How to Choose a Landscaping Contractor

Whether it’s a passion project or simply a way to add value to your property, landscaping requires time and expertise to pull off. Most homeowners would prefer getting a contractor for such a project, but even so, it matters a great deal to choose a contractor that’s right for your landscaping requirements. However, this becomes a complex challenge if you are living in a community where there are numerous landscaping companies to choose from. If that’s the case, you need to make sure that you end up with a contractor that can turn your plans for a lush garden or luxurious patio into a reality. Here’s how:

1. Commit to your goals

You can’t proceed to hire a landscaping contractor if you lack a clear vision for your project. On that note, it’s important that you have a good idea of what you need to get done. Will the project involve adding greenery? Will it include hardscaping such as constructing fences, water wells, and ponds? At any rate, you need to know the kinds of features you need. This will make it easier for you to find contractors who fit the scope of your project.

2. Get referrals from people you know

A contractor may appear legitimate on the surface, but there’s no better way to know for sure than through the people you trust. Do you know any friends or family members who have recently completed a landscaping project? Ask them what the contractor is like. This will save you the trouble of finding how well they work. Then again, there is still the possibility that the contractor might not be operating legally, so you should be able to delve further into their credentials.

3. Check that the contractor is licensed

As you build a shortlist of possible landscaping contractors to hire, you need to know if each one has their paperwork in order. Depending on the state you are in, landscaping contractors are not allowed to offer their services without a license. You can check with the Better Business Bureau to find out if the contractor is operating legally. Apart from a license, you should look into other documents and evidence as well. You can check for certifications, awards, and memberships to organizations related to their industry.

4. Ask about pricing and equipment

Once you have cleared a contractor as a legitimate business entity, you now need to check if they can help you get the most of your landscaping budget. For this, you should ask for an estimate to see if you have enough resources to cover the project. As you do so, you can ask for photos of their previous work and the types of tools and equipment they will be using. If they are using any heavy equipment, you can ask if they are using quality FHD parts for their excavators, especially rubber tracks and wheels that minimize damage to lawns and driveways.  The tools they are using could factor into the overall costs, so make sure to ask questions and ask for a full quote.

There’s a lot more that goes into choosing a landscaping contractor, but the tips above are a good start towards adding curb appeal to your property.