Some of us want a perfect, lush garden suitable for entertaining, while others don’t want their children to get lost in the weeds. Others fall somewhere in the center. Regardless of your yard upkeep philosophy, you may want some expert assistance. If you’re contemplating hiring someone to maintain your lawn and garden, the BBB offers some suggestions to help you spend your money wisely.
“Your lawn is one of the first things guests see when they visit your house,” said Mechele Agbayani Mills, president and chief executive officer of BBB Central East Texas. “If you’re hiring a professional to help you make it beautiful, it’s crucial to do your homework and make sure you’re picking the correct contractor for the job.”
Better Business Bureau provides the following suggestions to help you appreciate your lawn:
Research and acquire information.
Once you have determined the services you require and your budget, ask friends and neighbors whose lawns you admire for recommendations. Then, conduct a search on BBB.org for the profiles of these firms to obtain an overall impression of their customer service.
Ask for a lawn inspection. Without seeing your property, it will be difficult to provide an exact estimate for your job. Reputable firms will not provide a quote until they have assessed the situation. Lawn care firms who offer a fee without viewing your lawn are unable to determine what services you require. A landscaper must measure the space and consider yard access before beginning work.
Ask for references.
If possible, visit these venues to observe the quality of their work firsthand. Ask the references about their experiences before, during, and after the task was done
Get everything written down. Ensure sure all aspects of the task are contained in a signed contract. The contract should specify the start and end date of the project, the materials utilized and all the prices and fees split down. Ask the contractor to provide a lien release, especially for bigger jobs, to avoid yourself from being held accountable to pay the supplier after you have already paid the landscaper in full. Before signing, properly review all documents. Never sign a contract with blank sections.
Be present while the work is performed. It is advisable to be there throughout the actual landscaping, especially for bigger projects, to supervise the work and answer any questions the contractor may have.
Keep in mind the rule of thirds. If you’re intending on having any big landscaping and/or sprinkler system installation, consider paying a third of the contract fee to secure the contract, a third after the work is half done and the last third only after the project is completed and you are happy with the work.
Look around for the best deal. Get estimates in writing from at least three companies. Remember that the lowest estimate is not always the best option. You may have to pay a bit extra for items and services of greater quality.
Get further recommendations for hiring a contractor to work on or around your house. Want assistance with your project? Locate reputable, vetted landscaping specialists near you, and receive an estimate from a BBB Accredited Company. Visit BBB’s landscaping Headquarters for more suggestions and tools.
Remember, to identify businesses you can trust, check for the BBB Seal. That is a hallmark of a superior business. Always seek for firms that adhere to BBB Accreditation Guidelines and BBB Trust Standards.
