Having a great home means nothing if it does not look great on the outside. Curb appeal is just as important as the house itself. If you are not very talented in the gardening department, it would probably be a good idea for you to hire a landscaper.
The following list of dos and don’ts should be very helpful while you are going through the hiring process.
DO make sure that any company you are considering is licensed to operate a business in your state
This is important because those that are not will not be able to secure business insurance. The last thing you need is for someone to be on your property doing work and there is an incident, yet there is no insurance to cover the damages.
DON’T forget to call several companies to schedule estimates
It is usually tempting to hire the first inexpensive landscaper you come across, but this can turn into a disaster. The price may be low because they are not very skilled at what they do and/or there may be another company out there with more competitive rates. Either way, you can avoid issues if you request quotes from several companies before making a choice.
DO ask to see a sample of the work they have done
Any good landscaper has a portfolio of their work. Looking through it can give you an idea of whether or not they have the skills necessary to do the job you have in mind. It also helps to verify that this is their work by making some phone calls to some of their previous clients. If you are told that there is no way to show you any samples, it would be best to consider another contractor.
DON’T forget to ask for everything in writing
This will help safeguard you in the event that there is some type of dispute later. Even if you have a good idea that things will go well, it is always a good idea to have paperwork completed. It should detail the job that is supposed to be done, the duration and the amount they expect to be paid.
DO look for someone who has a good amount of experience
One thing you may notice is that newer landscapers will charge lower prices in order to get their foot in the door. Do not allow this to result in you making a mistake you will come to regret. While it is not necessary for your landscaper to have a minimum of 20 years’ experience, it is always best to aim for at least two to three years at the very least.
DON’T hire a landscaper that seems overconfident
This is usually someone who is not very good at taking directions and you may have some problems with them in the future. It is important for homeowners and landscapers to work together to create a masterpiece. An arrogant contractor is one who will not be able to help you as much as you would like. Yes, they are supposed to be confident in the work they do, but if they are boastful and otherwise arrogant it would be best to hire someone else.
DO verify all insurance information you are given by any potential landscapers
Unfortunately, there are many people out there who will continue to work once their licenses have expired. This is a huge liability and it needs to be avoided at all costs. Never take their word when they say they have insurance. The best thing to do would be to jot down the policy number and call them yourself. Once you are sure that their insurance is current, you can proceed with the hiring process.
DON’T forget to ask your neighbours for recommendations
Most of the time it is best to have landscaping that is similar to that of your neighbours. The best way to ensure this would be to use the same contractors for your landscaping needs. Since they have direct experience with them, you will have a good idea of what to expect.
A great landscaper is not very easy to find. Use the tips here when you are in the hunt for the right one.