contractor B he is not putting down a gravel base to prevent cracking or lifting along the path. Upon completion both projects may look the same but in one to two years you will be able to see the difference in quality. It is best to get two to three quotes to ensure you are
getting a fair price and proper service, but don’t waste time getting any more. When you ask for quotes, be specific upon what you want them to quote; quotes do not include design ideas. Most can offer quotes over the phone at a fixed price. If you’re not sure exactly what you want done, you need
to hire someone for a consult. Most designers will offer consults, without written designs, to share ideas and provide advice, allowing you to get more accurate quotes. Find out if the final quote is fixed or an estimate and
how cost changes will be handled. Ask about maintenance, warranties and guarantees – understand exactly what they mean. Call back if you need clarification on how the job is going to be done. What you really, really want
Consider what you really want done. Don’t just dream, Experience does not equal training. How can I be sure? So who do you choose? If you are planning to invest in
your yard, treat it as you would any other home improve- ment. Hire the right people for the job; you wouldn’t hire an electrician that wasn’t certified even if he had been wiring houses for years. Remember: this is an investment that will end up increasing your property value and the outdoor aesthetics of your home for years to come. Do your due diligence. Ask for credentials, check out
the BBB and get real references. Speak with homeown- ers who have had work done, preferably a couple of years ago, by the company you are considering. They are the people that will be able to give the best references. Having worked with them homeowners will be able to vouch for the company’s follow-up service, how their work has stood the test of time and comment on their working relation- ship including how the company dealt with any mainte- nance or problems that arose since the original work was done. Don’t give too much credence to written, glowing refer-
ences; they are most often written immediately after a job was completed – before problems ever set in. Ask to see the company’s previous work. Ask what type of certifica- tion they have, and if they have certified people on staff. Remember that some of what a landscaper does today won’t be fully appreciated for at least another three to five years when trees and plants have matured. Before hiring anyone ensure the company has insurance
and workman’s compensation; this will alleviate you from any liability.
Comparisons are easily done The most important thing when comparing estimates
and quotes is to compare apples to apples. If one contrac- tor is quoting you $300 for a job and another one is quot- ing $1000, there is a reason. Ask. The first may sound like a better deal, but is it? Perhaps contractor A is putting down a path for you, but unlike
localgardener.net Hire the right people for the job to ensure quality work is being done. Summer 2015 • 7
do some research and ask questions. Is what you wanted to do out of your price range? If so, is it something you could arrange to do over a period of years with your landscaper? Is what you want to do practical; is it worth it? Consider your lifestyle and how you use your yard. There is no point in putting in an outdoor kitchen when you are never home to eat, or putting in plants for which you will not be able to tend.
Solid as a rock Solid contracts are the key to avoiding nightmares down
the line. If you only do one thing, ensure that all design, material and work are laid out correctly in the contract. List all demolition, construction and installation work that needs to be done and keep track of any changes to these decisions in writing. Finally, you also need to go with your gut. Always steer
away from anyone who gives you a bad feeling or tries to rush you into making a decision or signing the contract. A good landscaper will take the time to get to know you, your space and how you use it. i
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