Choosing a Landscape Contractor

Installing or improving landscaping is a significant financial investment. There is a large potential to enhance your home's value and to give the entire family a more enjoyable outdoor environment to make great memories in, so it's important that you select the right expert for the job. But what must you consider before deciding to hire someone?

Find at least three or four contractors you can approach for an initial consultation, where you will discuss your needs and the Landscaper El Mirage AZ services. Have them bring a portfolio of photographs of their older past landscape projects, and keep some questions in handy on the following:

Length of Business Experience

Contractors who have been around for decades do have experience and reputation to be proud of, but new contractors may have fresh ideas and probably cost cheaper, considering they have only started out.

Job-specific Experience

Know the contractor's experience level with the kind of project you are planning to do. This is equally important as the general experience they have gained in the industry. The more specialized your project is, the more you have to check their background in performing that type of work.

Style or Approach

This is where you will actually get a sense of the contractor you're dealing with and their competence in relation to the work work you require. Ask your all the questions you can think of about the project; if they answer with a lot of detail and unmistakable passion, then probably, you have a match.

Subcontracting

Ask whether or not they plan to use subcontractors to any area of the work and how this will change the final costs and timeline. Hiring so many subcontractors for a job could indicate that they do not possess the knowledge or experience they claim.

Permit Application

Landscaping Surprise AZ should know very well what types of projects need and don't need a permit. Usually, pools, gazebos, sheds and similar jobs will require a permit. If a contractor is familiar with this subject, that may be a sign that they are experienced.

Estimates and Contracts

An estimate has to cover all the work the project involves, from initial clearing to debris cleanup. Also, it should indicate a payment schedule and project timeline, and a provision saying that the contractor will be obtaining all necessary permits, except when other agreements previously made have been reached.

Guarantees

Irrigation systems and installation of structures such as decks and patios should come with a warranty for craftsmanship and installation problems. However, plants are not likely to be covered, considering they are exposed to factors beyond the control of the contractor, such as bug infestations, weather and disease. Just be sure that your contractor is very clean on what is and what is not covered.

Post Project Maintenance

It's preferable to have one company take care of the installation and maintenance of the landscaping, so that all important details necessary for maintenance are already known right from the beginning. If a contractor doesn't provide maintenance services, however, that still doesn't mean they're not right for the project, but it pays to know upfront.