About the Author.
Introduction.
Chapter 1: Today's Landscape Industry.
Breaking Down a Landscape Project.
The Landscape Professional & Project Management.
Building Your Business.
Planning the Landscape Proposal.
Conclusion.
Chapter 2: Materials & Methods.
Site Work.
Hard Construction, or "Hardscape".
Horticultural Materials.
Irrigation Systems (Sprinkler & Drip).
Lighting.
Other Green Building Approaches to Landscaping.
Specialties.
Historic Landscape Preservation.
Seasonal Specialties.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Requirements.
Conclusion.
Chapter 3: Equipment.
Equipment Rental & Subcontracting.
The Economics of Purchase & Leasing.
Life Cycle Costs & Productivity.
Tracking Costs.
Equipment Life Expectancy.
Conclusion.
Chapter 4: Beginning the Estimate.
To Bid or Not to Bid.
Prior Knowledge & Estimating.
Before Starting the Estimate.
The Landscape Project Analysis Form.
Types of Estimates.
Conclusion.
Chapter 5: How to Take Off Quantities.
Takeoff Tips.
Guidelines for the Takeoff.
The Step-by-Step Takeoff Process.
Conclusion.
Chapter 6: Pricing the Estimate.
Grouping the Items.
Adding Costs.
Types of Costs.
Conclusion.
Chapter 7: Sample Takeoff & Estimate.
Sample Project.
Area Measurements & Plan Reading.
Site Work.
Hard Construction.
Plant & Landscape Materials.
Estimate Summary.
Conclusion.
Chapter 8: Bidding.
What Makes a Winning Bid?
Bidding Strategies.
The Bid Package.
Types of Bids.
Putting Together a Bid.
Conclusion.
Chapter 9: Job Planning & Scheduling.
The Planning Team.
The Job Schedule.
Plan, Coordinate, Target.
Time Schedules.
Sequence of Installation & Duration Time.
Project Budget.
Schedule Review.
Work Completion.
Conclusion.
Chapter 10: Estimating Maintenance Costs.
Business Growth & Opportunity.
Division of Maintenance Tasks.
Landscape Materials.
Vehicles & Equipment.
Work Crews or Teams.
Site Inspection.
Scheduling & Travel Time.
Facilities Personnel as Landscape Managers.
The Landscape Contractor's Ongoing Performance Analysis.
Developing a Maintenance Proposal: An Example.
Conclusion.
Chapter 11: How to Use Means Cost Data.
Using Cost Data.
Format of Data.
Unit Price Section.
Assemblies Cost Tables.
Reference Numbers.
City Cost Indexes.
Historical Cost Indexes.
Conclusion.
Appendix.
Appendix A- Estimating.
Appendix B- Site Work.
Appendix C- Hard Construction.
Appendix D-Planting & Weather.
Appendix E-Resources.
Appendix F-Abbreviations.
Index.
