How to Hire a Landscaping Contractor
When hiring a landscaping contractor for your next project, it is essential that they fully comprehend your desires and can complete it within your desired timeline. Inquire for references and check credentials.
They should provide you with a written contract outlining pricing, schedule and other important details. Read it thoroughly to fully comprehend its contents.
Ask for References
An ideal landscaping contractor should provide references that you can call. Ask the people garden irrigation repairs adelaide you talk to about their experience with that landscape builder, including whether or not they found them reliable and affordable. Most companies will also have photo portfolios from completed jobs to demonstrate the quality of their work; look for one with landscaping projects similar to your own in it.
Reach out to your network of family, friends and business associates for recommendations. Explore online reviews and testimonials as well as complaints made against specific businesses on Better Business Bureau’s website.
When meeting with potential landscaping contractors, request a written plan and contract that details everything from design to materials costs, timetable and payment terms. Also make sure this contract includes company details like address, phone number, website as well as your contact info – this way if someone gets hurt on the job they can be compensated by workers’ comp or liability policies. It also serves as protection in case anyone from their team gets hurt on your project site.
Check Their Credentials
Choose the ideal professional for your landscaping project when hiring either a landscape design-build firm or selecting your contractor yourself. Consider hiring one with experience and a portfolio of high-quality work; check reviews on Houzz or similar websites, and ensure you meet them personally before making a final decision.
Ask them about past projects and request photos. Landscape contractors are general builders that may specialize in various tasks such as paving, grading systems, decks, site walls, sod, plantings and water features. You might want to inquire further regarding any specific areas they specialize in as well as potential specialization.
New Jersey requires that all landscape contractors obtain and hold a valid Home Improvement Contractors License (C-27). Make sure they possess this document, as well as liability and workers compensation insurance coverage for each of their employees.
Check Their License
Licensing requirements depend on your state laws; at minimum, make sure the landscape contractor you hire has permission to operate in your region.
Licensing typically requires both on-the-job experience and passing an examination. Furthermore, providing proof of liability and workers compensation insurance policies are usually also required for gaining a license.
Ask potential contractors whether or not they own their business. If they own their own, costs may be less due to reduced overhead; however, you could find yourself waiting longer as they build a backlog of clients.
Some states require landscape contractors to obtain a surety bond before beginning work on your property. A surety bond works similarly to business insurance policies in that it ensures they will fulfill their contractual obligations under their agreement with you. A surety bond can be purchased from either an insurance agency or from a specialized surety bond company.
Check Their Insurance
Quality landscaping depends not solely on award-winning portfolios but instead on whether or not each contractor can complete your project on time and within budget. Ask each bidder for a detailed contract that details both labor and materials costs for your job.
It is crucial that each contractor you hire carries insurance to protect both themselves and you in case an accident takes place on your property during their work. Landscape contractors typically need both commercial general liability coverage as well as workers’ compensation coverage to operate legally.
If you need assistance with your insurance policies or contracts, speak to a Rocket Lawyer network attorney about them. A lawyer will go through each policy and contract to make sure everything runs smoothly so that your project runs without complications or hassles. They may also give tips for choosing contractors and help with home improvement needs.
