So, you’ve decided to embark on that landscaping project, you have the finances at the ready and you’ve got the vision of how you would like your garden to look. Now comes the great step into the unknown, you need to hire a landscaper to complete the project. But where do you begin ?. In this posts we walk you through the ultimate guide to hiring a landscaper.
Call on Friends and Family
Choosing a landscape contractor to complete your garden can be a daunting task, but you can get by with a little help from your friends ( and family ), pick up the phone and call people within your family, friendship circle and network. If someone you know has used a contractor and they are happy with the work they will be eager to refer the company to you. Alternatively you could put out a post on your social media account asking for recommendations.
Utilise the Internet
If nobody within your family, friends or network can give you a recommendation, you can turn to the internet. You could make a post to a local social media page asking for recommendations, it is advisable to ask for people who have had direct experience of the Landscaper so as not to receive them from friends and family of the company. You could also try the various trades directories which can be found online or the various search engines.
Get References
Once you have found a minimum of 3 landscaping companies to make a visit of the site, discuss the project and provide you with a quotation, the next stage of the process begins. You will need to obtain from them at least 2 references from previous clients, and then you will need to contact those clients to discuss their experiences of working with them, the good and the bad. It is advisable to ask for the most recent client references as this will give you the most up to date picture of the company.
Make a Visit
After you have spoken with the previous clients, you must ensure you visit the properties so as to inspect the workmanship for yourself. A picture of the work will not be sufficient, a landscaped garden can look flawless in a photograph but on closer inspection poor workmanship can be revealed. One last visit that would be advisable to make is to the landscapers current project.
Compare Apples with Apples
When asking your minimum of three landscaping contractors to provide you with a quotation, you must ensure that the format and detail included in the quote is universal. The only way to compare estimates is to compare ‘apples with apples’, the devil really is in the detail and can vary from tradesman to tradesman. You need to know exactly what you are getting for your money and you need to be provided with the specification of how hard landscaping items will be installed. This can include depth and material of sub bases and mortars.
Carrying out a garden project can be exciting, you are eager to see your vision brought to life, but do not rush through appointing the company who will build that vision. Ensure you thoroughly carry out all checks to set yourself up for a successful project.
If you are looking for a reliable and reputable landscaping company in Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.
