Hiring a Landscape Contractor

First, decide on what it is that you want to accomplish with your new landscape project. Do you want to be able to better utilize certain areas of the yard? Do you want to add outdoor entertainment areas? Improve the street view / entrance to your home?

Next, decide on your budget. Is the scope of the project in line with other homes in your neighborhood? There's an old rule in remodeling homes not to be the most expensive house on the block after everything is done. The same goes for your landscaping. You don't want to install a $45,000 landscape project in a home valued at $120,000.

Homeowners should consider the following when choosing a landscaping contractor:

Properly explaining the scope of the project

Make sure the contractor understands your vision and will be able to implement it.

Include the contractor in the designing process so there will be a consistent implementation from conception through construction to finalization. Many landscape contractors have in-house design services.

Licensing requirements: check first, dig later!

The contractor should be properly licensed, bonded and insured. Many regions require special licenses to conduct earthwork, grading and plumbing operations. Liability and worker's compensation should also be covered.

Checking references

Check references to make sure the contractor has experience on similar projects both in nature and size that you're considering.

Certified training of contractor

Ask about experience with special products that may be used in the project. Is the contractor certified or trained by the supplier? Ask. Is the contractor a member of local and national trade associations?

Company guarantees — read what's written and not what's promised

What guarantees are included in the project? Many landscape contractors or nurseries will guarantee plant materials for up to 1 year. Hardscape installations should be for 1 year or more. Find out what is covered under the guarantee and make sure you have a written copy that should be stored with your property documents.


Expand All \| Collapse All Landscapes Landscaping Curb Appeal Hardscapes Naturalized Landscapes Trees Shrubs Edible Plants Landscape Diseases Watering Design Landscape Design Perfect Landscape Plot Plans Site Analysis Family Uses Special Uses Hiring Professionals Materials DIY Property Values Landscape Lighting Better Lighting Low Voltage Lighting Outdoor Lighting Solar Lighting Soils Dirt Soils Improving Soils Amendments Soil Cultivation N-P-K pH Levels Compost Composting Q&A Pile Composting Trench Composting Nematodes Bacteriophora Carpocapsae Riobravis Scapterisci Xeriscaping Xeriscaping Design Suitable Plants Fire Resistant Plants Lawn Alternatives Artificial Lawns Artificial Grass Ground Covers Ornamental Grasses Rock Gardens Arizona Days Learn the profitable Home Inspection Business Enter your ZipCode below to find a professional in your area. Subscribe to our Newsfeed:	Home Landscapes Landscaping Design Landscape Design 10 Steps to a Good Landscape DIY Family Uses Plot Plans Site Plans Special Use Areas Materials Property Values Hiring a Pro Garden Chaos Lighting Better Outdoor Lighting Low Voltage Lighting Outdoor Lighting Solar Powered Lighting Soil Dirt Soils Improving Soils Amendments Soil Cultivation N-P-K pH Levels Compost Composting Q&A Pile Composting Trench Composting Nematodes Bacteriophora Carpocapsae Riobravis Scapterisci Xeriscaping Xeriscaping Xeriscaping by Design Covers Design Fire resistant Lawn Alternatives Artificial Lawns Artificial Grass Ornamental Grasses Plant Selections Rock Gardens Hot Arizona Days Hardscapes Naturalized Landscapes Curb Appeal Trees Shrubs Edible Plants Landscape Diseases Watering Gardens Lawns Problems Animals Diseases Insects Noxious Weeds Soil Problems Weeds Galleries Resources Forum
	>>Home > Hiring a Landscape Contractor First, decide on what it is that you want to accomplish with your new landscape project. Do you want to be able to better utilize certain areas of the yard? Do you want to add outdoor entertainment areas? Improve the street view / entrance to your home? Next, decide on your budget. Is the scope of the project in line with other homes in your neighborhood? There's an old rule in remodeling homes not to be the most expensive house on the block after everything is done. The same goes for your landscaping. You don't want to install a $45,000 landscape project in a home valued at $120,000. Homeowners should consider the following when choosing a landscaping contractor: Properly explaining the scope of the project Make sure the contractor understands your vision and will be able to implement it. Include the contractor in the designing process so there will be a consistent implementation from conception through construction to finalization. Many landscape contractors have in-house design services. Licensing requirements: check first, dig later! The contractor should be properly licensed, bonded and insured. Many regions require special licenses to conduct earthwork, grading and plumbing operations. Liability and worker's compensation should also be covered. Checking references Check references to make sure the contractor has experience on similar projects both in nature and size that you're considering. Certified training of contractor Ask about experience with special products that may be used in the project. Is the contractor certified or trained by the supplier? Ask. Is the contractor a member of local and national trade associations? Company guarantees — read what's written and not what's promised What guarantees are included in the project? Many landscape contractors or nurseries will guarantee plant materials for up to 1 year. Hardscape installations should be for 1 year or more. Find out what is covered under the guarantee and make sure you have a written copy that should be stored with your property documents.

	©2005 - 2007 Landscape-America.com. All Rights Reserved Site Map \| Pro Submission Form \| American-Lawns.com \| FAQ \| Resources Site Submission \| Article Submissions RECOMMEND US TO YOUR FRIENDS

Tips for making your landscape better