Investing in a home landscaping project is a smart decision. Time, a budget and
a properly laid out plan are things to consider
Included in the investment is the search for the best professional landscape
contractor available who can stay within your budget and yet do an acceptable
job. You do not want a “run-of-the-mill job” that you see elsewhere in your
neighborhood, but one that you have envisioned and suit your specific needs.
If you decided to continue with the project, you must start with a well
thought-out plan. Put them into writing and identify the needs and requirements
of the project. A landscape that you envisioned is entirely possible and will
bring great pleasure.
Next you should prepare your budget. Will your dream garden be feasible? Is it
practical or do you need to make some adjustments and/or compromises?
The best thing is that you know what you want and you are able to identify
alternatives if your budget fails to accommodate your vision. Having a plan,
budget, and timetable for your landscape project will make it easier for you to
negotiate with your landscape contractor. He is your practical accomplice in
ensuring that this project will meet your budget and assure that it will look as
much as possible like you had envisioned.
With everything in order, you are now ready to choose your landscape contractor.
• A landscape contractor can do many jobs for you. Make sure you identify what
help you want from him. If you like to work in the garden and want to do some of
the work yourself, tell your contractor about it and work with him so that he
will know what is expected of him. This will make the work less expensive.
• Be sure that you have already identified what you want in the landscape
design. This should be in your preparatory plan before you even speak to a
professional contractor. Do let him know that you would appreciate his
professional expertise and input – this will put him at ease.
• Know the landscape companies that you are contacting and negotiate with them.
Gauge their level of experience and the quality work by asking for photos or
tours of their previous projects. You should also ask for references and their
professional affiliations.
• Be sure that the company is operating legally. This will ensure you that the
contractor will be accountable to you.
• Everything you agreed to must be in ‘black and white’. Never walk away without
a written contract!
Do all these things and you will be assured that your home landscape will be the
way you envisioned it.