Seven Keys To Finding The Right Charlotte Landscaping Contractor

Seven Keys To Finding The Right Charlotte Landscaping Contractor

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Seven Keys to Finding the Right Landscaping Contractor


Finding the right landscaper in the Charlotte area can appear at first to be an overwhelming task. But, in fact, it is simple if you know how to narrow it down to the One Local Expert who can best serve your needs. There is a wide range of skill levels, abilities and specialized expertise in the field of landscaping, so you will need to do your homework to find the right landscaper. Poor landscaping can cost you a ton of money and damage your property, so be sure to take the time to find a reputable contractor.

Find the right landscaper with these seven steps:

1.Ask friends, family, and professionals such as landscape architects for referrals
2.Choose a landscaper who specializes in the type of work you want done and uses the latest equipment
3.Find out how long they have been in business, and ask for references from previous clients
4.Ask to see proof of liability insurance and worker’s compensation, as well as any license that might be required
5.Get several bids on the job to be sure the price is fair
6.Find out what is included in the estimate to make it easier to compare bids
7.Get everything in writing, and read the contract thoroughly to make sure everything is accurate and looks on the level

Good sources of referrals to qualified landscapers include general contractors, realtors, local nurseries, and local landscape architects. Expand your search online at One Local Expert to get a list of recommended providers. Locate a landscaper who has experience with the type of work you want done at your home, especially if you have very specific needs.

Some good questions to ask former clients.

Were you satisfied with the process and the completed work?
Ask if they were happy with the quality of the work and if any problems arose with anything that was planted, transplanted or installed in your yard during or since, including drainage issues. Was the contract followed? Did they feel the contractor was candid regarding the cost and timeframe for the work?

Were the landscaper and any staff professional and courteous?
How the landscaper handled communications, questions and issues will say a lot about their work. Ask if they showed respect and consideration and were always polite and courteous.





Did they leave the yard neat and clean?
Landscaping can be messy work, and a good landscaper will clean up all debris and leave your lawn neat and tidy. Failure to clean up properly after a job indicates sloppiness, and this isn’t a good sign for a job well done. You shouldn’t have to clean up your yard after the landscaper leaves! A landscaper who cleans up after himself shows pride in his work, and likely doesn’t cut corners - which speaks volumes about the quality of the work.

Was a warranty included?
Find out what the warranty covers and for how long, and make sure it is included in the written contract. A good landscaper will stand behind their work and guarantee it against flaws in workmanship or errors, as well as the longevity and general health of plants and trees when cared for properly.

Questions to Ask when Hiring the Right Landscaper.

When narrowing down your choice from a list provided by trusted sources to the One Local Expert you will hire, make it easier with this list of important questions to ask.

What type of landscaping do you specialize in, and what equipment do you use?
Landscapers may specialize in specific types of landscaping, so if you have a vision of how you want your yard to look, make sure the landscaper has the experience to create that vision. There are four specific areas of expertise you should inquire about:

*Do you perform regular maintenance work? Some landscapers focus mainly on maintenance work for the largest part of their income. This might mean less experience with the design and installation side of landscaping. Ask if they do mainly maintenance work, or if it is simply one of many services they offer. It’s a good idea to have your landscaping maintained by the same company that installed it if possible.
*Do you handle care and trimming of trees? This area of landscaping includes removal of branches from large trees and pruning of shrubs and smaller trees. Some landscapers may also be arborists or have an arborist on staff. This qualifies them to make determinations about the health of trees, recommend and perform removals when necessary.
*What type of structural and hardscaping work do you have experience with? This involves structures made of stone or wood; basically any feature that is not living and growing. Brick patios, decks, retaining walls and decorative stone borders separating areas of landscaping are all examples of hardscaping. Landscapers with experience in this area have a special knowledge of soil erosion and drainage issues involved in installation of these types of structures.
*Do you have experience with water features? Some landscapers offer specialty services such as installation and maintenance of ponds, waterfalls, fountains and other water features. This can range from very simple fountains to the most complex systems of waterfalls and features such as koi ponds, which require a more extensive knowledge on the part of the landscaper.

Finally, inquire about the equipment to be used. A landscaper working with the newest equipment can save you money by reducing the potential damage done to lawns from heavy equipment tearing up the grass. Newer equipment is generally also safer equipment, meaning less risk of injuries.

How long have you been in business, and can you provide references?
Find out how long the landscaper has been and working in the field. Don’t hesitate to ask for references to help you choose the right landscaper. An honest and forthright landscaper will not mind the request and is confident that you will hear glowing reports from previous customers.

Do you have the proper insurance and any necessary licenses?
Some states require landscapers to carry a license for certain types of work, such as the use of pesticides. Make sure the landscaper you hire has any license needed for your project. Every good landscaper should also carry a liability policy that meets the required state minimum as well as worker’s compensation to cover any employees. Request to see proof of both.


Ask for a Quote

Have the landscaper take a look at the job to be done and go over what you need completed. Find out exactly what work is included and what is excluded, and how the contractor charges; landscapers may charge by the hour or a flat rate based on the job. You should also get a clear idea of how long the work is expected to take and how many hours of labor you will be paying for. The quote should also outline the cost of plants and trees to be placed in the yard. Ask to have the detailed quote provided in writing. Get more than one quote for comparison; at least three are recommended in order that you may establish a reasonable range of total cost for the project. Make sure each quote includes the same work and the same plants, sod, or any other equipment so you are comparing apples to apples.

Execute a Contract.

The contract should stipulate everything agreed upon in the quote. It should include a detailed description of the work to be done, the amount of time expected for completion, and the cost of the project. As part of the description of the work, make sure the contract includes a listing of the type of plants, trees, sod and anything else being installed in your yard. It should also list any warranty on work completed that the contractor provides as a guarantee of quality, including an allowance for plants that do not survive in spite of proper care.

Things to Look for in a Qualified Landscaper.

Appropriate insurance. Verify the landscaper’s insurance coverage with a call to their insurance carrier or the local governing agency. You can also ask to see a copy of the policy.

A strong reputation. Call the Better Business Bureau - they can provide you with information on any complaints that have been filed against the landscaper or company. Check online review services such as Angie’s List or Service Magic for a review of their work. You may also visit One Local Expert to locate a top quality service provider in the Charlotte area.

Safety Commitment.
Landscaping can be dangerous work and involve heavy equipment. Ask the landscaper about their safety procedures to protect against injuries on the job. The right landscaper will use all required safety equipment when working. If any of the landscaper’s equipment looks old or poorly cared for, this is a sign that safety might not be a top priority.

Clean Up.
Ask how much clean up the landscaper plans to do in the work area after the job is complete. You hire a landscaper to make your yard beautiful, so you should expect it to be left looking that way. Debris should be cleared away and everything left neat and tidy. Be sure to verify whether the landscaper will haul away yard waste, or if you are required to make arrangements.

TIPS
*A landscaper who works individually may be just as skilled as one working for a big company, and charge less
*Watch out for quotes that seem unusually high or low. A low quote might mean the landscaper will raise the price later. A high quote often suggests they are probably really too busy for the job. In this case, you should contact your One Local Expert for advice.

About the Author:
Walter L. Gordy, Jr., founder of OneLocalExpert, spent over 30 years in the Real Estate and Construction industries helping thousands of families to achieve the goal of homeownership. He now advises independent service professionals on ways to effectively leverage their expertise, resources,alliances and technology in a way that allows these entrepreneurs to remain relevant in any competitive business environment. Please visit - http://onelocalexpert.com/charlottelandscaper/



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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