Professional landscapers can renovate your property in a flash, thanks to their expert knowledge and streamlined processes. They also charge by the job rather than the hour, which means you only pay for what you get. Before hiring a landscaper, though, it’s important to know exactly what you need from them so you don’t end up paying more than necessary or being left with an incomplete service. There are many different types of landscapers and they tend to specialize in certain areas of work. You might have neighbours who use a particular type of professional regularly, or you may have other resources that can help you decide which type of landscaper is right for your project. Here are some tips for hiring the right professional for your needs.
Ask for recommendations from friends and neighbours.
Table of Contents
If you know someone who’s recently had major landscaping work done, ask them who did the work. You might even ask them to recommend you to their landscaper as a new client. If you’re dealing with a neighbour who isn’t a good fit as a reference, try asking if they have any recommendations for landscapers in your area. If they’re familiar with the different types of companies operating in your area, they can probably recommend someone who’s well-suited to your needs. Ask friends and family members if they’ve hired a landscaper recently, too. You might uncover a great company to hire for your project.
Check out online reviews and licensing information.
Checking online reviews is always a good idea. You can also look for pictures of completed projects and use them as a guide for what the landscaper is capable of. For instance, this hedge trimming company has a large range of images of their work. Some larger, more reputable companies will offer you the chance to look at samples of their work online.
You can also check the landscaper’s licensing information. Some companies are licensed to work in certain areas, while others are licensed to handle certain types of work. It’s also important to check if the landscaper has insurance coverage. If someone gets hurt at your property or damage occurs during renovations, you might be held responsible. Your landscaper should be insured against these kinds of things.
Decide on a budget and the scope of work before hiring.
Make sure you have a clear idea of how much you’re willing to spend on your landscaping project before hiring a landscaper. A good landscaper will be able to give you an estimate based on the size of your project, but you should have a good idea of your budgetary limits. The landscaper should also be able to tell you what the project will include and what it won’t. For example, if you want new bushes planted, you should know how far from your house they’ll be and how tall they’ll grow. If you want a particular type of grass, the landscaper should be able to tell you how often it needs to be mowed.
Check what’s included in the services you’re paying for.
Before you hire a landscaper, be sure to read over the contract carefully to make sure you know exactly what’s going to be done. Look for clauses that might extend the length of the project or add unexpected costs. If the landscaper is excavating on your property, for example, they might need extra time to fill in the holes, which could add to the overall cost. If you’re not sure what certain clauses in the contract mean, ask your landscaper to explain.
Be wary of up-front payment requirements.
Some landscapers will ask for payment up front, especially if you’re hiring them for a one-time project. If you have a landscaper that you’ve used for years and trust, you might be able to get them to work off the books without up-front payment. If you choose to pay with a credit card, be aware that you might not be able to dispute the charges if the landscaper doesn’t finish the job or does shoddy work. If you decide to pay with a credit card, make sure you have a large enough line of credit to cover the charges in case the landscaper doesn’t finish the job as promised.
Hiring a gardener doesn’t have to cost a lot of money.
If you’re looking for help with your garden and only need some occasional assistance, you might be able to hire a gardener inexpensively. You can often find individuals who do gardening on the side on freelancing sites like Craigslist or by asking around. You could also hire a student who’s studying to be a landscaper or a gardener as part of their course work. You can often hire someone like this for a very low cost or trade them work for their services.
Conclusion
Landscaping firms can transform your property in a flash, thanks to their expert knowledge and streamlined processes. They also charge by the job rather than the hour, which means you only pay for what you get. Before hiring a landscaper, though, it’s important to know exactly what you need from them so you don’t end up paying more than necessary or being left with an incomplete service.
