Checklist: How to Hire a Landscaping Contractor

When it comes time to landscape your yard, it can be difficult to distinguish between the many different landscaping companies that are available. Some contractors only do small jobs, such as spreading mulch or installing a sprinkler system. Other companies will fully design your yard and make it the envy of the neighborhood. To hire a landscaping contractor that will fit your needs, you should go through this checklist of the hiring process.

Just as with a remodeling project inside your house, you should speak with several landscaping contractors before signing any contracts. While speaking with each contractor, you need to ask what he or she charges. Some will charge an hourly rate while others charge a job rate. There is a distinct difference in these rates so it is important to consider how long a job will take if you are being charged hourly.

There are also contractors that will give discounts or allow you to provide supplies in order to save money. For example, a discount may be given to landscape your entire yard at once rather than in phases. Additionally, purchasing your own trees can be less expensive than buying them through the landscaping contractor.

Another item on the checklist you need to consider is whether you will be designing the yard or if you need to hire a landscape architect. If you already know what you want the contractor to do, he or she can give suggestions on what order every part of the yard needs to be completed in. If you are unsure of the design, a landscape architect can assist you but you need to include that cost in your budget.

Ultimately you should hire an experienced landscaping contractor that can give you a quality yard. The least expensive contractor does not mean that he or she is the best choice. When hiring a contractor, consider the expense, experience and flexibility that he or she can offer.