10 top tips for choosing a Landscaper/Gardener
As a 'prospective client' be prepared when you are looking to engage a Landscaper/Gardener. The tips below help ensure you are fully prepared and know what to look for and major questions to ask. This will ensure a smooth project and/or contract.
1 - Research the market, find contractors and learn...
Do your research using the web and/or trade magazines to look for possible contractors, ideas etc. Make an initial list of requirements. If landscaping required, collect relevant photos of similar concepts or ideas. Build a 'scrap book', etc
2 - Ready to make contact?
Contact and/or email your chosen professionals. Worth making a note of how easy this is and how quickly they respond.
3 - Get it in writing
Ensure your requirements, desires etc are fully documented in at least a written estimate, but ideally a written quote. Consider their availability and project timeliness. How descriptive/complete is the Quote ? Do you need to discuss/clarify requirements - if so do it now. Does it conform to Trading Standards guidelines (ie Consumer Protection Law) ?
4 -Compare "apples to apples" on your Quotes
Understand project, discuss any specific/construction requirements. Acknowledge/confirm project duration, frequency and start/stop times. Ensure you confirm inclusions and exclusions.
5 -Do Due Diligence
Check references. Search web for any information of note. Do they belong to a independent traders scheme, such as Trading Standards 'Buy With Confidence' ?
Remember many 'trade associations' are commercial entities designed to make them money and may not offer you little formal support, come back etc.
6 - Experienced and/or Qualified ?
Ensure they are experienced ( & qualified, where needed ). E.g. for major hardscape projects - do they understand building regs where applicable? Always ask to see and check their insurances. If spraying, do they carrying NPTC PA Certs. If transporting waste away, do they have any required waste licenses ?
7 - Formal Contracts only !
No verbal/fag packet contracts. Ensure you agree payment and/or a schedule of payments and understand your commitments.
8 - Approve and confirm design, material samples and any changes
Ensure you are both on the same page. Changes (either way) must be written and any costs / project duration impact understood and agreed.
9 - Be realistic
Even in the best projects, unexpected issues come to the surface. Be realistic, discuss with Contractor and agree way forward.
10 - Pay on Time!
Make sure you pay on time according to the schedule of payments. Ensure these are recorded and ideally not cash (for your own safety).
...and finally enjoy your 'new' garden ;-)
nb appreciate this is not an exhaustive list of tips but was collected over the years from various sources it is a start, a framework which you can work from and add/subtract your own requirements.
Be great to see any other constructive additions......
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