Choosing a residential landscaping company for your next renovation project can appear to be a difficult task. There’s a lot that goes into making that final decision, from researching their landscape design services and pricing to combing the internet for reviews about their previous work in landscape plant design.
Working with a landscaper or landscape architect can be beneficial whether you want to change your residential property or simply keep them in good shape. This article will assist you in preparing, researching, and hiring landscaping contractors to ensure you find the proper professional for the task. It will also help with budgeting and the various processes involved in the process.
Are you considering a renovation project but unsure of what to look for in a landscape company? Keep reading below to discover everything there is to know about hiring a new landscape contractor and how West Hills Masonry is the company to trust.
Are you ready to add awe-inspiring landscape designs to your outdoor space? When it comes to delivering hardscape and landscaping services to the satisfaction of each customer, West Hills Masonry takes no shortcuts. Learn more about how we can help you below.
9 Things to Look For in a Landscape Company
Landscaping is becoming increasingly popular among those who desire to live a healthier lifestyle, as it not only makes your residential properties stand out in the community but it also raises the value and curb appeal of your property.
If you’re thinking about spending time and money to renovate your outdoor landscaping, keep in mind that not all landscaping contractors are made equal. People frequently hire the first landscaping company they come across in the hopes of having their project completed faster and for a lower cost. This, however, is not the ideal method for selecting a landscaper.
It’s critical to make the right decision when hiring a landscape company to renovate your property. Before selecting a landscaping company, you should examine the following criteria.
Experience & Qualifications
Hiring a landscaping company without checking their qualifications and experience might be a tremendous mistake. It’s not only about planting trees and trimming shrubs when it comes to landscaping. Installing an irrigation system, which includes automated sprinklers, drip irrigation systems, and suitable landscape lighting, is also the responsibility of the landscape professionals.
You should pick a contractor who is licensed and has at least five years of experience. If a landscaping company is new to the field, there is a good risk that their landscaping services will be limited or of poor quality. Experienced landscapers have the abilities and the resources necessary to do a good job.
It is critical to evaluate a landscaping company’s reputation before hiring them. The company’s track record informs a lot about the level of service they provide.
The easiest approach to learn about a landscaper’s reputation is to conduct an online search. You can read reviews from previous customers on review sites.
If the landscaping business has provided exceptional landscaping services, you will notice a large number of good reviews on their website, which is a hint that you should hire them.
Personnel & Equipment
Another thing to think about is the landscaping company’s equipment. It is always preferable to pick a company that is well-equipped and employs well-trained personnel. You can determine how well-equipped a landscaping business is by looking at the variety of landscaping services and lawn maintenance they provide.
To provide efficient landscaping services or lawn care services, a landscaping business that provides total landscaping services usually has a competent team of workers and innovative heavy equipment. Many landscapers in the landscaping industry are increasingly more careful of the products they use on their customers’ lawns these days.
Although pesticides aid in the growth of lawns, they can be harmful to the environment as well as poisonous to children and pets. Landscapers are transitioning to environmentally friendly insecticides that are safe for children and pets as a result of these factors. All in all, it’s crucial to inquire about the items being used in your yard.
Your Budget
Make sure the company will not overcharge for its services before making a hiring selection. To begin, figure out how much money you want to spend on landscaping.
Request landscape project quotes from at least three contractors once you’ve established a budget. Compare these landscaping businesses and their job estimates by examining the quality of the materials utilized, among other things.
Reputation
While it may seem self-evident, we still see customers hire landscaping businesses solely on the basis of price, with no regard for reputation or referrals. Don’t make this costly error.
There’s a reason these landscape businesses charge $5 to trim a bush, and you’ll discover that your lovely bush is barely alive the following spring. Find out which companies or maintenance services your neighbors use, then inquire as to whether or not these businesses have good references.
In the spring and summer, you’ll be assaulted with flyers offering grass mowing for a price that seems too good to be true. The truth is that these enterprises are unable to maintain that price, and as the season begins to heat up, they vanish.
Check with your friends and neighbors to find out who their landscape contractor is and if they’re happy with the work they’re being done.
Knowledge
Do you have any lovely azalea bushes in your yard? Did you know that once they’ve set their flower beds and plant selection aside for the following season, they shouldn’t be shorn or pruned?
You’d think your landscape care company would know this, but if it’s simply a couple of well-intentioned high school students with plenty of energy but not all the essential plant knowledge, they probably don’t. Most homeowners consider their landscape to be a source of pride as well as a live, breathing investment.
Don’t put your landscaping at risk by overlooking a dangerous illness or bug. Allowing your lawn to suffer from improper fertilizer is not a good idea. Don’t take a chance on the potential damage that poor trimming can do. Check to see if the landscaping company you’re looking at is run by experienced specialists.
Insurance
Did you know that if the lawn care company you hire does not carry workers’ compensation insurance, you could be held accountable if one of their employees or the owner is injured on your property? Workers’ compensation insurance is required by law, and this is for a good cause.
While injured employees are one possibility, plant damage is another. What happens if a landscape architect and their company’s actions cause damage to your property? Is it reasonable to expect a company that isn’t successful (or barely profitable) to pay for damage to your property?
We recommend that you inquire about a company’s insurance coverage. That simple query can protect you from a variety of difficulties.
Licensed
Examine the landscape architect and landscaper’s specialization in terms of lawn management. Some companies and maintenance services offer all-encompassing landscaping services such as mowing, weeding, planting, and upkeep, while others specialize in drainage issues or sod installation.
The company you hire should also be licensed and insured, and it’s never a bad idea to inquire about who insures them. Any landscape architect or landscape company that provides pesticide services must be licensed, but they also require liability insurance in case something goes wrong.
Anyone who charges money to apply pesticides and/or fertilizer to your lawn and landscape must obtain an Applicator’s License. This is, once again, for a very good reason. We all know that pesticides may be toxic to humans, pets, and the environment if not used properly, which is why having an unregistered contractor apply pesticides around your home is never worth the risk.
Landscape contractors must be certified as home improvement contractors in order to execute remodeling, construction, or renovation projects. Unlicensed contractors cannot be supervised by the state, and they may be difficult to locate if a disagreement arises over your project, so make sure the company you’re considering has the necessary permits.
Referrals or Online Reviews
Of course, there are also the little details to consider. Landscaping projects take a while to finish, and it’s always better to work with landscaping architects who are both knowledgable and easy to get along with!
You want your landscaping projects completed quickly, and you want a company that knows how to care for your lawn in all kinds of weather. You’ll only be able to tell for sure if you ask for references and read online reviews. It won’t take long to find glowing reviews of a company that strives for professionalism and excellence.
Consult your friends, family, neighbors, and others in your neighborhood. If you come across a poor review, look into it more to learn more about what went wrong.
Examine your landscaper options in your area and compare them to one another. Contractors who offer exceptionally low costs should be avoided since you usually get what you pay for.
Look for organizations that have experience with a variety of services and can provide solid recommendations from previous clients with similar requirements. Check out websites, social media profiles, and review sites like Yelp and Angie’s List for further information.
Understanding of Your Vision
Your landscaping contractor should spend time talking with you about your ideal yard, as well as your budget and the amount of yard maintenance you’re willing to do. Share samples of yards and landscaping projects that you admire since these visuals will help you define what you’re looking for.
After gathering this vital information, your contractor will create a representation of your new yard, which will include a scale drawing of your property, any outdoor living buildings, and any existing and new plantings. To make sure you’re both on the same page, your landscape contractor should go through the rendering with you in detail.
Make sure you know exactly what you want and convey it to potential landscape contractors so you can see how they respond to your requirements. Make a list of all your desires and requirements. To make sure they’re compatible, compare that list to each contractor’s services and experience.
Contractors come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Size, price, service regions, and specialties all have a role. Lawn care companies, landscape design firms, and landscaping maintenance companies are all examples of landscape companies and landscape maintenance services. Make certain to include all of these types of businesses in your searches.
Schedule a Consultation with West Hills Masonry Today
It’s a big decision to make a significant alteration to your property. After all, your property is undoubtedly one of your most valuable investments, and raising its worth is both satisfying and nerve-wracking.
You want to make sure the job is done well and according to your requirements, but when it comes to landscaping, there are a lot of elements you can’t control. As you can see, there are a variety of additional aspects to consider when hiring a landscaping contractor, but if you follow the guidelines we’ve provided above, your project will go much more smoothly, leaving you happier than ever with your property.
Above all, don’t rush into hiring a contractor or a group of contractors. Take the time to find a reputable company to handle all of your organization’s maintenance requirements.
Are you looking for the best landscaping company in Orange County? Look no further than West Hills Masonry.
We’ve worked hard to build a reputation for high-quality service and hardscape and landscape solutions that are marked by accuracy and craftsmanship, and we’re proud to have been able to provide beautiful landscapes and exceptional landscaping services to our customers in Orange County and the surrounding communities for more than 15 years.
There’s nothing like well-designed and professionally installed backyards to increase your living area and bring your lifestyle outside, and West Hills Masonry wants to help make your dreams come to fruition.
Contact us today to receive a free estimate for your landscaping needs and learn more about how our team of expert pavers can help you.
