Tips For Choosing A Landscape Contractor
In today’s world, we must use a certain level of caution with many decisions, especially those that involve money. We vet professionals at all levels, whether an investment counselor, a surgeon, or a builder. These professionals are asking for a large sum of money in exchange for a valuable service. When it comes to selecting a landscape contractor, are we as diligent?
Landscape contractors come in all shapes, sizes, and configurations. There are small, one- or two-man operations, medium-sized companies with several employees, and large corporate entities which may be part of a national network. There are hometown types who have been involved in a family business for generations and others who moved to the area because they saw a niche to fill. And, of course, there are advantages and disadvantages to all of them. So, how does one choose the right one for their particular needs?
First, and perhaps most importantly, don’t just take someone’s word for it. Reputable companies will nearly always have some sort of web presence and that often includes customer reviews. Do you think for a second they will post an honest review that trashes their company? Rhetorical question of course! How about your neighbor or even a trusted friend? Surely their recommendation has value. Yes, it does, but keep in mind, your needs and desires for a beautiful and functional landscape could be quite different. And not all landscape contractors have the same skills or specialties. The recommendation from a friend or colleague can be a great starting point.
Secondly, don’t choose a landscape contractor just because they are visible. This can simply be large ads you see in a paper or magazine or well-marked trucks and/or trailers in traffic or parked near projects. Money spent by companies on advertising and paint jobs means they are trying to attract business. It does not necessarily mean they are busy. When choosing a restaurant, do you look for a packed parking lot or big fancy signs? I’ll take the packed parking lot, even if I have to wait to be seated. Find out who’s busy by calling and setting appointments or asking how far out they are scheduled. A contractor who cannot get to you right away is a true sign that they are busy and probably worth waiting for. Keep in mind that sometimes the smallest companies, who are scheduled out months, have a minimal crew, and charge a reasonable price, may be the best choice.
Which brings us to the third item. Price. Not all are created equal here either. For years, I have shared the best way to assess pricing and choose the best landscape contractor. Get a few bids, let’s say five. One will usually be in the stratosphere; he probably doesn’t really want your job, but if he gets it, he will cash-in. One might be incredibly low; he may not know what he’s doing or he has a line on really cheap supplies. I’m not sure this is the best choice either. You know, the whole “buyer beware” thing. The other three will be around the same price, give or take. Pick the one who you like and believe you can work with. One word of caution, however. Make sure all players are bidding the same thing. How do you do this? By starting with a solid design.
When most people think of a landscape design, they have visions of an elaborate drawing on big paper with lots of symbols and fancy writing all over the place. You know, the type of thing where someone sits next to you to help you decipher all the codes. This is one possibility, and sometimes costly. Another option is a rough sketch on a coffee-stained napkin from your favorite breakfast joint. An effective landscape design can be either of these or anything in between. The point is, have a hard design, even if it’s not your final dream. I’ll tell you why.
Let’s say you are landscaping your back yard, and you know you want two shade trees, a half dozen shrubs, a couple fruit trees, and a small garden area. Sketch it out! Stick to it! When you call your landscape contractors to bid on your project, have them bid on two shade trees, a half dozen shrubs, a couple fruit trees, and a small garden area. Otherwise, every contractor who shows up at your house and walks around with you will add more ideas to your plan. Then, when you talk to the next guy, this new idea the last guy put in your head about a water feature will come out and he will add another idea. By the time you get to the last guy, he’s bidding on a completely different plan! Make them all bid the same thing, pick the guy you like, (see paragraph above), and THEN add the other ideas. What may start out as a simple backyard landscape could become something grand and beautiful, at a good price, with a contractor you like to work with.
Let’s try to break the cycle of social media posts and reviews of landscape contractors that use words like incompetent, rip-off, waste of money, and not recommended. Choose carefully and, like all commerce, the companies that are not doing quality work will fall away. Use these tips to find the good ones.
See you around the landscape!
The Horticoach