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You’ve
made the
decision
to do an
extensive
overhaul
of your
yard.
Maybe
you are
preparing
to sell
your
home, or
perhaps
you’ve
undertaken
a major
remodeling
and want
to bring
your
landscape
design
in line
with
your new
vision.
Regardless,
now you
are in
the
market
to find
a
landscape
designer
or
contractor
who can
make
your
concepts
a
reality.
Choosing
the
right
landscaper
is
integral
to your
project’s
success.
Here are
some
things
to
consider
before
hiring a
firm or
contractor.
Check
Your
Local
Regulatory
Body
Most
states
have a
regulatory
body
that
lists
licensed
landscape
contractors,
as well
as the
educational
requirements,
awards,
trade
shows,
publications,
and
other
information.
This is
a good
place to
start to
find an
individual
or
company
that can
look
after
your
landscaping
needs or
to
confirm
the
information
you’ve
received
on
someone
in the
business.
These
regulatory
organizations
can also
confirm
whether
your
landscaper
is
licensed
to use
pesticides
and
other
chemicals
that, if
improperly
used,
could be
dangerous
to your
family.
Word of
Mouth
Receiving
a
referral
from a
neighbor
or
friend
who had
a
positive
experience
with a
landscape
design
firm is
very
reassuring;
most in
the
industry
admit
that
word of
mouth is
their
most
powerful
marketing
tool.
But as
with
most
trades,
the best
are in
high
demand
and may
take
longer
to get
to your
request.
Another
word-of-mouth
referral
can come
from a
homeowner
whose
landscaping
you
admire.
Drive
around
neighborhoods
for
ideas,
and if
you see
a yard
you
love,
ask the
owner
for the
name of
their
landscaper.
Think
Local
If you
can’t
locate a
landscape
contractor
or firm
through
a
personal
reference,
start
looking
locally.
Check
the
local
newspaper
or go
online.
The
Internet
is a
useful
tool for
finding
a
landscaper,
and
there
are
numerous
Web
sites
that
allow
past
customers
to
provide
feedback
on the
quality
of a
landscaper’s
workmanship.
The
Internet
also
allows
you to
cast
your net
wide
without
taking
too much
time.
Make
sure you
provide
a
specific
sense of
your
landscaping
goals–that
way, you
can
compare
prices
on an
equal
basis.
References
Once
you’ve
found a
landscaper
who you
feel can
handle
your
job, the
next
step is
to
confirm
your
opinion.
Ask the
firm or
landscaper
for
references
for past
jobs,
and
don’t be
shy
about
calling
and
asking
pointed
questions.
Was the
work
done to
their
satisfaction?
Was it
done on
time and
on
budget?
These
are the
questions
you want
answered.
Sign a
Contract
Before
signing
any
agreement
with the
landscape
contractor,
you must
settle
on the
scope of
your
job. Is
the
contractor
doing
your
backyard
landscaping
or your
entire
property?
Is there
a
landscaping
plan in
place?
Once
these
elements
are
decided
and
agreed
upon,
you can
compare
prices
of
various
landscaping
design
firms.
Once
you’ve
checked
references
and
settled
on a
landscaper,
put a
contract
in place
that
sets out
clear
guidelines
for
pricing
and
timing.
Make
sure
you’ve
included
the full
scope of
the work
in the
contract
in some
detail
so that
there
are no
misunderstandings.
Many
professional
firms
will
have
standard
contracts,
but
examine
them
carefully.
Make
sure
everything
is in
writing,
including
the
total
cost.
Contact
Me
I can help you with every
aspect of buying or selling your home because I’m
experienced, because I am a Better Homes and Gardens
Rand Realty Real Estate Professional . . .and because I
care.
As
your
Better
Homes
and
Gardens
Rand
Realty
Sales
Professional,
I
will
provide
you
with
the
information
you
need
to
make
an
educated
decision.
The relationship between a home buyer or seller and their agent is based on trust, shared goals and understanding. I strive to continually improve and to do this I listen and take the needs and wants into consideration.
For assistance with any of your real estate needs, please contact me, whether it's to get started on helping you realize your goals and dreams, or just to ask a question - no pressure, no hassle, no obligation - just a friendly conversation. I would welcome the opportunity to make a difference for you. |
