A landscaping contractor is accountable to install and maintain landscaping plants as well as other elements of hardscape for commercial and residential properties. The method of hiring landscaping contractors is contingent on many factors, such as budget, timeframe and dimensions of your project. Additionally the landscaper professional must also possess the appropriate qualifications, license and insurance.
Use these guidelines to figure out how to find landscaping contractors.
Services provided by Landscape Contractors
Landscapers provide more than mow lawns or plant gardens. Here are a few of the many services that a landscape contractor could offer:
- Clear and graded land
- Create hardscape elements like patios, decks, water features, masonry walls Install pavers, for example.
- Install and maintain irrigation systems.
- Install landscape lighting
- Use herbicides and pesticides
1. Start with A Plan
The primary question to consider is whether you require a full-service or maintenance landscaping company. Landscape professionals offer a variety of services it’s important to narrow down your choices by the scope of your landscaping project. When you’ve identified what you’re looking for, it’s simpler to locate the perfect firm.
Full-Service vs. Maintenance Landscape Company
- A landscape company that offers full-service design installations, maintenance and design services. They’ll include account managers, designers and a staff that will offer everything from designing and building hardscapes , to installing plants and maintaining services.
- Maintenance companies typically provide lawn care services (mowing and weed-eating, trimming edges cleanup of leaves and pruning of the shrub). You can find several sole proprietors that run grass maintenance companies.
2. Research Landscape Contractors
Once you have figured out what kinds of services you require then you can begin researching contractors. Begin by looking up reviews on the internet from reliable sources. The most suitable landscaper for the job must have previous experience in the landscaping project you’re planning to undertake and have a large number of satisfied clients. To narrow the selection the landscape contractor must possess, at minimum, a license as well as an insurance policy in place.
3. Request Referrals
A lot of lawn service landscape contractors are smalllocal businesses. Full-service companies provide a wide range of services. Their price will differ based on how large or small the task is. One of the most effective methods of finding landscaping contractors is through personal recommendations. Ask your family and friends who have had landscaping work done recently. Community boards on local websites are also an excellent way to obtain leads.
4. Interview Landscape Contractors
To help you narrow your choices, conduct interviews over either phone or email.
Here are some questions to ask:
- How many years have you been in business?
- Are you licensed and insured? Please supply your contractor’s license number and proof for the insurance (licensing conditions for landscaping contractors differ by state).
- Are you willing to share the references of some projects identical to my own?
- Do you use subcontractors?
- Do you have images of your completed projects that you’re willing to send us?
- What is the person responsible for obtaining the necessary permits for a particular project?
- Do you have a sketch of your designs?
- Will you provide me information on how to care for the plants you’ve put on my property?
- Do you provide a guarantee on the plant’s material and work?
- What are your expectations for payment?
5. Check out your top prospects
Once you have a list of potential contractors, you can conduct short interviews with the references that provided by the company. The most important questions to ask your references include:
- Did they complete the work in time?
- Have you been satisfied with the quality of their work?
- Did your project stay within the budget?
- Was the team friendly and professional?
- Would you ever hire them to do it again?
6. Get Estimates in Writing
Get estimates from at minimum three different contractors to complete your project. If you’re getting hardscape or installation work done the contractor will send an employee at your home to assess the measurements and then discuss the kind of plants that are suitable for your particular space. The contractor should always provide the estimate to you in written form. The estimate should contain:
- Contact details. Address, name of company as well as a phone number and web address.
- Total cost, including the tax. Some companies can not disclose the final cost due to the variables of the project. Be sure to clarify the extent to which the final price may differ from your estimation.
- The scope of project. Include what is to be put in place (hardscapes or plants).
- Schedule of maintenance. A detailed plan of duration of the task will be completed, as well as the start and end date.
- Specifications for plants. What types of perennials or annuals or trees will be used? the price and quantity of plants to be employed.
- Conditions and terms. Payment terms should be simple and easy to comprehend.
- Information on warranty. Including information for both plant and work material.
The total cost of your project could represent one of the main key factors to consider, however, you must consider the past experience of the company, their performance in completing jobs within budget and on time, and reviews from previous customers. These elements as a reference point will allow you to choose the most suitable landscape contractor on your job.
