Choosing a Landscape Contractor
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 28, 2012
Well designed and installed landscaping adds considerable value to your home (14 - 17 percent), allowing you a return on your investment of 100 to 200 percent. Choosing the right landscaping contractor can determine the success or failure of this important investment. The following guidelines should be used when evaluating choices for your landscape installation.
Determine the scope of the project, and which services you'll expect from the contractor - install plant material, build decks and patio, install retaining walls, install irrigation systems and night lighting are some of the services provided by landscape contractors. You may wish to work on some of these projects yourself...is your contractor agreeable to this?
Thoroughly investigate the company - how long has it been in business? - what levels of expertise and education do the employees have? - ask for recent references and check these out - visit the jobs. Many states require licensing...inquire about this and other types of certification.
Insurance is a big concern....the nature of much of landscaping work requires comprehensive insurance - both liability and worker's compensation - ask for proof of insurance. Is the company affiliated with local or national trade organizations? - this *may* indicate a high level of professionalism and quality.
What about the little guy, just starting out? If I hadn't been given a chance over thirty years ago by my first few clients, I wouldn't be writing this today. I'm amazed that so many understanding people gave a scruffy looking young man in an old pickup a chance! So you can sometimes find a conscientious young person to provide services at a reasonable cost. The main thing is to check references, discuss the project thoroughly and insist on a written contract. If a prospect is enthusiastic and seems to really love the work, you may be on the right path.
also ask about guarantees...will the landscaper or nursery stand behind a guarantee on plant material? What about hardscape items...if the retaining wall caves in, will it be replaced at no cost? How long is the guarantee in place? A recent trend, especially on larger commercial jobs, is to require the landscaping company to maintain the project for the first year.
This way, any serious installation mistakes can be dealt with in a timely manner.
If the installation company will be providing some or all of the maintenance, ask for the maintenance schedule. Basic lawn maintenance should include weekly mowing, seasonal fertilization, weed control if desired and aeration or dethatching services. ask which chemicals, if any, will be used on your property, and require the contractor to provide the material safety data sheet (MSDS) for each.
Landscaping is a relatively large investment and involves a lot of hard work. If you will be contracting some or all of your landscape installation, take the time to evaluate all the possibilities. I often receive requests from young people about how to start out in the landscape trades...my main advice has always been - DO a GOOD JOB! If you find someone with excellent references and good looking projects who is enthusiastic about the work, you have a good prospect.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
85213 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
69066 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
67229 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
46235 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
28271 Views
Latest Articles
Grooved Composite Decking: Benefits and Best Practices
Composite decking has become increasingly popular over the last decade thanks to its durability, low-maintenance, and natural wood-like appearance....
on Nov 23, 2023
Innovative Materials in Modern Rainscreen Systems
In today's world of architectural advancements, the materials we use to protect and adorn our structures have evolved dramatically. Within this...
on Aug 25, 2023
Benefits of Aluminum Windows for Homeowners
Aluminum windows have emerged as a popular choice among Australian homeowners, offering a compelling combination of energy efficiency and modern...
on Aug 10, 2023
Investment Tactics for Premium Condominiums
Singapore continues to be a magnet for property investments, with its robust economy, political stability, and appealing real estate market acting...
on Aug 3, 2023
10 Essential Questions to Ask During a Sunroom and Lanai Consultation
When considering the addition of a sunroom or lanai to your home, a consultation with a professional lanai contractor is crucial. This initial...
on Jul 24, 2023
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates

Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Sponsored Articles
Grooved Composite Decking: Benefits and Best Practices
on Nov 23, 2023
Garden / Landscaping / Patio
Composite decking has become increasingly popular over the last decade thanks to its durability, low-maintenance, and natural wood-like appearance....
Innovative Materials in Modern Rainscreen Systems
on Aug 25, 2023
Windows / Siding

In today's world of architectural advancements, the materials we use to protect and adorn our structures have evolved dramatically. Within this...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 262
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 239
- Real Estate / Finance — 196
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 115
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 112
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
Is it Worth Building a Wooden Garage?
Most often, a wooden garage appears on the site as part of the architectural ensemble. If built a house, fence and additional buildings from the...
Easy Tips for Decorating Your House
The fact cannot be denied that we want to decorate our house in the best way. So, we try to go for the latest designs in this case. If we go to the...
How to Turn a Brick Home into a Log Home
Turning a brick home into a true log home may not be entirely possible, but achieving the look of a log home is certainly feasible. Creativity,...
Taking the Right Care of the Floor
Everyone wants a nice and cozy home to relax and spend quality time with his or her family. They ensure that everything in the house is in order...
What Is the Best Roof Replacement Material for 2021?
If you are considering tackling some much-needed home improvement projects in the new year, there is no better place to start than with a roof...