 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Questions and Answers |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Here are some tips for home owners about "When
you should outsource to a Professional Landscape Contractor?" |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Tips for Homeowners
(from the
Associated Landscape Contractors of America)
When Should You Outsource to a Professional Landscape Contractor?
Landscaping adds value to your home and your neighborhood. The right
landscaping can increase the value of your home by 15 percent, allowing
owners to recoup 100 to 200 percent of their investment. Your landscape
is one of the first things prospective buyers notice when they visit
your house. Realtors estimate that 95 percent of home shoppers will not
even get out of their car if the house lacks "curb appeal."
A landscape contractor can offer a variety of services, including
design, installation and maintenance of your property based on your
specific needs and requests. Many firms have landscape architects and
designers on staff, offering the expertise to create and orchestrate the
complete design, installation and maintenance of the most complex
landscapes. Follow these 8 steps before you hire a landscape contractor:
1. Decide how a landscape contractor can help you. Many
homeowners do not realize what a landscape contractor can do to help
them improve their living environment. Landscape contractors not only
install plant material, but install hardscape material, including
patios, decks, retaining walls, gazebos and irrigation systems.
2. Ask how long the company has been in business. Professional
landscape companies should have employees with either a secondary
education in Ornamental Horticulture or several years of experience.
Additionally, professional companies are most often active members in
national or state landscape associations. Affiliation indicates that a
company is interested in excellence and progressive thought. Ask the
firm for a list of references and professional affiliations. Look at
each of the jobs listed to see if the work is the size, style and
quality you desire.
3. Decide what you are looking for in a landscape design. Do you
want an area for entertaining, an extension of your living space, a low
maintenance landscape or a high impact design that is colorful.
Determine your budget before you speak with a landscape professional. If
you do not know what you want in a landscape design, a qualified
professional should be able to help bring your needs and landscape style
preferences into focus.
4. Concerning guarantees ... Find out what is and is not covered
and how long the guarantee remains in effect. Proof of insurance for
workers' compensation, liability and vehicles should be available to
you. Check a company's limits and policy expiration.
5. Visit a job in progress. Ask to see a project that will be
similar to the work you will request. You want to hire a company that
does good work, reflects professionalism and integrity. Examine the
quality of the job--and see if the crew's appearance and job presence
are acceptable.
6. Ask the company to provide a written plan and/or contract.
Prior to making any agreement, have the landscape contractor, designer,
and/or architect prepare the details in writing. This plan can include
the design, plant material to be used, all costs, a time table and the
terms of payment. You have the right to amend the contract.
7. Tell the company if you want to care for areas of the landscape
yourself. Once your new landscape is installed, you may wish to
become more involved as a homeowner by maintaining the landscape
yourself. If you want to care for certain landscaped areas, tell this to
the company.
8. Know which services are provided in ongoing maintenance.
Ongoing maintenance is necessary in order to protect your investment.
You can do it, or you can ask the company to do the work. Generally,
ongoing maintenance involves mowing, fertilizing, pest control, among
other services. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|