Ever had an appointment with a no-show contractor? According to landscape architect and consultant Jim Teske, a lack of communication and professional respect can be one of the first red flags you’ll encounter from a subpar landscaper. “If he’s not treating me professionally, is he doing the rest of his job right?” Teske asked. “If you feel like your arm is being twisted, you’re starting out on the wrong path. Trust your instinct.”
2. Your budget
You may have a dream project in mind, but be realistic about how much it’s going to cost. Factor in labor, materials and site issues that may come up during construction.
“Find the right contractor for the project size, and be honest about your budget with that contractor,” said Mike Vandam, owner of Dayton Patios by Centerville Stone and Brick. Some contractors are willing to take on smaller $5,000 jobs, while others prefer to take larger projects. You can also do the project in phases if your budget doesn’t match your dream, Vandam advised.
3. Project goals
“It all starts with a good, detailed plan that completes your vision,” Vandam said. “Your contractor should have the same vision.” Start by listing everything you want so that your landscaper can create a model for your approval. “Plan your project carefully, write down a list of must-haves and present them to your contractor.”
Know that your project may need to change a bit. “There are site issues and program issues,” Teske said. “The program is your wish list, and the site affects what you can do. You’ll need to blend them together.”
4. The landscaper’s reputation
Move away from search engines to find your next landscaper –in-depth research is key. “Don’t rely on internet recommendations. A lot of those sites are paid for by the contractors and have misleading information,” Vandam said, adding that negative reviews can be deleted. “Instead, find people who have had work done and ask them who did the project.”
A flashy website is also no guarantee of a good landscaper to back it up, even if a photo gallery is included. “Images can be Photoshopped or grabbed from Google. One year, six local companies used the same stock photo,” Vandam cautioned.
5. Paperwork
Make sure you get everything in writing. Don’t allow any work to be done on a verbal agreement only. Most reputable landscapers have a standard contract they use, which should include their name, address and company name; the dates and description of the work, the price and payment schedule, a description of what constitutes completed work, and a notice that the work should be substantially completed within 20 days of the end date specified.
If your landscaper is using subcontractors, make sure you have financial protection in place. “You need a lien waver from everyone working for your general contractor,” Teske said. “They should do it automatically. This makes sure the contractor pays them.” Without this, you could be on the hook for this expense.
6. Conflict resolution
Make sure your landscaper is someone you feel comfortable discussing problems with. “Communicate with your contractor throughout the project. If you have questions, ask them – do not wait until the end of the project to address an issue,” Vandam said.
7. Hiring local
Many landscaping companies that claim to be local are only looking to earn your trust. “Make sure the company has an in-town phone number,” Vandam said. “Are they based out of a home office or do they have a business property?”
“Check with the Better Business Bureau, do a background check, look up lawsuits,” Vandam said. “Look for an established website, a Facebook page, as many social pages as possible.”
8. Get insured
Especially for very large projects, protecting yourself is essential. Your landscaper should be insured. “If you are building a large project with a company, and they intend to use subcontractors, make sure they all have insurance,” Vandam said.
Another option: add coverage to your homeowners policy. “You can also choose to have an insurance plan that protects you from contractors who do not have insurance,” added Vandam.
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