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Things to Consider When Evaluating Your Project

Hiring a professional landscaper or outdoor building specialist is a role that needs to be taken slowly and seriously. You are making a large investment in your most important asset, your home. With that in mind, don′t decide on price alone!  The old adage ″you get what you pay for″ can haunt you for years to come if quality workmanship is compromised for a lowball price. Consider the following as you decide who you want to work with on your landscape project.

  1. PURCHASE AT LEAST (2) DIFFERENT DESIGNS FROM 2 DIFFERENT COMPANIES. The quality of designs will vary greatly. Is it to scale? Does it detail the types and quantity of materials? Does it reflect your personality and incorporate the elements you felt are important to you and your family? Does the design help you break out the project in phases if you can’t afford to do it all at once? Do the plant recommendations take into consideration exposure to sunlight, how tall a tree will be when mature, if it is suitable for the space? Does the hardscape allow for multiple access points, adequate space to fit your patio table and chairs, the ability for guests to easily move around without squeezing past patio furniture?
  2. IS THE QUOTE ITEMIZED? Some contractors will give you single number with a brief description of what it includes. Then, as the project unfolds, miscellaneous ″extras″ can appear on the invoice making for a surprise final payment. Make sure that all of the details are included in the quote. Does the quote include labor? Does it include tear out of existing deck or concrete patio? Does it allow for proper grading or drainage so your new patio doesn′t puddle water or begin sink after a severe rain or drown you newly planted trees and shrubs?
  3. ASK FOR ADDRESSES OF PREVIOUS PROJECTS. Ask your potential company to supply you with addresses so you can drive by and see their previous work. Be sure to note the quality of the hardscape lines. Are the lines clean and smooth or are the lines unevenly shaped? Are the plantings proportionate to the space or are they haphazardly placed?
  4. ASK FOR PREVIOUS CUSTOMER REFERENCES. Actually call the references and ask them how the company performed! Did they stick to their quote? Was their work complete? How did they act on the job? What kind of timeline did they take to complete the project?
  5. ASK NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS. Asking your neighbors and friends is a great way to begin the search for your next landscaper or outdoor building specialist. Their suggestions give you some pre-qualified leads and companies to call. But don't stop there!
  6. IS THE CONTRACTOR INSURED?To cover any unforeseen issues, verify whether the contractor has at least a $1 million insurance policy for General Liability and Workers' Compensation insurance. If a Contractor doesn′t have adequate insurance coverage and someone gets hurt on your job site (whether a laborer or guest), claims would go against your Homeowner′s Insurance; thereby affecting your future insurance premiums. Be weary of fly-by-night companies offering you cheap services. It could cost you a lot more than you bargained for!
  7. WHO WILL BE YOUR POINT OF CONTACT? While your project is under construction, whose phone number will you have if you have a question, concern, or want to make a modification? At Great Scapes Outdoor Living, Inc., you will have owner involvement from start to finish. Your complete satisfaction is our top priority!
  8. SELECT A WINNING COMPANY BASED ON CREATIVITY, JOB QUALITY, PROFESSIONALISM, AND PRICE. Don't select by price alone! This can have very expensive long-term ramifications. The success of your project and long-term satisfaction with your landscaping depends upon your careful consideration of all of these factors.