I Am Stumped Need Help. [Archive] - LawnSite.com™ - Lawn Care & Landscaping Business Forum Powered by Moose River Media

befnme

01-17-2006, 01:08 AM

JKOOPERS

01-17-2006, 01:16 AM

i would just break all down one item at a time then total it all up . do you have all the necessary tools and equipment already ? what are using to spread the lime , pine bark , and seed

befnme

01-17-2006, 01:28 AM

i have to rent a tractor ,my kubota is down . on smaller jobs i would usualy mark -up everything atleast 100 to 200 percent and i am fine with that.so i will get paid 90.00 to 135.00 to put a 45.00 tree in the ground . but on this it would be like 20,000.00 min.making about 10,000.00 profit .and being that this is my first scape this big i dont know if that is too much or not .

JKOOPERS

01-17-2006, 01:35 AM

10,000 profit what about paying for labor ?

befnme

01-17-2006, 01:42 AM

see thats what i mean . i guess i cant call it " profit " but that is money above and beyond my supplies cost . i still have to figure labor in .thats what i am having trouble with . i cant for the life of me break it down by the hour because it is so big . i dont know if i can do it in 3 days or a week .

Envy Lawn Service

01-17-2006, 01:53 AM

Not trying to be negative at-all....
But why don't I like the sound of this job already?
I read the materials list and said good lord!
What are they going to do?.... Let the old folks out to graze?

I can't help you at all on the pricing. I haven't done any scapes of that size in many years. But I learned back then that if this is the level of work you want to do, you learn to walk on jobs like this.

Now, I am by no means telling you not to try and not to do the job. Just know going in that the entire job is not going to turn out well. I'm sure the landscaping and the sod will turn out fantastic. It's the rest I worry about.

lawnspecialties

01-17-2006, 01:59 AM

I'm guessing at $25,000. Even if it takes you two weeks, it's STILL $10-$15K profit. The trees and shrubs would be one day for me, my New Holland with post-hole digger, and a couple guys. The fert., seed, and lime, also one day. That leaves the sod and pine bark. Wish I could get one of those this year. Good Luck!

befnme

01-17-2006, 02:04 AM

thanks for the advise guys. we will se what happens .i will try to post the landscape plan tommarrrow.

JKOOPERS

01-17-2006, 02:23 AM

the thing thats gonna take the longest is that damn pine bark . how many guys do you plan having at this job site?

befnme

01-17-2006, 02:34 AM

not sure yet i have 3 lined up i may need a couple more to get it done timely.

JKOOPERS

01-17-2006, 02:49 AM

heres some guesses not knowing your costs

sod - 34 pallets @ $300 delivered and installed = $10200

seed - 3.5 bags @ $110 spread = $385

pine bark - 80 yards @ $65 a yard installed = $5200

fertilizer - 15 bags @ $60 a bag spread = $900

just this alone is already $16685 i think the whole bid is gonna wind up closer to $30,000

Creative Lawn Care

01-17-2006, 07:58 AM

You said $9500 in materials. I would figure a minimunm of $2000 for labor and then add in $500 for unexpected either labor or materials. Then figure your profit on top of that. I think around $21,500 would be my bid.

MMLawn

01-17-2006, 10:57 AM

thanks for the advise guys. we will se what happens .i will try to post the landscape plan tommarrrow.

Don't forget the most IMPORTANT THING. Since this a a new construction by a licensed contractor using a landscape design (I'm sure drawn up by a licensed landscape professional) you MUST have a seperate NC Landscape Contractors License issued by the State of North Carolina to do it. It is a criminal offense otherwise.

AGLA

01-17-2006, 01:28 PM

You'll lose your tail at $25,000.

befnme

01-17-2006, 02:15 PM

here is the plans :all total is:
106,700 sf aprox of prop.
46,500 sf aprox of living and parking
60,200 sf remain for vegitation

olderthandirt

01-17-2006, 02:42 PM

4-5 guys and the right equipment 3-4 days at the most. Regional prices vary but I would be around 33k

sheshovel

01-17-2006, 03:04 PM

Funny I have it at 54K materals and labor thats with you making 25% on the materials and paying for eqip,help,ect and making some money too

Green Acres

01-17-2006, 06:54 PM

When does this go out to bid? I would be curious to see what it went for. What profit margins are you guys using?

Gene $immons

01-17-2006, 07:59 PM

How much to charge is a common question on here.

The first and most improtant question to ask is "How much will this job cost ME"

You have the prices of your materials.

Will you need to buy any new tools or rent any equipment?

How much will your labor cost you?

Is access to the work site good? Will you have to wheel barrow lots of supplies around?

Plan on making everything as easy as possible, have the supplies delivered and dropped off near by they will be installed. 34 pallets of sod is a lot of sod to lay, this will take a long time, plan for that.

Once you lnow all of your costs, decide how the long will take your crew. Plan on worst case situations, make sure your employees are committed and prepared. Have back-up guys ready.

How much money do YOU want to make? You want to make sure your bid price covers all expenses and labor, and includes a nice profit for you.

These are the questions to ask yourself on big and small jobs.

Good luck

start2finish

01-18-2006, 07:14 PM

Don't forget the most IMPORTANT THING. Since this a a new construction by a licensed contractor using a landscape design (I'm sure drawn up by a licensed landscape professional) you MUST have a seperate NC Landscape Contractors License issued by the State of North Carolina to do it. It is a criminal offense otherwise.

MMLAWN check your laws, NC general statues Chapter 89D Landscape Contractors,
On and after December 1, 1975 it shall be unlawful for any person, partnership, association or corporation in this state to use the title "landscape contractor", or to advertise as such without first obtaining a certificate issued by the North Carolina Landscape Contractors' registration Board under provisions of this chapter. (1075, C741,s.1.)

in a nutshell unless you claim or advertise your services as a "landscape contractor" you do not need to be certified. There is talk about ammendending this to include performing the work, but there are no laws in NC prohibiting anyone to install landscapes at this time.

paolaken

01-18-2006, 08:01 PM

sheshovel is very close, i figured around 49,500 to 52,000. you said 9,500 in material. i assume thats your wholesale price? you need markup. what about replacement costs. what if the job takes longer and you have rented equipment longer than expected? figure in everything. no irrigation?

olderthandirt

01-18-2006, 08:35 PM

Theres no way that job will pay more than 35K
$9.5K in materials, $6,750 operating cost $4,400 employee expenses = $20,650
at 4 days that leave me with approx $12-$12.5K profit for 3-4 days.

TurfdudeNCSU

01-18-2006, 08:54 PM

I figured $33,000.00 total bid. That's 20K for plant material with markup and 13K for labor, rental, overhead, and profit. You'd be surprised that job with 3 guys will probably take a week with final grade and cleanup even with the right equipment those jobs never goes as planed because some one is always going to be working over you or next to you.... Good Luck!

sheshovel

01-18-2006, 09:08 PM

Here we go again...the guy has to make some money!
No wonder you guys always complain you get taken on these jobs!Only 12 or 13K profit?What the heck is the matter with you guys?You sell yourselves and your work too short back there..here,they woulden't
bat an eyelash..because the contractors here..know what their labor is really worth and they get it.Break out of the box boys and put your b..s to the wals on these jobs..if you don't.then your market will never bear it and you will always suffer for it.My bid is padded but fair and it is only an estimate...looks good when you come in under bid..they will remember you.

befnme

01-18-2006, 09:11 PM

i was alittle pre mature with the total materials. i now have everything except privacy fence ( 240' that just got amended ) totaled up to be :

11,580.00 with mark up included .
+14,235.00 is all i can justify charging to do the job .
_________
25,815.00 for total job
- 5,250.00 total labor (exagerated)
_________
20,565.00
_ 11,580.00 total materials
_________
8,985.00 net
+ 500.00 cushion for unforseen costs.
__________
9,485.00 total profit if no unforseen cost arise. not counting privacy fence and install .

Green Acres

01-18-2006, 09:17 PM

when does this go out to bid?

Gilla Gorilla

01-18-2006, 09:19 PM

Do you have to gurantee the work for a year? If so then you are not covering the cost of replacement for any or all of those trees and shrubs that could die in your warranty time frame.

jreiff

01-18-2006, 09:26 PM

Might want to add more cushion to that. $500 just does not seem enough. Usually want to do at least a days worth of labor.

What does everyone else do for cushion/ unforseen problems that occur???

befnme

01-18-2006, 09:34 PM

when does this go out to bid?

now but the finish grade wont be ready until middle march. i am the only one bidding so far . the gc said no one has even contacted him but me.

olderthandirt

01-18-2006, 11:14 PM

olderthandirt

01-18-2006, 11:17 PM

befnme

01-18-2006, 11:25 PM

i only have to rent a tractor for a few days. mine is down so there goes the profit margin. i have everything else.

olderthandirt

01-18-2006, 11:34 PM

i only have to rent a tractor for a few days. mine is down so there goes the profit margin. i have everything else.

Just a thought but your gonna need 2 size augers- 1 for the fence and a 36" one for the trees and that means a skid. & a rock hound. Let the machines do the work and get off the site sooner. I think your leaving a lot of money on the table, but I don't know your cost or how much profit your happy with so Good luck with your bid.

sheshovel

01-18-2006, 11:34 PM

Looks like that's only if he does it in two or three days olderthan..and you know it's gonna take him longer than that..new crew..new site..plan to work from..and by the way..DO NOT STAKE those tree's the way it is on that plan..those designers are idiots

muddstopper

01-19-2006, 01:16 AM

guys i usually know what to charge but this is the biggest scape i have ever done . i have to get the plans cpoied and reduced and will post them tomarrow. but it is a seniors center new construction with :
120 lbs of rye seed
50 lbs of annual lespedeza
750 lbs of 10-10-10 fert
2,000 lbs of lime
80 yards of pine bark
34 pallets of sod
262 trees ,shrubs, and flowers .

so my wholesale cost is now up to 9,500.00 in supplies and i dont know how to figure my labor and time to make enough to be satisfied but not to much to loose the bid .can yall help ?

These specs don't make sense. If you are laying sod, why do you need the Rye. I assume annual or grain rye because turf rye in Clinton NC would be a big mistake. 120lbs of annual rye is enough for 5 acres as a nurse crop, but they don't spec enough lime for 1.5 acres, according to NCDAgr. Whats the Lespidesia for? Cant mow it except with a bushhog and looks like crap.
750lbs 10/10/10???? some architects spec's I bet, I've seen that before. enough for 3/4 acre according to them. I would like to get my hands on the book those architects get those specs from, I would burn it.

AGLA

01-19-2006, 07:54 AM

There is a lot of what I can read in those general notes that puts a lot of resposibility on you. Not the least of which is that the final grade and drainage is your responsibility. You also have had the burden of conforming to all zoning and variances, if I'm reading that right.

The general contractor is very unlikely to have the site anywhere close to finished grade or anything close to what you would typically find when you go to do a residential install. If you are pricing to do a final prep of a seed/sod bed, pop in the plants, mulch, and move on, I think you'll be surprized. If you think that you'll get a call from the contractor saying we'll be ready for you next week and you'll have the site to yourself, you'll be surprized.

$25,000 - not going to cut it.

befnme

01-19-2006, 03:42 PM

These specs don't make sense. If you are laying sod, why do you need the Rye. I assume annual or grain rye because turf rye in Clinton NC would be a big mistake. 120lbs of annual rye is enough for 5 acres as a nurse crop, but they don't spec enough lime for 1.5 acres, according to NCDAgr. Whats the Lespidesia for? Cant mow it except with a bushhog and looks like crap.
750lbs 10/10/10???? some architects spec's I bet, I've seen that before. enough for 3/4 acre according to them. I would like to get my hands on the book those architects get those specs from, I would burn it.

i know what you mean .its all a bunch of blah blah blah .but i have to meet with them next week (owner,architec,gc.) there is alot on the plans that dont make sense . for instance they have plans to plant 2 of something that isn't even named on the details .the initials are on the layout but not named any where . then they have plants named in the details that arn't even detailed on the plan . i think they found jose from quatamala to draw up these plans in his dirt floor hut .lol. we will get it strait before i go anyfurther .i have already racked up alot of time figuring costs and 2 ddays trying to find plants and trees that cant be found anywhere around here within 100 miles .

AGLA

01-19-2006, 08:04 PM

One thing to check out is the grading between the walk and the building. This is an often overlooked situation. The building is most likely handicap accessible at every door. But, more often than not, the architectural design has siding going below the elevation of the floor by several inches. Then building codes often require 8" between that siding and the soil grade against the building. The result is that the sidewalk along the front of the building is 6 or more inches higher than that and you have to have the grade meet the height of the sidewalk along an accessible route that has no rail. The result is water pitching back to the building and puddling or going into the basement (if it has one).

MMLawn

01-19-2006, 08:53 PM

i know what you mean .its all a bunch of blah blah blah .but i have to meet with them next week (owner,architec,gc.) there is alot on the plans that dont make sense . for instance they have plans to plant 2 of something that isn't even named on the details .the initials are on the layout but not named any where . then they have plants named in the details that arn't even detailed on the plan . i think they found jose from quatamala to draw up these plans in his dirt floor hut .lol. we will get it strait before i go anyfurther .i have already racked up alot of time figuring costs and 2 ddays trying to find plants and trees that cant be found anywhere around here within 100 miles .

NO, the plans and notes (except that I agree totally with Muddstopper on the amounts, etc) make perfect sense IF you know what you are reading. The reason they have the initials is because the plans were drawn by a NC Licensed Landscape Arct and they were drawn for and are counting on a TRAINED AND NC LICENSED LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR reading them, not just a lawn boy that cuts grass and has planted a few pansies and laid a pallet or two of sod.

NOW, I am picking on you for ONE REASON, to keep you out of JAIL and keep the $5,000.00 to $25,000.00 fine in your pocket. As I said before and you passed that by, in NC to do this level of work you are required to be licensed by the State as a LS Contractor and you are not. You are in over your head on this one as is clear from your post.

Remember this. This project WILL HAVEto be inspected and pass a final inspect by the local and/or state inspectors. So, what are you going to do at the inspection when they ask for your LS Contractors License?

You also better listen to AGLA on that final grade....it does appear to be your baby. How much experince do you have on grading?
Even for rural poorer Clinton, NC your price is too low even if you could do the work. My advice is to either pass it by, or get help from a licensed LSC.

olderthandirt

01-19-2006, 09:04 PM

Mike tell us how you really feel, I have a feeling your holding something back :drinkup: :drinkup:

MMLawn

01-19-2006, 09:25 PM

Mike tell us how you really feel, I have a feeling your holding something back :drinkup: :drinkup:

:p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :drinkup: :drinkup: :drinkup:

AGLA

01-19-2006, 09:43 PM

By the way, it appears that this is a licensed architect (state of NC) out of Ohio rather than a landscape architect.

LandscapePro

01-19-2006, 10:32 PM

James,

I followed the link to your website. Walk away from this one.

Mike
La. Landscape Contractor #2576

AGLA

01-20-2006, 07:31 AM

Before you walk away, sit down with them and go through the interview. Get something out of it. See what they are looking for and ask them questions. See what questions they ask you. Write it all down for future reference.

My guess, from someone who is involved at the design end of projects like this, is that they won't hire a contractor who does not have several workers, a history of doing larger projects, of doing several projects at once, and is known to at least other general contractors in the area. The price of this landscape is a very small percentage of the total project. The cost is not the concern. The concern is efficiency of getting the work done.

That efficiency might mean that you have to drop what your doing on short notice to get in there and do part of the job, get out after two days, and then wait to be called back to do another section. They want companies with the capability of getting a lot done in a short time. They have a deadline to open. The general contractor is going to need a lot of people finishing their projects up to the last minute. They'll all be in your way, but you still have to meet the deadline. That is why it is unlikely that they'll hire you even if you have grossly underbid the job in my opinion.

YardPro

01-20-2006, 08:40 AM

i agree with alga...

bid it high.. especially if you are the only one to speak with them yet...

they paid more for lightswitch covers than you are bidding for the entire job.
i guarantee if you have never done a commercial job like this before then you are not seeing all the crap you will run into...

also......remember that the quality of the work will not need to be even close to what a residential install would be...

these commercial jobs get thrown together....

befnme

01-20-2006, 02:19 PM

NO, the plans and notes (except that I agree totally with Muddstopper on the amounts, etc) make perfect sense IF you know what you are reading. The reason they have the initials is because the plans were drawn by a NC Licensed Landscape Arct and they were drawn for and are counting on a TRAINED AND NC LICENSED LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR reading them, not just a lawn boy that cuts grass and has planted a few pansies and laid a pallet or two of sod.

NOW, I am picking on you for ONE REASON, to keep you out of JAIL and keep the $5,000.00 to $25,000.00 fine in your pocket. As I said before and you passed that by, in NC to do this level of work you are required to be licensed by the State as a LS Contractor and you are not. You are in over your head on this one as is clear from your post.

Remember this. This project WILL HAVEto be inspected and pass a final inspect by the local and/or state inspectors. So, what are you going to do at the inspection when they ask for your LS Contractors License?

You also better listen to AGLA on that final grade....it does appear to be your baby. How much experince do you have on grading?
Even for rural poorer Clinton, NC your price is too low even if you could do the work. My advice is to either pass it by, or get help from a licensed LSC.

i understand you are trying to help but i can read plans. i was a pipe and grade foreman for a construction company for several years so i know how to measure figure and read plans. also i am a finish dozer,hoe, and grader man. as far as being in a commercial setting i have been there and done that .i will find out about the liscense though before i go anyfurther .and i noticed a few things on there that are drawn in but they have no description of what type plant it is .aslo there are plant types mentioned in the details that are not drawn on the plans . i think the architec made a few mistakes. thanks.

MMLawn

01-20-2006, 03:56 PM

Good deal then. As I said don't want to see you get in trouble with the State and County. The LS contractors info can be obtained directly from the State of NC site. Also don't forget that you'll also have to get your NC Pesticide Applicators License too to put down that 10-10-10 unless you sub it out since you don't have those either.

Good Luck.

tteckster

01-20-2006, 04:49 PM

MMLAWN check your laws, NC general statues Chapter 89D Landscape Contractors,
On and after December 1, 1975 it shall be unlawful for any person, partnership, association or corporation in this state to use the title "landscape contractor", or to advertise as such without first obtaining a certificate issued by the North Carolina Landscape Contractors' registration Board under provisions of this chapter. (1075, C741,s.1.)

in a nutshell unless you claim or advertise your services as a "landscape contractor" you do not need to be certified. There is talk about ammendending this to include performing the work, but there are no laws in NC prohibiting anyone to install landscapes at this time.

MM, is this true? If so, he's ready to go.

tteckster

01-20-2006, 06:17 PM

befnme

01-20-2006, 07:14 PM

i searched the statutes and found this:

§ 89D‑1. Certificate required.

On and after December 1, 1975, it shall be unlawful for any person, partnership, association or corporation in this State to use the title "landscape contractor," or to advertise as such without first obtaining a certificate issued by the North Carolina Landscape contractors' Registration Board under provisions of this Chapter. (1975, c. 741, s. 1.)

§ 89D‑2. Definition.

A "landscape contractor" within the meaning of this Chapter is any person, partnership, association or corporation who for compensation or valuable consideration or promise thereof engages in the business requiring the art, experience, ability, knowledge, science and skill to install, plant, repair and maintain gardens, lawns, shrubs, vines, bushes, trees and other decorative vegetation including the grading and preparation of plots and areas of land for decorative treatment and arrangement; who constructs or installs garden pools, fountains, pavilions, conservatories, hothouses and greenhouses, incidental retaining walls, fences, walks, drainage and sprinkler systems; or who engages in incidental construction in connection therewith, or does any part thereof in such a manner that, under an agreed specification, an acceptable landscaping project can be executed. (1975, c. 741, s. 2.)

§ 89D‑3. Application of Chapter.

The provisions of this Chapter shall not apply to and shall not include any person, partnership, association or corporation who shall perform any of the acts aforesaid in G.S. 89D‑2 with reference to any property, so long as that person, partnership, association or corporation shall not use the title "landscape contractor." (1975, c. 741, s. 3.)

i am exempt from the license because i dont advertise as a "landscape contractor" only lawn care and landscape.

start2finish

01-20-2006, 07:47 PM

From the conversations here I take it that this may be too large of a job. I know the money sounds like a lot, and I am not trying to discourage you from building a profitable business by no means, but this type of job can put you out of business. be careful with this.

as for the tree pricing and availability, PM me for a good contact on trees in alamance county. You will have to figure freight but we but 12 foot tall 2.5 inch caliper red maples for $50 each over (10 trees at a time) i will give you his number and he can ship them anywhere. He does a considerable amount of business up north. any one else that is interested in the lead i will give it to them as well. With permission I will start a thread about him.

as for your job these things never work out like planned even with experience doing them. Delays, the GC wants you to do one corner and come back in a week to do more, the list goes on, I cannot stress enough to you make sure you double the highest extra costs you predict and hopefully you will come out ok. I will post my figures as if I priced this job later this weekend. But bear in mind we own a S250, L4630 tractor, 4600 tractor, two F-700 ford dumps, a half a dozen trailers, three diesel pickups, a tractor trailer, 2 straw blowers, not to mention augers and attachments. This is just the landscape side of our business, the farm list is three times that I am not bragging but I can deal with delays and scheduling easier because renting equipment to work on a commerical project is tricky to say the least. But I will give it a whirl for you. GOOD LUCK!

MMLawn

01-20-2006, 07:59 PM

i am exempt from the license because i dont advertise as a "landscape contractor" only lawn care and landscape.

BIG problem with that arguement though. The advertising as a LSC is true, BUT even if you haven't advertised as one I bet the general contractor "assumes" you are so licensed. AND Because it is a Commercial project that MUST be Inspected by County Inspectors and probably also State inspectors because of what it is, then you as the Landscaper, will be required to provide your Landscape Contractors License Number for it to "pass" inspection.

MMLawn

01-20-2006, 08:08 PM

Just got off the phone with the family attorney and he said that this was correct (1075, C741,s.1.) . He said call yourself “Lawn Care” and do whatever your asked (that’s profitable), but NO liquid fertilizer (nothing liquid)! The only problem with dry fertilizer in large quantities is with Homeland Security. I don’t know, but, I would do it if I could make a good profit.

TT, dang, I hope your family atty doesn't practice Ag Law in NC because he couldn't be more wrong. He might want to re-look at the statue below, but it has been the same law since the 1971. My sister WAS the atty for the NCSOS prior to her leaving for a Commercial pratice and the NC Pesticide Licensing Law is below AND the www link with the phone number also, In NC you CANNOT apply ANY chemical, dry, wet or any kind PERIOD, not even roundup for hire without a Ground Pesticide Applicators License. If you don't trust the statue just call the NC Dept of Ag's Office Pesticide Section and they'll tell you also. And, yes licensed and trained in their use you can make good money with ferts.

North Carolina Pesticide Law

Licensing is required for commercial applicators applying any type of pesticide for compensation, in addition public operators working for a state or local government who apply pesticides in their course of work, dealers selling restricted use pesticides, or pest control consultants making recommendations for pesticide treatment of pest problems. License must be renewed annually and the fee, where applicable, is fifty dollars ($50.00) per year. The license year is January - December.

North Carolina Pesticide Applicators
(A) Commercial Ground Applicators: The North Carolina Pesticide Law of 1971 requires licensing for individuals applying any pesticide for compensation. The applicator is required to pass a certification exam appropriate to the area in which the applicator wishes to work.

http://www.ncagr.com/fooddrug/pesticid/license.htm#COMMERCIAL%20AND%20PRIVATE%20CERTIFICATION%20&%20LICENSING

AGLA

01-20-2006, 08:09 PM

There is one problem with the "landscape contractor" term not being used. It is that the plans refer to the person doing the work as a the contractor. That will make you a landscape contractor.

You either want to do this kind of work or you don't. If you want to do it, you should do it right or suffer the consequences. You don't have the license, you don't know how to price it, and you have not been doing this kind of work. You obviously want this job desperately. If it is because you need the money, it is definitely a high risk because the cash does not come when you finish the job. It comes after the project architect checks off your work. He is going to be holding the bag if he releases the money to you and something goes wrong. You need to be able to wait for the money.

You should also be looking to make sure you do not have to pay your help a prevailing wage and make sure that you are up to date on all the technicalities of this type of job. Elderly housing often has government grants and other programs that have a lot of strings attached. You may need a certain percentage of minorities on the crew. It is not a good place to start your maiden voyage as a commercial contractor.

olderthandirt

01-20-2006, 08:14 PM

But bear in mind we own a S250, L4630 tractor, 4600 tractor, two F-700 ford dumps, a half a dozen trailers, three diesel pickups, a tractor trailer, 2 straw blowers, not to mention augers and attachments. This is just the landscape side of our business, the farm list is three times that I am not bragging but I can deal with delays and scheduling easier because renting equipment to work on a commerical project is tricky to say the least.

And this is one reason you can make 12-20 k on this job in a few days OR loose it just as fast

MMLawn

01-20-2006, 08:18 PM

There is one problem with the "landscape contractor" term not being used. It is that the plans refer to the person doing the work as a the contractor. That will make you a landscape contractor.

EXACTLY!! Thank you AGLA. Like I said don't let the wording of the Statue fool you. YOU will have to sign off at inspection with your LSC # as I said.

This deal isn't like putting in some new trees and plantings for a residence. If that was the case and you didn't advertise as a LSC but they called you anyway I'd say, shoot yeah you can do it with no LCL. BUT this is a Commercial project that must meet state and local standards, and pass inspections and that changes everything.

If you have any doubts I can give you the name and direct phone number of the Exec Director of the NC Landscape Contractors Board and he can clear up any questions you might have on legally doing this project.

start2finish

01-21-2006, 12:51 PM

MMLAWN look I don't know where the hell you find 5,000 - 25000 dollar penalties for violating the LC rule in NC. THE ONLY PROVISION FOR THIS STATUTE IS ADVERTISING AND USING THE TERM LC CONTRACTOR. there is talk about ammending the law to include the aspect you are raving about. Stop this nonsense. I have the application on my desk and have thoroughly researched this topic for myself. I intend on taking my test this spring to make it official, but having said that we do installs of this nature occasionally. As well as new construction residentals. As well as jobs for the average homeowner. Our average gross revenue is over $500,000 annually.(landscape side) not profit. If I am aasked about "the landscape contractor issue" I respond with I am not licensed. It is not illegal to perform the work. The legality issues occur when you mislead or misinform that you are in fact a "landscape contractor" I have spoke with the North Carolina Landscape Contractors' Registation Board on this issue and has been confirmed. if anyone wishes to cut the bullsh*t and contact them
NCLCRB
PO BOX 1578
Knightdale, NC 27545-1578
(919) 266-8070
fax(919) 266-6050

As for the granular fertilizer application, this is not illegal. Liquid apps are illegal unless licensed., PESTICIDES ARE NOT LEGAL UNLESS LICENSED. not yoy can't apply pendelum granular or fert with a barricade coating these are pesticides. Fertilizer (10-10-10) or (18-24-12) examples, no extra chemicals in them are OK.
NC Dept of agriculture Ground Pesticide Applicator License #19608
certified in Aquatics, Right-of-way and Ornamental applications.

MMLAWN I assume you are a licensed landscape contractor, and if you are you should be proud. But stop the scare tactics, you know better. If you believe that you should need the license to do the work then write and call your state representives and have the law updated. Until such stop the propaganda.

It is not my intention to turn this thread into a flame, but this subject has been clarified a couple of times here and we need facts.

LandscapePro

01-21-2006, 03:27 PM

:confused:

Does the lower stamp on the plans indicate that the company providing the plans is a licensed "Landscape" architect in NC? Or does it indicate that they are a "licensed architect" in NC? AGLA poses the question in post # 42 and it's a very good one.

I don't know about your part of the country, but here without a Landscape Architect stamp someone would be in a real bind. LA's get real "testy" about these things.

Am I correct in reading this is a HUD project? It might be a good idea to check into the requirements for working on a HUD job. Uncle Sam can be a real PITA and isn't known for playing very nice when it comes to rules, regs, and federal money changing hands.

No doubt there are facts yet put forth and questions unanswered with regard to this project.

Mike
La. Landscape Contractor #2576

LandscapePro

01-26-2006, 07:45 PM

bumping to see how this is turning out....

befnme

01-26-2006, 08:29 PM

i met with the owner and gc and showed them all of the discrepencies .they agreed there were alot. i walked on this one. there is just too many loose ends the architec left untied.i dont want to be the one that winds up taking care of alot of things that aren't clarified.so much for the money......

LandscapePro

01-26-2006, 09:41 PM

James,

Thanks for the update. I've been wondering how it turned out. Without starting the whole "this IS" / "this ISN"T" N.C. law at the moment, I'd make some phone calls and get the current info for myself.

The fact the project was a HUD project threw a whole new wrinkle in the mix.

Why not go ahead and take the test to get your Landscape Contractor's License? Then you'll have that taken care of prior to the next one coming along.

Also, watch out for the "big ones". Most of the time the margins turn out to be real thin.

Mike
La. Landscape Contractor #2576