The curb appeal of your home greatly depends on the landscape. Whether you plan to live in your home for years or think of getting it photographed for house listing, a beautiful landscape is going to help you in several ways.
While some homeowners opt for DIY landscaping, many prefer to hire professional landscaping companies. They can help you achieve the desired results without much hassle, only if you are working with the right company.
Among all the choices you have, it’s hard to find a company that can cater to your needs without taking too much of your budget. And what makes a particular landscaping company right for you? Here are a few tips to help you determine that.
Determine Your Landscaping Needs
Determine your landscaping needs before you inquire about what a landscaping company can offer. List down your daily, weekly, monthly, and annual requirements when it comes to landscaping.
Know if you need help with landscaping maintenance or installation of new plants and features. That’s because there is a difference between a lawn care company and a landscaping company. The former offers help with the upkeep and maintenance of your lawns. The professionals are trained to provide mowing, weeding, fertilizing, and other maintenance services all year round.
Whereas you need the services of a landscaping company when you are designing a new yard or remodeling an existing one. They will help you install features like walkways, patios, ponds, retaining walls, planters, and flower beds.
Ensure That The Professional Holds Valid State License
Once you know your landscaping needs and the type of company you need to hire, the first step is to verify legal compliance. Start by asking if the landscaping company holds a valid state license.
The companies that are not licensed do not hold up to the industry standards. If you hire a company without verifying their license, you do not have anyone to go to in case you have a complaint against them. A license ensures that the professionals are dedicated to delivering quality services.
You can make the most out of your investment without having to worry about the common mistakes made by DIY enthusiasts and amateur landscaping professionals. Be it artificial turf installation or adding a new fountain in your front yard, prefer to hire a company that can provide proofs.
Check Proofs For Workman Compensation And Liability Insurance
Landscaping work has its fair share of risk. Workers can injure themselves and inflict serious damages to your property as well. So you have to protect yourself on both fronts.
Check if the landscaping company worker’s compensation policy is in place. It will protect in the event a worker has injured himself/herself while working at your property. Whereas the insurance policy protects your property and covers the liabilities.
If you take the risk of working with a contractor that does not have this insurance, you will be held liable for everything in case of damages. Keep an eye out for these important details because homeowners typically hire landscaping companies for the long term.
Verify The Company’s Standing
After making a list of legally compliant landscaping companies, it’s time to dig a little deeper to verify the company’s standing. Whether you need new grass installation services or any help in pond construction, check the online reputation.
There are several ways to get valid information. The primary source is your friends and family members. If they have hired any of your listed companies, you can ask questions about what to expect. If that is not an option for you, check with the local authorities of your state or the Better Business Bureau.
Check current, pending, and past complaints filed against the company and you can easily avoid the horrific experiences. The best companies have a lot of satisfied customers to validate their professional competence.
Ask About Costs And Payment Options
Experience and professional competence are incredibly important when it comes to hiring a landscaping company. But what if you are unable to afford the services in your limited budget? Thus it is best to include the questions about costs and payment options in your first interview.
Although the final cost of the project may not always be the same as per the initial estimates, getting written quotes is a great idea. You can compare the costs and drop the companies that are too expensive for your current budget limits.
Take a look at the payment options. If a company demands the entire cost as upfront cash payment, look for another, more confident service provider.
Inquire About Warranties And Maintenance Routines
Some landscaping companies offer full-service landscaping services and will help with the maintenance tasks. It varies from company to company. The best approach is to inquire about such details at the initial phase. The professionals must guide you about the care instructions for plant material even if they are not providing lawn care services.
When you hire a landscaping professional, make sure the construction work is warrantied. Be clear on how long the warranty holds and what is included. Don’t forget to ask about the mistakes that can void the warranties.
If you keep all these tips in your mind, you are more likely to find a reliable landscaping company for your home.