Several small jobs on one property: preparing a single enquiry

Make each task a separate item

List work as separate items A, B and C and mark them on a sketch. State what is essential and what is optional. Shared access, equipment and dependencies can then be assessed. Combining tasks does not automatically promise savings: a task may need another machine, separate documents or a different date.

Separate essential work from optional additions

Identify what must be finished for the next stage and what can happen later. If a task depends on available space or the outcome of earlier work, say so. The contractor can define the core scope and any additions separately.

An optional task is not authorisation to carry it out without approval. Agree beforehand who confirms a change and how it affects the quote. Adding areas during work may change document, material and equipment-time requirements.

Link materials between tasks only for a confirmed purpose

If reusing soil elsewhere, identify its source, intended use and evidence of suitability. Not every excavated material is automatically suitable for another backfill or structural layer. A transfer plan does not replace confirmation of required properties.

Also state what leaves and what arrives. Do not add incomparable figures: a design excavation volume, irregular stockpile estimate and documented tonnes are different information. Keep each number's unit and origin.

Review the route throughout the entire job

A task at the gate can affect access behind the house. Include routes between locations and areas for loading or materials. Identify passages and entrances that must remain usable at the agreed stages.

The sequence must respect the actual brief and conditions. Do not assume nearby tasks can all use the same machine. Equipment availability, access and actual transport scope also form part of assessment.

Divide the quote into tasks and shared costs

Ask for clear definitions of individual work and items shared across the job. Equipment transport, handling and removal may be charged differently from excavation itself. This breakdown helps identify what changes if one task is postponed.

SORTI offers earthworks, transport and small construction projects, so you can send the whole proposal together. Feasibility of combining tasks, timing and price still need confirmation for the actual list. This guide specifies no minimum hours or guaranteed multi-task discount.

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How to send a combined enquiry

'At my property in [municipality], I need tasks A, B and C in the attached list. Essential tasks are [items]; the others are optional. Documents are available for [parts], while [details] are missing. Materials should [stay / leave / arrive]. Labelled photographs show access and each location.'

Add the contact who can approve scope and changes. Keep the same list for handover after agreement. It will show what was completed and what awaits a later stage or further information.