Are you thinking about hiring a landscaping company for your next project? Knowing what to do, what questions to ask, and what to watch out for are the keys to finding a company that will give you the best results.
Find the right landscaper by avoiding these 5 common mistakes.
Mistake #1 – Choosing a landscaper who isn’t responsive
You can learn a lot about a landscaping company from the way they communicate. If they take forever to return your calls, are difficult to talk to, or leave you confused, this isn’t a good sign. If this is how you are treated while they are trying to win your business, imagine how it will be once you have already paid them.
On the other hand, if the company is friendly, professional, makes each step of the process crystal clear, and responds promptly to your communications then you might have a winner. Of course, this is only one piece of the puzzle, but when it comes to hiring some one to do a construction project at your home, communication and responsiveness will go a long way towards ensuring you have a pleasant experience.
Mistake #2 – Choosing a landscaper without getting references or reading reviews
We are fortunate to live in an age where we can read online reviews to learn from other people’s experiences with a business. After you’ve narrowed down your list of landscaping companies you are interested in, spend some time digging into their reviews.
If you simply google the company’s name, you will generally find several sites where they have reviews. Read through them to learn what people liked and disliked about the company. This can be an easy and effective way to find out if they sound like a landscaper you’d want to work with.
Mistake #3 – Choosing a landscaper who isn’t a licensed contractor
A licensed contractor has been thoroughly tested by the state to meet strict requirements. They must have at least four years in the industry. They must pass difficult exams which test their competency in landscaping and in business law. Licensed contractors are also required to pass a background check and to carry insurance. For your safety and to ensure the best quality work, choose a licensed landscape contractor.
Mistake #4 – Choosing a landscaper based on low price
Instead of looking for the lowest price, look for the best value. You may end up paying a little more, but you will have to live with and see your landscaping every day. This is an investment that can either be an endless source of frustration, or it can enhance your quality of life. If you choose based off low price alone, you may end up with less than stellar work.
Mistake #5 – Choosing a landscaper without seeing previous projects
Before hiring a contractor, it’s a smart idea to see some of their prior work. Seeing a landscaping company’s previous projects can give you a good idea of what to expect. You can see if they do quality work, if you like their style, and it can give you inspiration for your landscaping. Ask to see photos of their work or request a list of addresses that you can drive by.
We hope these tips help you find the perfect landscaper for the job. There are a lot of great companies to choose from in the San Luis Obispo region, so shop around and find the one that you feel most comfortable with. If you need help or would like to see if we are a good fit for you, please feel free to contact us.