Are you looking for a landscape designer?
For the project to go well, you need to find the right person for the job. It'll be the key to avoiding any unwanted surprises or disasters. But it's not always easy to know how to find the right professional for your needs. It's down to the questions you ask, and when you're new to this, you might not know what those questions should be.
Don't worry, our landscape design guide can help! Read on for the questions you should ask landscape design services before you hire them.
Where Do the Plants Come From?
You don't have to use native plant species in your landscape design, though we recommend it. If you opt for non-native species, at least make sure the landscaper uses plants grown in your local area.
This will bring costs down, as it's not cheap to ship plants across the country. They'll also stand a better chance of surviving and thriving in your backyard. Plants need to adjust to new soils and conditions, which makes them vulnerable during this time.
Do They Have the Right Insurance and Licenses?
A landscape design company will use a lot of heavy machinery, which could cause an accident. If someone gets hurt on your land and the contractor isn't insured, it could cost you big time.
Make sure they have the appropriate insurances in place. These should protect you, your property and those working on it from injury and damage.
How Long Have They Worked in the Business?
A landscape design contractor might offer a service, but it doesn't mean they've done it yet. It's common for companies to expand their services as their business grows.
It's a general idea to look for someone with at least 3-5 years of experience in the industry. It's better to go with someone who has done similar projects before to a high standard. Especially if you have specialist requirements.
Do They Have Specialist Staff?
Speaking of specialist requirements...
Make sure you ask if they have staff experienced with your needs. You're not going to go to a paver and ask them to cut down a 70ft tree in your backyard, for example. Similarly, if you need disabled access or sensory features it has to be just right. It's a good idea to work with a landscape design firm that's made gardens that are accessible for all before.
How Long Will the Project Take?
As with any other home improvement, bad weather and problems can arise. Because of the outdoor nature of the work, it's even more the case with landscaping projects. It can be tricky to pin down exact completion dates.
But, if you have any deadline, let the contractor know and keep in mind that issues out of anyone's control can crop up. In turn, an experienced contractor should give you a rough time estimate. They can base it on previous, similar, local projects.
What Guarantees Do They Offer?
Find out what guarantees (if any) the landscape design firm offer. If you get some uneven settling, will they come out to fix the patio? Do they guarantee their lawn treatments keep your lawn healthy or offer your money back? Those are the sorts of things to look for.
Find out what they're committed to as it's a sign of their investment and quality of workmanship. A contractor who stands by their work is more likely to do a great job, meaning they don't need to come back to make repairs. Even if they offer that as a guarantee.
Choosing Landscape Design Services the Easy Way
So, there you have it! Now you know these questions to ask landscape design services, you'll be sure to find the right fit for your yard.
Always make sure they have the right insurance in place, to avoid any nasty surprise bills. Check their experience, what they specialize in and what guarantees they make too. This will give you an idea of the quality you should expect from their work.
If you're looking for a high-quality landscaping service, contact us today. We at Scott's Landscaping have a team of experienced, trusted professionals who take pride in the work we do.
