When it comes to creating a beautiful landscape for a yard or garden, the vision doesn’t always match with reality, especially if it involves passionate yet unskilled do-it-yourselfers. The yard is one of the first things people notice about your area and has a huge contribution to the property’s curb appeal. That said, if you want your frontage to look like the ones you see in magazines, you definitely need the help of a professional.
There are plenty of professionals offering landscape installation services, such as Pendleton Landscape, but the finished products are not the same. If you are merely asking him or her to copy a peg as it is, then you might not have a problem. However, landscaping direction depends mostly on the state of your property and the materials that are available in your area, so you will need somebody who has done this many times and on different types of properties to ensure success.
Here are some of the most important questions to ask your prospective landscaper:
1. How long have you been operating?
Landscaping is a fairly huge investment, so you can’t mess it up. You need to hire a professional who has the experience and manpower to see your project through to the end without wasting any money and time. Brochures and portfolios are attractive, but actual history built by years of practice matters more.
2. Do you have industry specialists on board?
Industry specialists, such as florists, arborists, and the like, will ensure that all elements of the yard blend well together. A person who is not trained runs the risk of placing a range of greens, blooms, rocks, and outdoor decorations that look more cluttered than themed. Experts will also be able to tell you if an idea does not work for your area and can recommend the best possible options or alternatives.
3. Can you show me photos or refer me to your previous clients so I can view the end-products myself?
Ask for a drawing or photo of the finished project so that you can envision what it will look like when the project is done. Most landscapers will charge an additional fee for this service, but it’s a reference that is worth having so that you know your contractor is heading toward a direction that you approve of. You can also ask for photos of actual finished yards and gardens, or contact previous clients to obtain their feedback (and, if possible, view them yourself).
4. Are you fully insured or bonded?
Landscaping teams will be working with tough equipment and materials, so be sure to ask if the group members are insured before starting any work. In case an accident does happen, this question will save you from having to spend for the aftermath of the mishap because it happened while at work on your premises.
5. Will you stay on the project until it is completed?
Obtain a clear schedule for the construction process and completion of the project, so you don’t end up waiting for a provider to get back to you while he or she works on somebody else’s yard. By creating a timetable, you set expectations for both parties, ensuring that no time and resources are wasted.
Another important thing that you should ask is if the landscaper provides after-sales services or the assistance after the project’s completion for any possible do-overs, revisions, or questions. Be sure to sign a contract before starting and you read the fine print, especially when it comes to accountabilities, refund policies, deadlines, penalties, and more.
