When you make the decision to invest into landscaping, more often than not it is a large purchase and a monumental decision, especially when considering an outdoor living area or paver patio. Before hiring any landscape contractor, be sure to ask them these questions:
1. What Are Their Qualifications?
A professional landscaping company will be able to share their qualifications and industry experience. How long have they worked in the industry? Do they have formal education?
2. Do They Belong to Any Professional Organizations?
Being a member of a professional landscaping organization is a telltale sign of a reliable landscaping company. When a company is involved in a trade organization, they are generally dedicated to continual education for their team, utilizing the latest landscaping techniques and methodology is committed to their craft and is generally a great choice for your project.
3. How Long Have They Been in Business?
You can tell that a business has had success in the area if they have managed to stay in business for many years. While there is nothing wrong with hiring a newer company, an established landscaping company is familiar with many different projects and challenges.
4. Do They Offer a Warranty?
Always ask about the warranty included with the materials used by a landscaping or outdoor living company. Whether that be related to the paver or retaining wall block manufacturer, plant grower or a warranty on the work rendered by the landscaping professional, all forms of a warranty are critical.
5. When Will They Be Able to Start?
Timelines are a huge factor for any landscape project. Most reputable landscaping companies that do great work will be booked out to some degree, as little as a couple weeks or several months in some cases. Be sure to ask this during preliminary discussion.
6. How Long Do Projects Take to Complete?
While weather is one massive factor that no one can control, ask a landscape contractor how long they anticipate your project to take. Smaller landscape renovation projects can be usually completed in as little as 1-4 days, whereas large outdoor living areas can take multiple weeks to build. These are dependent on the exact scope of work, but knowing ahead of time helps you plan accordingly.
7. Do They Have a Protocol for Pets?
Your pets, (dogs generally) will want to go outside and use the yard throughout the day. Make sure to ask the contractor how they handle pets when working on the property. Keep in mind that it might not be possible for pets to be outside on the lawn if entire yard is being removed and replaced with sod, irrigation, etc. as the entire yard will be a work site.
8. Do They Have References to Share?
A reliable landscaping company will be more than willing to provide a list of prior clients or projects. Testimonials are invaluable resources if you want to learn how a landscaping company treats their clients. Pictures and positive reviews showcase how well that company operates.
9. What Types of Equipment and Tools Do They Bring?
Ask beforehand what type of equipment a landscaping company will be bringing onto your property. For larger projects this may involve skid loaders, mini excavators, laser levels, etc. Most companies factor in lawn disruption from equipment into their bid and will complete the repairs at the completion of your project.
10. Do They Use Subcontractors?
The term “subcontractor” sometimes receives a bad rep, but there’s no issue if a reputable landscape company uses them to assist in projects. A great example would be a landscaper subcontracting the irrigation system work or concrete pouring to a skilled and reliable subcontractor, allowing the landscaper’s team to focus on what they do best and the sub can complete their tasks efficiently.
By asking these important questions, you will be able to know who you are hiring to complete your project. If you are looking for the best landscaping company in southern Minnesota, look no further than Peters’ Patio & Landscape.
