January 15, 2012
Helpful Hints When Hiring A Landscaper
When you’re done with shoveling snow, you can then set your sights toward spring and summer and mowing the lawn. Grass, on the other hand, would be a lot greener for many people if they could just get someone else to do it (the mowing that is). But, weeding out a reputable landscaper, one who not only knows what he is doing, but also one you can trust and can afford can be quite challenging and tricky, especially if your not sure of what to ask about or look for. With that said, professionals offer the following advice for homeowners who are a bit “green” in the gardening arena.
a) Put Your Money Where Your Word Of Mouth Is: If you’re going to invest in any professional, your best bet is to chose among those that come highly referred by those you know and trust. A content client, after all, is considered as great advertising. By all means you should also not be afraid to ask strangers and neighbors who have lovely lawns for their recommendation.
b) Dig A Little Deeper: As you go beneath the surface, you can discover some solid references. Aside from asking for client approval, you also need to ask to take a look at their yards. You’ll also want to ask your potential service provider to see a sample of his work, including photo albums and any work featured in magazines.
c) Refrain From Planting A Financial Seed: Service professionals will sometimes charge you based on what they think you can afford or even a comfortable number that you have revealed to them. What experts would suggest is to give the prospective landscaper a detailed wish list and allowing him to generate an estimate.
d) Sign On The Dotted Line: Although many (service) professionals may insist that their word and their handshake is as good as a written contract, experts suggest “getting it in writing” It’s likely your chosen landscaper will request a 50 percent down payment (up front) with the balance due upon completion of the job/services. Professionals, on the other hand, would say that a landscaper worth his weight in soil will honor the contract even if you hold back 10 percent of the payment until 30 days after completion (or sooner if you’re happy with the work). And, they suggest asking for a specific guarantee for the services agreed upon.
Get An Education: You can learn the lingo and can properly ask for what you want, and maybe even have some pictures to show making your expectations more concrete and clear when you get informed by brushing up via the latest gardening books and magazines.
Insta-Garden Alternatives: Experts suggest hiring a landscaper or landscape architect to draw up the plans and a planning schedule (preferably starting in the spring) if you have got the time, ambition, and energy about doing much of the work yourself. They also note that this service are also offered in some nurseries either for free or for a nominal fee.
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Filed under Lawn Care by Arthur Goldberry