Spring is here and we are all dreaming of beautifully landscaped yards and picturesque scenery. In order to achieve this you may be in the market to hire a landscaper.
Have you ever wondered with so many landscape companies out there, how you choose the right one?
Following are some suggestions on how to make choosing a landscaper a little easier.
Choosing the best landscape company will require careful consideration of a number of factors, that at the very least should include their capabilities, professionalism and concern for you and your project.
You are looking for a company in which you have mutual respect and chemistry with, so it will turn into a longstanding relationship.
What kind of work do you want done and what is your budget? By defining this you can narrow down your search. Are you simply looking for someone to maintain your yard and possibly add a few plants, or is your project more extensive?
Some landscapers offer maintenance only. If you are looking for more than that you should choose a company with more extensive capabilities and credentials.
Have your neighbors or friends had landscaping done at their house? Ask them about their landscaper, over 40% of landscapers are chosen based on referrals. So, this is a good place to start.
Here the three more suggestions for choosing a landscape company.
#1 – Are They Qualified?
Do they have insurance? If they are not properly insured and someone gets hurt on the job, you could be liable for accidents or injuries during their time on your property. Make sure you check for proof of insurance and verify that the policy is valid.
What professional affiliations do they belong to? If they are affiliated with professional associations, this means they are more likely to be current on the latest landscaping trends.
Do they have experience? Find out how long the company has been in business, the longer they have been in business the more experience they have and they also are probably more knowledgeable on what works and what does not.
Are they licensed? Being certified by the state will mean that the service is both accountable to you and the highest legal standards. And it normally implies that the employees have passed tests which prove a higher level of education, professionalism, and quality of work.
#2 – Do They Take Pride in Their Work?
Do they show concern and respect to you and your property? Do they show attention to detail – how is their appearance and are their truck and equipment well maintained and looking good?
A company should take pride in what they do and how well they do it. When a client is happy, that means more than client expectations were met. It usually means they were exceeded.
Do they offer warranties on their work and how long does the coverage last? You do not want to hire a company to do a job and then a year later the plants are dying or the hardscape is falling apart and you have no warranty.
Get at least three references – and take the time to ask them the difficult questions. For example, ask them if they would do business with the company again. Follow that up with a question on what they would do differently when working with the company again.
#3 – Will You Enjoy Working with Them?
Are they respectful of you and your project? Do they communicate efficiently and effectively? communicating everything clearly and up front builds a foundation for a successful relationship.
Make sure the company provides a written contract with details of your project clearly laid out and prices for each detail. If you can, get a detailed graphical layout of the work as well. Also, get a quote on changes or possible problems or unseen factors that may arise during the job.
Learn the company’s processes and procedures. They should be able to communicate a clear, step-buy-step path from your initial inquiry to a successfully completed project.
If you follow these guidelines when choosing a landscape company you are much more likely to end up with a property that you will love. If you take shortcuts and fail to obtain the services of a professional contractor, the results likely will be less than satisfactory in the end.
You may have heard that a well-designed and installed landscape adds considerable value to your home (14 – 17 percent), while also allowing you a return on your investment of 100 to 200 percent.
Of course, this is only valid when you work with true professionals.
Do you have questions we can answer to help you make your decision?
You can contact us by completing the contact form here, or by simply calling us at 815-459-7926.
