10 STEPS TO HIRING A QUALIFIED LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONAL

10 STEPS TO HIRING A QUALIFIED LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONAL

Landscaping and proper lawn care add value to your home and your neighborhood. The right landscaping and lawn care can increase the value of your home by 15 percent, allowing owners to recoup 100 to 200 percent of their investment. Your landscape is one of the first things prospective buyers notice when they visit your house. Realtors estimate that 95 percent of home shoppers will not even get out of their car if the house lacks “curb appeal.” Finding the right landscape professional for your needs is essential says the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET). Reliable references for quality landscape professionals often come from family and friends. You can also contact your local, state or national trade associations for referrals. PLANET has member landscape companies listed on their website atwww.landcarenetwork.org/directory/memberSearch.cfm.

Hiring a Landscape Contractor Prt. 4

Estimates/ Contracts

Now that you’ve researched which contractors do the type of work you need done you can then contact the contractors and set up appointments to meet them.  When appointment day arrives be prepared to hand out copies of the plan/ specifications of your project to each contractor.  This is important to you and the contractors.  Everyone should be on the same page and bid the same materials and work scope.  Once you’ve discussed your vision, ask as many questions as you need to.  They are here for you.  The more they can get a sense of what you want the clearer your estimate will be.  And, remember “estimates” are just that.  An educated guess based on a general description of a project. This is not a final price until a formal contract is agreed upon nor is it a binding agreement.  That’s what a contract is for.  Nonetheless, request it in writing.  Set a deadline to receive your quotes.

Once you receive your quotes– contact the references.  Review each quote and all things being equal determine who best fits your project and who you felt you could work with.  If the quotes are all over the board ask why the difference.

Once you have chosen a contractor, request a written contract with all the specifics and the final price, before change orders.  Besides price ask them to include the project schedule, how long it will take to complete and what the payment schedule is.  If a contractor tells you they are ready to move the next day, I would be wary.  Most experienced contractors are booked in advance especially during the growing season and most use some method of scheduling.  One last note, if the price is too good to be true, then it probably is.

At The End of The Day

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be.  At the end of the day by being properly informed, armed with your research, choosing the right landscaper or any contractor for that matter will be a breeze and you will be more confident and reap the benefits.

It has been reported in Money Magazine consumers who spend 5 percent of the value of their home on landscaping can expect to add 15 percent more to its value.  A properly designed, installed and maintained landscape not only provides immediate benefits in home value but also provides community beautification, pride in family, and personal enjoyment.

Thank you for reading this series…May your home rise up and greet you!