Where to Start - Define Your Needs and Budget
The first place to start is to identify your needs and wants for your new landscape. You should have some ideas of what you want and be able to convey them to your landscape professional. Clip magazine pictures, collect materials from other websites, jot down notes, and talk to neighbors whose properties you admire to gather your information. If you need someone to design your landscape and draw plans, then hire a residential landscape designer or architect. If you need other services, then look for other professionals that specialize in the services you want.
The proper landscaping can make significant improvements in your home's overall appearance by the addition of colorful trees, shrubs and plants. It can also provide functional outdoor living spaces with the addition of decks, patios, and walkways. Hiring a landscape maintenance firm is also a good way to protect your new investment. See How to Hire a Landscape Maintenance Company for more information.
Many homeowners do not realize that they should expect to spend a minimum of 10% of the value of their home for the landscaping of their entire property. This includes the design, installation and maintenance of the landscape. See How to Increase the Value of Your Home for more information.
Come up with a rough budget for your landscape. There are great ideas to fit almost any size budget. Some landscape projects can also be phased in over time to make them more affordable.
Finding A Landscape Professional
We offer a free referral service on this website to assist you in finding professionals in your area. The listings on this site are from members of The Underground. You can also obtain referrals from your friends and neighbors. Don't hesitate to ask the owner of a property that you admire who they recommend. If you see a landscape professional that is doing good work in your neighborhood write down their phone number.
How to Select A Landscape Professional
Landscaping adds beauty, value and living space to one of your most valuable assets—your home. Be sure to do your homework when choosing a company to work with. There are many landscape professionals that will want your business. Before you select a professional, there are several important things to consider when you are planning to have a new landscape installed or hiring a professional company to care for your existing landscape.
Is your prospect licensed?
Various states have different requirements for licensing. Find out if your state requires licensing. Ask the professional if they will be applying any chemicals such as an herbicides or pesticides. If so, the professional must have a "Pesticide Applicator License". Most landscape products and services are taxable under state sales tax laws. Be suspicious of a company that does not charge sales tax. A federal identification number also helps to substantiate that a company is a real business.
Are they insured?
Ask to see proof of "Business Liability Insurance" and "Workers’ Compensation Coverage". Protect yourself and your investment. Property owners can find themselves liable if an uninsured professional causes damage or an uninsured employee gets injured on your property.
Do they have professional credentials or affiliations?.
Have they received education or training from institutions, organizations or companies? Ask whether they have completed a certification program or have certified staff. In Massachusetts and other states, there are a many designations that are available. These designations are earned by individuals that can demonstrate a high level of knowledge and competency in their fields.
Do they have a portfolio of past projects?
Landscape professionals can show you photographs or drawings of the projects that they have completed and of properties they maintain. They may also have websites that will provide more information for your review. This is a great start to see if you like their work.
Get an estimate.
Estimates should be provided in written format and should be detailed as to what is and what is not included. Your landscape professional may provide you with a design estimate first and then follow it up with a separate estimate for the landscape installation after the design has been approved. If it is more than you can afford, see where you can trim things down. Or better yet, don’t comprise on what you really want, break the project into phases and complete it one section at a time
Maintenance contracts will have a detailed description of the services that will be provided and a start and stop date for the specified services.
Timetable for completion of the work.
The best firm for you may also be the busiest, so be patient. If you must have your landscape plans or project completed by a certain time, make sure the firm knows this and builds in extra time for delays. As we all know, weather is very changeable and a big factor to consider. It is something we can't control, and it can delay outdoor projects.
How is their professionalism?
A professional arrives on time, has a neat appearance, asks questions and listens to your needs, takes pictures or draws sketches of your property and/or takes notes while there. Are they a good listener? Do they offer solutions to your problems and constructive criticism of your ideas? Do you feel comfortable with the individual that you will be working with?
What kinds of services do they offer?
Is the skill and experience level of the professional compatible with the type of work you are looking for?
Final Considerations
Expect to pay for a good design.
It takes considerable time, talent and expert knowledge to create a landscape design that is both aesthetically pleasing but also functionally sound. Professionals should be compensated for their time.
Ask questions.
Ask the landscape professional to explain plans, specs and company procedures to you. Select the professional with a good track record and experience with your type of project. Be wary of an exceptionally low price. You will save time and money in the long run by having the project completed the right way, the first time!
Ask for a list of references.
Take the time to contact these references. Ask if the landscape professional maintained effective communication throughout the project. Did they provide a safe and neat jobsite for your family members and pets? Did they clean up after themselves? Were delays kept to a minimum? (Please remember that weather delays are inevitable.) Was the job completed within budget? Did they stand behind their work and respond promptly to service requests and questions? Don’t forget the age old question, “Would you hire this professional again?”
Check with consumer protection agencies.
See if any unresolved complaints have been made against the landscape professional. Verify they have the appropriate registrations with your municipality, if needed.
Get a contract.
A reputable firm provides you with a contract specifying estimated start and completion dates. It should include all the details of the job--the more detailed the better. It should include the amount of the deposit required, as well as any scheduled payments during the job and terms upon completion. The contract should include all warranties offered. What is covered and what isn't? What is the length of the warranty?
The Final Decision
You have done your due diligence. If you feel comfortable with the landscape professional you have selected, you should have a rewarding experience and a beautiful outdoor living space. Don’t forget to check our free referral service to find professional listings from members of The Underground. Good Luck!
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