HIRING A LANDSCAPER – OFTEN A DAUNTING TASK.
A beautifully designed lawn can completely transform an otherwise ordinary looking house, and quality landscaping can improve your outdoor living area while increasing the value of your home. The benefits of a beautiful landscape are endless, but how do you ensure you’re getting that beauty? Finding the right landscaping company for the job is often tough. In fact, with the huge selection of landscapers in Colorado Springs and the surrounding communities, it probably feels a little overwhelming. So how do you choose the best landscape contractor for your home? Follow these three tips, and rest easy knowing your yard, and your home, are in good hands.
1. PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
An important consideration in choosing a landscaper is memberships and certifications. Companies that are serious about their profession often have active memberships in national, state, or local associations. Some of the more common professional groups and certifications include the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado (ALCC), and the Housing & Building Association (HBA).
“Companies that are serious about their profession have active memberships”
2. DISCUSSION TOPICS
As you contact each company, ask some basic questions. This initial conversation will help you and the contractor determine if the contractor’s skills and services are a potential match for your landscape needs. Prepare your questions and concerns before calling or setting up a meeting. The following is a recommended list of topics to discuss:
- Assemble your notes, drawings, pictures, and copy of your lot plan for the first meeting.
- Discuss your budget freely. The landscape contractor can suggest the most economical approach to achieve what you’re looking for.
- Inquire about the company’s qualification: number of years in business, staff experience, and training/certification.
- Verify that the contractor has proof of insurance coverage.
- Consider the company’s provision for clean-up and debris removal.
- Get it in writing! Prior to entering into any agreement, make sure the contractor provides a detailed contract specifying what will be completed.
- Ask about terms of payment. Never pay more than one-half of the total cost as a down payment.
3. YOUR INTUITION
One of the most important aspects of choosing a landscape contractor simply comes from your intuition. What was your initial perception of the company and the individuals you spoke to? Was the estimator friendly and knowledgeable? Did your potential project seem important to the contractor, or did you have to make multiple calls before getting any response?
If you are less than satisfied with the first impression, you will likely be less than satisfied with the final product.
Some key personality traits to look for in your potential contractor are:
- Good communication skills
- Patience and understanding of your needs
- Ready and willing to work with you and your ideas
- Creativity
CONCLUSION
When selecting a landscape contractor, you will need to consider many factors. Take into account all the elements, and make a list of pros and cons to help guide your choice. Your landscape is a long-term investment, and price should never be the only factor in making this very important decision. Finding the right contractor, with the experience and expertise to transform your ideas into a beautiful reality, will help ensure a smooth and stress-free process. So, go ahead and do that landscaping project and LOVE COMING HOME!
