How to select a landscaping contractor

Have you ever asked yourself any or all of the following questions: “There are so many “landscapers” how do I choose? Why are quotes all over the board? Will they show up if I hire them? Can I trust them to do the work correctly? Will they return my call? What happens if I hire them and I’m not happy?"

Too many options can be confusing, so how do you choose? One indicator is word of mouth, but consider the following questions when determining if you should hire a landscape professional:

1. "Is your company licensed bonded and adequately insured to be doing business on my property?”

Did you know landscape contractors are required by law to be licensed, bonded and insured?

2. “Does your company provide agreements in writing outlining what will be done including price, before starting a project?”

Clearly written agreements will ensure you get what you are paying for and help avoid any confusion.

3. “Does your company guarantee job satisfaction and offer product
warranties?”

The company you hire should share the risk with you if something was to go wrong or not work out to your satisfaction. Why pay for the same job twice if something does go wrong?

4. “Are your installers competent to complete the work I’d like done?”

Many companies are not truly equipped to complete the work properly especially when it comes to landscape construction (retaining walls/patios etc). Many companies offer but few can deliver. Specialized work typically requires specialized skill.

5. Does your company have client testimonials and job sites I can look at?

3rd party feedback and visual results typically will provide you positive or negative feedback.

And did you know: the #1 question most commonly asked that does not necessarily indicate a company’s overall competency:

“How long have you been in business?”