As spring begins to rear its head, we’re starting to see more signs of life in the Orono community. Spring and summer mean many things to many people, but for the homeowners out there, it means one thing: landscaping. People eye the warm months as an opportunity to make their yard turn heads. Many people wonder how to find a good landscaper, but the answer to that boils down to the relationship that you have with them. This person will create something that you’ll look at every day, so it’s important that you know what you’re getting into. Before you sign the dotted line, read these 8 questions to ask a landscaper before hiring them.
1. Are you fully insured and/or bonded?
The first thing that you should ask anybody who works on your property should be in reference to their insurance policy. This is especially true with landscapers. A landscaping project often requires the moving of heavy objects along with the use of machinery and tools. Even if they’re professionals, it’s still important to know that you won’t be liable for any sort of injury or accident. Go over their policy and understand your liabilities beforehand so that you won’t be blindsided in the worst case scenario.
2. What services do you offer?
Although this one may seem like a no-brainer, it’s still very important to fully comprehend what your landscaper will be offering you. Many people choose a landscaper and realize later on they won’t be receiving services they assumed they would. Don’t assume anything! Sit down with the landscaper and ask them about all of the services they offer. You may find out they have some industry specialists on staff that can help your yard realize its full potential. Regardless, finding out what they offer can help you formulate the best plan possible.
3. What is your schedule looking like this summer?
The unfortunate aspect of landscaping is that everybody wants their projects done around the same time. When you live somewhere seasonal like Minnesota, you only have a few months to capitalize on your outdoor projects. You surely aren’t their only customer this summer, which is why you should take the time to go over your landscaper’s schedule to get a better sense of where your project will fit in. You don’t want them to get started on your project only to abandon it halfway through because of another client obligation. Sit down with the landscaper and find an opening in their schedule that will allow your project both a start and an end date.
4. What’s your guarantee?
The best way to know that you’re working with a reputable landscape contractor is to ask them about their guarantee. You’re paying a substantial amount of money for this project so it’s only fair that you want the end result to last. Any reputable landscape contractor should be able to guarantee their work for at least two years. These days, most landscaping companies guarantee about 5 years. Figuring out this guarantee beforehand can give you a better understanding of the warranty you’ll receive along with an estimate.
5. How will you go about handling my project?
Landscaping, like many things in life, comes down to planning and preparation. The success of a project lies almost entirely within how well you’ve prepared. In order for you, the client, to fully understand the process, you need to understand the plan from the landscaper’s point of view. Learn about their building practices, what materials they’ll use, what equipment will be present, and anything else you can find out. This will help you understand the process more, which will cut down on your anxiety throughout the project.
Get some tips that will help you start planning your landscaping project!
6. Are there any ways to cut corners and reduce costs?
Everyone has their “dream yard” pictured in their head. This vision spares no expense and cuts no corners. However, when it comes to reality, all of these dream items and features come with a price tag. When the estimate is given to you, don’t be afraid to ask where you can reduce costs. You might find out that you can save a good amount of money by cutting some unnecessary features or handling them in alternative methods. It’s not considered “cheap” to ask how you can save some money on your landscaping project.
7. Do you have any references?
You shouldn’t ever sign a landscaping estimate without seeing some of their previous work. Every reputable landscaper should carry a list of references. These references can be a brochure of photos, a photo gallery on their website, or a list of addresses that they’ve worked on. Carefully examine their work to see if it looks like the level of quality they’re asking you to pay for. If possible, drive by the houses that they’ve worked on to see if their work has stood the test of time. It’s easy to be fooled by photos, but it’s hard to be fooled by seeing something first hand.
8. How much work will I be in for after you leave?
It’s easy to be amazed by the end result of your landscaping project, but what happens when the equipment is packed away, the last bill is paid, and the landscapers have left? Ideally, you’ll want your project to require little to no upkeep. Many people don’t think about asking about how much work their new yard will require to maintain its look throughout the years. You won’t always have a professional landscaping crew around to do all of the dirty work, so make sure you know what you’re getting into before you agree to the project. How often will plants need to be taken care of? Will anything need to be winterized? Ask these types of questions beforehand so you know if you can handle the maintenance before you undergo the project.
Getting started
Undergoing a landscaping project is a very exciting process that can understandably come with some hesitation. You want to get the best finished product possible, and the only way to do that is to partner with a landscaper that you can trust. When it comes down to how to choose the right landscaper, it really comes down to your individual project and your vision.
Even without landscaping, the lots in Lakeview Orono have absolutely beautiful natural yards. Are you ready to get in your dream home before the summer landscaping season? Take a look at our open lots today!