It’s about that time to start thinking about summer home updates, and one thing that should come straight to mind is your garden and landscaping. Your curb appeal is incredibly important to the aesthetic of your home, and the right landscaper can turn your dull exterior into the outdoor space you’ve always dreamed of.
A professional landscaper knows what plants and flowers bloom when, which ones look best together, and what will complement the rest of your exterior. They have the skills and expertise to create a divine garden you can enjoy all summer! Follow these steps to choose the right landscaper for you!
Get Referrals
Ask your friends and family members if they’ve worked with a landscaper they really liked. If not, you can ask them to ask their friends, too! It’s always nice to work with a company that someone you know and trust has already worked with. If they had a good experience with them, it’s likely you will too!
Research and Do Your Homework
Do your own research on landscaping companies in your area. Compare them to each other, and look for companies that have a strong portfolio, references, and experience in a number of services. Check their websites, social media handles and reviews to get the full picture.
Check Out Their Previous Work
Professionals should always be able to show you previous work of similar projects they’ve done in the past. If they refuse to show you their portfolio, it’s definitely a red flag. Checking out their portfolio will give you a sense of what your finished product will look like, so it’s a good idea to take a look and see if it fits with your vision. Don’t forget to ask for and talk to their references for these previous projects as well.
Visit a Current Job Site
Ask the company you’re considering if you’d be able to come to one of their current job sites. This will allow you to see the amount of professionalism that happens on the job. Are they respectful of the house and the homeowners? Or does the job site look messy and poorly managed? A job site visit is one of the best ways to see what you’re in for.
Personality Plays a Part
It’s one thing to have skills and experience, but you want to make sure you’re in business with people you like and can communicate well with. If they’re not able to understand your needs and vision, it will be a long and frustrating ride. Make sure they have good communication skills, are patient and understanding, are willing to work with you, and are creative with their ideas.
Read and Understand the Contract
Before picking a landscaper, ask them if you can take a look at a sample contract, and take note of everything that goes into it. What materials will be used? What’s the timeline? How much is the investment and what is this money buying you? You’ll have to let them know specifics, especially if you need the project to be completed by a certain date, and make sure they’re able to adjust the contract before signing anything.
Picking a landscaper is an exciting task because it means you’re on your way to creating your dream garden. But don’t rush into the decision. Use these steps to choose the perfect landscaper for you and your needs!