners – the do-it-yourselfers – who are looking to achieve a well thought out plan, a quality installation, and save thousands of dollars!  With a licensed contractor, the average installation could cost between $20,000 and $40,000.  With our help, you could save upwards of 30 to 40 percent!

Scotland Yards can assist with designs, material estimates, guidance, hand tools and wheelbarrows, electric tools, rototilling, and so much more!

Don’t make the same mistakes as other impatient homeowners do; hire unqualified contractors and or spend money for a project and later regret it. 

Do it once.  Do it right.  And save!  

Below are stages of assist that outline the various levels of help that you may require…

PLANS –

As we say on our website, you should always start with a well thought out plan.  Whether it’s a full yard makeover, a corner nook where you want to add a focal point, or a blank slate backyard – always start with a plan.  It will establish how you start, aid in working sequences (stages), and help keep you on budget to the finish line.

“Landscape Architects” will cost thousands of dollars but can rarely design to your budget and offer other assistance that the do-it-yourselfer needs.

OPTIONS:

• Landscape Design: (1) Original Design to include one (1) revision, three (3) copies of the plan, and one (1) consultation during construction.                                                  $400 (starting minimum)
• Add: Schematics on lights, irrigation, and drawing dimensions $175

• Add: Suggested plant list with index $175

• Add: Materials “take-off” list and estimate $125

NOTE:  The cost of plans shall be established at the end of the initial appointment.  The scope of work, hillsides, existing landscapes and other obstacles may increase the cost(s) of the plan.

TOOL Rentals –

For the DIY’s, the cost of a new set of hand tools (picks, shovels, brooms, wheelbarrows, etc.) can easily exceed $1,100.  Upon completion of your project(s), you’ll either need to store them or try to sell them at a significant discount.  You could choose to rent some from home improvement retailers or other rental outlets.  However, their costs, while reasonable at a daily rate, generally become onerous as the “weekend warrior” has very limited time.

HAND TOOLS –

Hand tools are rented in dedicated groups with a color coating (blue, green, pink, etc.).  Included in each delivered group are:

• (2) Picks
• (2) Round Point Shovels
• (2) Square Shovels
• (2) Trenching Shovels
• (2) Lawn Rakes
• (2) Leaf Rakes
• (1) Large Bark Shovel
• (1) Push Broom
• (2) 6 cubic foot Wheelbarrows

Rental –

• Week $160
• Weeks (add) $48
• Weeks (add) $30
• Weeks (add) $15

Monthly                            $253

ELECTRIC TOOLS –

Tool (Delivered)                                                                                 Daily                            Weekly                                                           

Bauer Demo Hammer w/ Paddle (excavation)                                  $85                              $185

Makita Jackhammer w/ Point                                                             $125                            $265

Skilsaw w/ Framing and Metal Blades                                                $75                              $150

CONCRETE TOOLS –

Concrete tools come with a minimum of six (6) poles and include:

• (1) Bull Float
• (1) Finishing Fresno Float
• (1) 3’ Cut Jointer
• (1) Joint Float
• (1) Edging Float
• (1) Concrete Rake
• (1) Finishing Broom
• (2) Wood Hand Floats
• (2) Magnesium Hand Floats
• (2) Finishing Hand Trowels
• (2) Hand Edgers

Daily:  $265

STAMPS –  

All stamps are “skin stamps” (no patterns; ie: brick, paver, slate stone, etc.).   Our inventory includes “Italian Slate” and “Old Granite Stone.”  Stamps include:

• (3) 4’x4’ Stamps
• (1) Strip Stamp (for mowing strips or small places)
• (1) Tamper

Daily:  $190

“Old Granite Stone”

“Italian Slate” 

Trailer (coming)

Tiller (coming)

Hauling (coming)

Exclusions & Disclaimers

• All tools provided are previously used. Some are newer while others are well “seasoned.”  Breakage of hand tools shall be recouped from the renter at 30% of the new market value. 
• All broken tools shall remain on-site (not discarded / thrown away) until such time as the owner (Scotland Yards, to be referred to as “owner” here-forward). Lost or discarded tools shall be recouped at 100% market value.
• All installations completed by the Homeowner are strictly the responsibility of the Homeowner.
• There’s a $35 cleaning fee for all / any tool(s) returned with excessive debris (dirt, mud, etc.)
• Broken tools shall be replaced within 24 hours. Electric tools that fail shall be credited to the Homeowner at 100% of rental agreement and another source for rental would be encouraged. 
• For Dixon, Woodland, Fairfield, and Winters add an additional one time $50 delivery fee (tool delivery and pickup).