Buying a new home is exciting, but the real fun comes when you personalize it. Many new homeowners spend all their time focusing on the interior. Don’t forget that the outside of your home is just as important.
Well-planned landscaping doesn’t just look good. Landscaping saves water if you live in a dry environment. Planting trees around your home will cut down on your summertime energy bills.
Hiring landscaping contractors takes the pressure to get it right off your shoulders. The hard part is picking the right contractor. Use these tips to find your ideal landscaping contractor.
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1. Ask Your Neighbors for References and Reviews
Take a stroll around your new neighborhood. Make sure to keep an eye out for landscaping ideas that you love.
Reach out to your neighbor and find out who did the landscaping. Talk about the installation process. How easy was it to work with that contractor?
Follow up online by searching for the company’s website. Read every review you can before contacting the contractor.
2. Look for Contractors Who Do Different Landscaping Projects
When planning your landscaping, write down every idea, no matter how extreme. After all, this is your home, and landscaping shows off your personality.
A few fun landscaping ideas to consider:
- Outdoor kitchen
- Swimming ponds
- Waterfalls
- A creek that goes across the whole yard
Keep in mind, for projects like an outdoor kitchen, you’ll need extra help. Landscapers sometimes won’t install outdoor appliances. In that case, you’ll have to call in an installer like Mastermind Mechanical.
3. Create a Budget to Cover the Cost of Landscaping
When you sit down to plan your landscaping, don’t shy away from discussing the price. There is nothing worse than getting halfway through a project and running out of money.
Talk to contractors about ways to save money. Also, discuss ways things could go wrong so you can pad the budget a little.
4. Check for Insurance and Warranties
Installing landscaping should be pretty straightforward, but accidents do happen. A trustworthy contractor will always carry liability insurance. This way if they break something, you aren’t responsible for the repairs.
Certain parts of the landscaping project come with a manufacturer or installer warranty. Keep proof of these warranties in your files in case something breaks later.
5. Always Ask for a Contract
Never start a landscaping project without signing a contract. Without a contract in place, the contractor can sneak in unexpected charges.
A contract should include:
- Itemized equipment costs
- List of projects
- Warranty information
- Cost of labor
Read the contract and ask questions if you’re confused. Watch out for any vague wording that could pose problems later.
6. Make a Plan for Future Landscaping Maintenance
Some landscaping companies only handle installations. That leaves you stuck maintaining plants you might not know anything about.
Ask up-front if the contractor handles regular landscaping maintenance. If they don’t, see if they can recommend a maintenance company.
Hiring Landscaping Contractors Is Easy if You Follow These Tips
Wow, your new neighbors with a personalized landscape design. What better way to make a good first impression?
It starts by hiring landscaping contractors willing to work with you. If the contractor keeps suggesting things you don’t want, find someone better.
For more landscaping ideas, visit our Gardening section. Our articles cover everything from vegetable gardens to ponds.
