TOTAL MAINTENANCE PRO specializes in new Drainage Solutions and Planting Specialties jobs. Charging a consultation fee for these types of designs is a standard practice in many industries. These industries include landscaping, construction, and engineering. With Total Maintenance Pro, the good news is that once we are hired, the $125* consultation fee will be deducted from the final bill!
Why do we charge …?
Some prospective clients are surprised to learn that we charge a consultation fee for an initial meeting to discuss their project. While many companies offer “free estimates,” we’ve found that this approach often sacrifices the level of attention and sophistication high-value clients expect.
We, too, used to offer free estimates for years. But we found ourselves stretched thin, rushing from meeting to meeting, trying to provide everyone with ideas without the time or clarity required for thoughtful planning. The result? We weren’t able to dedicate the attention our discerning clients deserved, nor were we able to offer the caliber of insight that projects of a higher standard demand.
Then, a light bulb went off: to maintain the excellence we’re known for and ensure each client receives tailored, high-level solutions, we now charge an upfront fee for onsite consultations. This allows us to spend uninterrupted, quality time with clients in their space, fully understand their vision, answer all questions in detail, and deliver thoughtful recommendations—ensuring we meet the expectations of those with sophisticated taste and significant investments.
- 1You will meet with A Garden/Drainage Designe.Marvin wants to make sure they don’t expect a full garden design. I.E.: Gondolas, pool, hardscape, etc."
- 2You'll receive information about your project that is exclusive to the consultation.Our Onsite Consultation is an actual service we're being paid to provide you with. We want to make sure that you receive value and get all your questions answered. You will feel confident in the direction your project is going in by the time we're done. When you receive a "free estimate" from a landscaper, often they are withholding valuable information that they don't want to share to feel like they are protecting themselves from "giving it away."
- 3You get what you pay for.When you get a free estimate, how much time do you think will be invest in your project initially? Typically not much by the specialist. We don't believe in rushing things, and we want to get the details right.
- 4We're as serious about your project as you are.Paying a consultation fee shows us you're serious about your project. By you having "shows you’re committed to a great outcome," we're able to see that your project is something that we need to invest ourselves in. We'll give you and your project the time and attention it deserves. focusing on a specific number of potential clients, we engage with allows us more time to focus on you.
- 5You will save time.Meeting with multiple landscapers that provide free estimates and can eat up a significant amount of time and can create confusion with conflicting ideas. It's better to find a single reputable landscape company that you feel like understands your vision and are comfortable with.
- 6We credit your fee towards your project cost.While you're paying a consultation fee up front, we do credit this fee towards the final payment for your project. Ultimately, you get to recoup.
The Onsite Consultation – What to Expect
During the onsite consultation we will answer any questions you may have and discuss ideas. We’ll gather information for proposals for smaller projects or for design proposals for projects requiring more in-depth planning. We will be able to provide you with landscape design and outdoor living ideas, plant information, discuss watering needs, fixing drainage issues, and more. We will spend up to 1 hour together. Additional time spent with a designer is available for $125*. We typically schedule consultations between 11am – 2pm, Tuesday-Wednesday and Friday from 11am-2pm. No design is exchanged at the time of the consultation.
Our main goal is to make sure we understand the client’s mission & goal with their property. To have a good understanding of what the property is like, topography, existing structures, vicinity to main road, etc. We also make sure we are the right fit as client/landscaper based on our value proposition & experience.
*Fee is determined by a 25-mile radius and may vary based on the complexity of the project.