Super Simple Tips For Choosing A Landscape Contractor
Spring will be here before you know it, and that means it is time to start thinking about landscaping projects. Im not talking about planting flowers or other annuals. Im more speaking of the big jobs, like retaining walls, decks and patios. These may require the hiring of a landscape pro.
Following are some simple yet important considerations to look into before going out and getting that new landscape.
I always recommend that homeowners bring in a landscape architect to draw up landscape plans before doing anything else. These guys are not only creative, but they can spot trouble areas for you and recommend solutions. In addition, they understand what plants will work well on your site and can recommend the best ones for your site. Hiring a landscape architect or designer may cost a little money, but this is a step that should not be skipped. You will be glad you had a plan to follow.
Secondly, let’s take a look at the plans your landscape architect laid out and see if we can do any of the work on our own. This is where the inner “do-it-yourself-er” will come out of you. You can save big bucks by parsing out pieces of the job and getting them done yourself. Just be sure you don’t get in too deep and mess up some other portion of the project. If you need your contractor to come in and bail you out, you are going to end up losing money!
The next step is to actually bring in a few landscape contractors and share with them the plans you had drawn up in step one. I would try to interview at least 3 contractors and see what they say. Compare their prices and also their optimism and realism. If a guy tells you he can get the whole project done in a month, yet another guy says it will take 6 months, then you need to reconsider what you are being told. In addition, ask to see some properties he has completed and take a field trip to check them out.
Finally, you should set a time frame that you think the design should be completed in. Keep in mind there are weather issues that crop up during any project and patience will be a virtue to you. It is always advised that you start your landscaping project in the early spring so you can use the summer to either run the overages, or actually enjoy what you have paid for!
Keep in mind that landscaping projects dont have to be difficult. You should get excited now so when spring arrives, you are ready to go. Remember: first get a design completed, next decide what parts you can do on your own, and finally, look for, and hire a contractor to complete the job. Youll be drinking iced tea on your new back patio before you know it!
February 04 2009 | Landscaping | No Comments »