Whether you are hiring a contractor to install a store bought BBQ island,
or to construct an amazing backyard oasis,
the decision of who to choose can be a bit daunting.
or to construct an amazing backyard oasis,
the decision of who to choose can be a bit daunting.
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I have been in the landscape construction business for almost 30 years now. I have learned a lot about the business and would love to share what I know.
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- Hire a licensed contractor!!!
I know you have heard it a thousand times but it is so hard not to listen to your buddy brag about the dude he got to do his landscape for half the price of the licensed contractors. The problem is when there is an unforeseen issue, and there usually is, or if the quality isn't up to par, it's your problem. Now you have to pay to have the job redone! The cheep becomes the expensive!
I know you have heard it a thousand times but it is so hard not to listen to your buddy brag about the dude he got to do his landscape for half the price of the licensed contractors. The problem is when there is an unforeseen issue, and there usually is, or if the quality isn't up to par, it's your problem. Now you have to pay to have the job redone! The cheep becomes the expensive!
- How comfortable are you with your contractor?
You are going to have a short term relationship with your contractor. The more comfortable you are with him or her, the better you are going to be able to communicate together. That is very important when it comes to changes, additions or any other issues that come up. The licensed contractor has legal responsibilities to complete the project as per the contract where the other guy can say "see ya" at any time and good luck getting your project fixed or your money back.
You are going to have a short term relationship with your contractor. The more comfortable you are with him or her, the better you are going to be able to communicate together. That is very important when it comes to changes, additions or any other issues that come up. The licensed contractor has legal responsibilities to complete the project as per the contract where the other guy can say "see ya" at any time and good luck getting your project fixed or your money back.
- Don't go into the process looking for a good price.
It will always cost more than you think. Don't take the lower bid because its closer to your budget. Instead think of the things that are most important to you. Figure out how to apply them to your vision and your budget.
It will always cost more than you think. Don't take the lower bid because its closer to your budget. Instead think of the things that are most important to you. Figure out how to apply them to your vision and your budget.
- Always get more than one bid.
If you get three bids and they are all fairly close in price it will give you a good idea that this is the going standard.
If you get one that is extremely different from the others, it should raise an eyebrow.
If you get three bids and they are all fairly close in price it will give you a good idea that this is the going standard.
If you get one that is extremely different from the others, it should raise an eyebrow.