Landscape contractors are invited to a two-day intensive workshop which will be held on Jan. 19-20, at Penn State Extension Berks County office in Leesport, Pa. Attendees will learn how to determine the overhead of operating a landscaping business and create a profitable bid. There will be opportunities to ask questions and explore bidding practices with other contractors.

On the first day, the class will work through a spreadsheet using real-world examples to figure overhead costs of a landscape installation business. Each participant will receive an electronic copy of this spreadsheet, so attendees can adapt and use it for their own business. On the second day, the class will work together to create a bid for a small residential hardscape and plant installation job in detail, using the overhead costs determined on the first day of the class. 

Scott Burk, owner of Scott’s Landscaping, in Centre County, a mid-size, full-service company, will lead this class. Burk is a graduate of the landscape contracting program at Penn State University and serves as a guest instructor for current Penn State students.

This workshop will discuss the benefits and pitfalls of some common estimating methods. Attendees will explore the concept of production rates in-depth, including why it is important to know what they are and how to determine these rates. The class will also discuss profit margins and offering employee benefits.

The cost to attend this class is $200. Pre-registration and payment are required. To register go to: https://extension.psu.edu/landscape-bidding or call 877-345-0691.