Are you looking to hire a professional to do some landscaping jobs around your home or place of business? Are you looking for Orange County landscaping? If so, here are five important tips that you need to consider before hiring a professional to do the job.
1. Free Estimates – Most companies offer FREE estimates and you should take full advantage of those offers! Schedule appointments with 2, 3 or even 4 different landscaping companies and invite each one to inspect your property. During the inspection/evaluation process, it is important that you be there and walk with the landscaper as he evaluates your property and your landscaping needs. Once the inspection has been completed, ask for their FREE estimate in writing.
2. Licensing – Check to make sure that the company you want to hire is licensed and bonded with the appropriate authorities in your local area and state. Make sure their license is current and inquire if there have ever been any complaints. If anything would go wrong with your landscaping job, you will have more “recourse” with licensed and bonded companies.
3. Consider the Costs – When evaluating which company to go with, cost is an important decision to consider. If you are trying to save money, cheapest isn’t always the best way to go. When evaluating the costs, look at the “total cost” package for the job to be completed and any on-going fees you may incur such as continuing maintenance. Also look at the detail given within the quote. Some will include work in the estimate that other companies list as additional work.
4. Warranty and Guarantees – Ask all companies that you are considering for the landscaping job about their warranty or guarantee program. Almost all companies have them and it is your job to make sure that you fully understand that program before signing on the dotted line. ALWAYS get a copy of their warranty/guarantee program in writing before they start the job.
5. Testimonials and References – Almost all companies will give you testimonials and references when you ask for them. Obtain at least 3 positive references before signing on the dotted line with any landscaping company you may be considering.
Once you interview several companies for the job and have obtained the answers to the five questions above, you will be able to make an informed decision on which professional landscaping company to hire for your particular job.
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These are very good tips. I too never thought about asking for references and to obtain at least 3 positive ones.
Good tips. I have been considering hiring a landscaper to help me come up with a plan for my yard and for information on what to grow. I have asked several people I know, but I hadn’t thought about asking landscapers for references. Then, I could go by and check out their work.