If you are a homeowner or property owner considering how you can improve the aesthetic and function of your land, you may have already begun to look into hiring the services of a landscape contractor. However, deciding which contractor is right for you can be a challenge. You need to be sure to ask the right questions to ask when hiring a landscape contractor in order to find the landscaper that can best execute your vision.
Working With A Professional Landscape Contractor
Landscape contractors are valuable assets when you are considering improving the look and feel of your property. They can perform a variety of tasks, from mowing the lawn and re-edging your flower beds to managing more complex projects such as installing sprinkler systems or removing invasive plant species. A good landscaper will have a broad range of experience and knowledge that you can rely on to guide you.
Helpful Questions To Ask When Finding A Landscape Contractor
A professional landscape contractor can assist you in achieving the goals you have for your property. However, choosing which contractor to trust can have an important role in how the finished project looks and functions. To feel confident in the landscaper you select, start by asking questions that will reveal whether that contractor can perform the task you have planned.
Here are some of the top questions to ask when hiring a landscape contractor:
How Long Have You Been In Business?
One of the most important questions you can ask any landscape contractor is how long they have been in business. Quality work leads to satisfied repeat customers, and conversely, poor craftsmanship and quality will leave a business struggling to survive. Landscapers who have been working for decades will likely have a track record of success and greater experience in a larger variety of tasks, so you can rest assured that you are in good hands.
How Long Will The Work Take?
As you make plans to complete the projects you have in mind for your property, it is important that you have a firm idea of how long the work will take. A skilled contractor will be able to walk you through the variables affecting the work and provide an accurate estimate of the time until completion. New and inexperienced landscapers may provide optimistic estimates in the hope of winning your business, but you will find yourself disappointed if that estimate proves to be false.
What Will You Do If There Are Any Project Interruptions?
Any landscaper who has executed successful projects and has years of experience will have a strategy for what to do if the project is unexpectedly interrupted. This may occur if a supplier is suddenly out of stock of an important material, poor weather prevents further work for some time, or the scope or details of the project change partway through. A skilled landscape contractor will understand how to avoid hold-ups due to unexpected events while coming through with an end result that suits your vision.
Do You Have Industry Specialists On Staff?
Landscapers are experienced individuals, but they do not always have the answers. Experienced contractors rely on the help of industry specialists to inform them in areas they are not experts in themselves so that their clients can receive the best service possible.
You should take the time to ask if your prospective landscaper works with specialists, as this can provide a more comprehensive plan for your project.
Can You Provide A Drawing Of Your Design Plans?
While it may be impressive to see a landscaper plan out an entire project in their heads, being able to provide a drawing is a critical skill. Landscaping contractors who are unwilling or unable to provide physical designs may not be able to execute your vision as accurately as you would like.
Do You Have A Portfolio Of Your Past Work?
A contractor’s past work speaks for itself; if a landscaper has a large portfolio of landscape projects that are similar to yours and can demonstrate that they were completed successfully, on time, and on budget, you may have found a good match. Landscapers who are unable to provide portfolios may not have years of experience in the field, or the quality of their work may not be superior enough to reflect well on them in a portfolio. If this is the case, you may be best served seeking someone else.
Contact The Professional Boston Landscape Contractors
As you consider which landscape contractors to partner with for your next project, remember that a contractor worth working with will be happy to answer any questions that you have. Reach out to a skilled landscaper like Jean Brooks Landscapes, who has over 30 years of experience in landscape design, construction and maintenance, to get started on the next project you have in mind. Schedule an appointment to receive personalized guidance and ask any questions that you have.