Homeowners should be wary of any landscaper who refuses to sign a contract, since the chances of getting ripped off are much higher for those operating without any written form of agreement.
Everyone wants to look outside their window and see a freshly cut, green lawn. But with busy work schedules and over-planned personal lives, it is getting more difficult for many homeowners to find the time to do yard work themselves.
Thankfully, an entire landscaping industry is in place to fill the void. Professional landscapers can do everything from designing a new yard to maintaining the one you already have.
While many homeowners cite cost considerations as the biggest reason for not hiring a landscaper to take care of their home, recent statistics from Money magazine show that failing to do so can actually cost homeowners money in the long run, since professional landscaping can add a recovery value of 100% to 200% when it comes time to sell.
Even more, landscaping can save homeowners money immediately as well, since having a yard with trees and grass has been shown to reduce air conditioning costs by about 50% in most homes.
For many people, however, simply having the desire to create a beautiful yard isn’t enough. Even once it has been determined that a landscaper should be hired, questions persist as to the best way to find a qualified professional and how to make sure you’re not being overcharged.
So how should homeowners find a qualified landscaper? And what are the signs that he may be trying to rip you off? A few tips and tricks from industry pros:
Get a Referral
The best way to find a good landscaper is by asking neighbors, relatives, and friends who have lawns that you admire. More than simply looking in a phone book or seeing a commercial on TV, hiring a professional who has done landscaping for a neighbor or friend gives you the chance to inspect his or her work quality up close.
If none of your friends or neighbors have advice, it may be worth asking around at local nurseries and home improvement stores, since employees at these businesses will likely know the best landscapers in town.
Beyond that, however, it is up to you—the consumer—to do the research to make sure the landscaping company you hire is in good standing. Check references, if available, and call the Better Business Bureau to ensure that no complaints have been filed against the company.
Get an Estimate
Cost is one of the biggest considerations most homeowners take into account when it comes time to hire a landscaping company, which is why you should not be shy about asking how much the business charges upfront.
For the best chances of obtaining an accurate estimate, ask for an in-person estimate based on unit pricing. Not only should the landscaper visit your yard to inspect what needs to be done, but he should also break down the estimate per plant—meaning you will be able to see how much the company is charging per tree or shrubbery bush planted. This way, if a number of plants are later eliminated from the overall design plan, you can ask for a reduced estimate and receive a cheaper price.
Check Licensure and Insurance
Unfortunately, it is common that landscapers operate without the proper licensing or workers’ compensation insurance. By hiring a company without this insurance, however, you as the homeowner become legally responsible should an employee of the company become hurt while working on your yard.
On a related note, it is worth asking and visually checking out whether the company’s mechanical equipment looks safe and up-to-date, since aging equipment can be dangerous to workers and is also more likely to tear up your yard.
Make It Official
A reputable company will be willing to sign a contract regarding the services they are being hired to complete and at what price they have agreed to do the project for. In addition, this contract—which both the homeowner and the landscaper will sign—should also include information about start and end dates for the project, any scheduled payments the homeowner is expected to make, and how much of a deposit has already been paid for the services. Homeowners should be wary of any landscaper who refuses to sign a contract, since the chances of getting ripped off are much higher for those operating without any written form of agreement.
If you are considering landscaping, check out the following links to find specialists in your area:
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