Tips on Hiring a Landscape Contractor

Pardon the pun, but sprucing up your yard in Encinitas could be within your budget for these upcoming months. According to Angie’s List and the Winston-Salem Journal, you should take the time to take two steps before you hire a landscaping contractor.

  1. Be sure of what you want to have created for your yard in Encinitas. Research the companies that have worked in your neighborhood, but also the services that specialize in the plant life you want accented. If you don’t even have landscaping and need things installed, you may need to call a full-service landscapers. What they could do is from start to finish is design and install patios, walkways, water features, drainage, erosion systems retaining walls and various other services.
  2. When you make your decision be very particular and provide as much detail as possible for the contractors. For examples print, copy what you found online or inform the contractor of the design you saw in a magazine or book so these contractors could plan accordingly.

But that’s just the beginning stages with the contractor. You must see how reputable they are and be sure that they are licensed bonded, insured and have achieved recommendations for their past services in Encinitas. For consultations, some charge, while others make that process free of charge. However, if they are hired – they will add that as a part of your fee at the end of their work.

Prospective landscapers in Encinitas should be asked these questions after you’ve figured out what you want in your yard:

    • Could I see the design you’ve drawn up? The best way to imagine what a project that is proposed by the landscaper is if you see the drawing. Do that for each bidder. Landscapers may charge you for doing this, but at least you are able to see the design.
    • What’s your experience? Make sure not only do they have a strong reputation in the business, but also figure out how long they’ve been in business. You have to know they have the proper amount of workers to complete the project. Is there an office they work out of as well as a website?
    • Ask for references and contact them, and take into consideration visiting to see how they’ve done. Just because it’s on the website, you don’t know if they made it or they actually bought the actual photo.
    • Figure out the head contractor’s training and what his or her staff has accomplished. Are they local, state or national landscaping associations?
    • Do you have a guarantee? These contractors should be able to give a two-to-five year guarantee on their work. Figure out the different warranties on plants and research yourself about the lifespan of the plants you will be putting in.
    • Finally determine whether you like their amount of communication through the process. Figure out what time is good for them – like what is the best method of communication and the hours in which the company is open for business.

     

    By Linda Moore

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