As a homeowner or business property manager, making the decision to invest into landscaping is generally a monumental decision, especially when considering an outdoor living area, kitchen, paver patio or swimming pool. Before hiring any landscape contractor, be sure to ask them these questions:
1. What Are Their Qualifications?
A professional landscaping company will be able to share their qualifications and industry experience. How long have they worked in the industry? How much training has their staff accumulated?
2. How Long Have They Been in Business?
You can tell that a business has had success in the area if they have managed to stay in business for many years. While there is nothing wrong with hiring a start up company, an established contractor is familiar with many different projects and challenges that come along with them.
3. Do They Offer a Warranty?
Always ask about the warranty on their work. Whether that be related to the hardscape manufacturer, shrubs and trees, or a warranty on the labor provided by the company, all forms of a warranty are critical.
4. When Can They Start Your Project?
Timelines are a huge factor for any renovation project. Most reputable landscaping companies that do excellent work have their crews scheduled out to some degree, as little as a couple weeks or several months in some cases.
5. How Long Do Projects Take to Complete?
Ask the company’s rep how long they anticipate your project to take. Smaller landscape renovation projects can be usually completed in as little as 1-4 days, whereas large outdoor living areas may take 1-2 or more weeks to build. These can vary as they are dependent on the exact scope of work, but knowing ahead of time helps you plan accordingly.
6. Do They Have a Protocol for Pets?
Your dog (or cat) will likely want to go outside and use the yard throughout the day. Make sure to ask the contractor how they handle pets when working on the property. Keep in mind that it might not be possible for pets to be outside on the lawn if entire yard is being removed, graded out and replaced with sod, etc. as the entire yard will be a work site.
7. Do They Have References of Reviews?
A dependable landscaping company will be more than willing to provide a list of prior clients or projects. Testimonials are invaluable resources if you want to learn how a landscaping company treats their clients. Pictures and positive reviews will also showcase how well the company operates.
8. What Types of Equipment and Tools Do They Bring?
Ask beforehand what type of equipment a landscaping company will be bringing onto your property. For larger projects this may involve skid loaders, mini excavators, laser levels, etc. Most contractors will factor in lawn repairs into their bid and will complete them at the completion of your project.
9. Do They Use Subcontractors?
The term “subcontractor” often receives a bad rep, but there’s no issue if a reputable company uses quality subcontractors to assist in projects. A great example would be a landscaping company subcontracting the irrigation system work or concrete pouring to a skilled and reliable subcontractor, allowing the landscaper’s team to focus on what they do best and the sub can complete their job effectively.
If you are looking for the best landscaping company in New Orleans, look no further than Couvillion’s Landscapes, get in touch today.
