Things to consider before you start

     Landscaping, brick paving, ponds, and related outside home improvements are not projects that most people find themselves doing regularly.  In fact, unless you have moved into a newly constructed home, chances are good that you have not contracted a landscaping related project before. Following are tips to help you prepare for such an endeavor.

• What’s your Budget?
     The most important issue to consider before you start is the budget. Develop a dollar amount that you can easily afford to spend on the project. Leave some wiggle room. Not always, but often times, our customers add things to their jobs as they progress, and this adds to their total invoice. So be prepared to spend a little more than your original budget on changes and upgrades.
   
• What’s the Cost?
     Find out a “ball park” cost of the project you’re contemplating. Knowing what you can expect to pay will help you to prepare a budget. It can also help you spot an overpriced contractor.
      Try talking with family and friends or call a contractor and ask questions regarding the general costs of your type of project.  We provide general costs to customers over the phone or during our initial consultation.
   
• Do it in Phases
    There is no rule that says your dream landscape has to be done at one time. Sometimes what you’d really like to have done is out of the range of your current budget. If this is the case, we recommend breaking it down into smaller jobs. For example, we have installed landscaping for a customer one year and then the sprinkler system the following year and so on.
   
• Call now!
    Don’t’ wait until you’re ready to start a project to contact a contractor. A good contractor is always busy. We have received many calls from prospective clients that want us to start their job immediately.  More times than not, we are already committed to a previously scheduled venture.
       To assure your project will start when you want it to, contact your contractor three to six months in advance.
   
• Contractors & References
      Most contractors are hard working people trying to earn an honest living. Unfortunately, some are not so upstanding. We have heard many horror stories about unscrupulous contractors from our clients. We have even repaired jobs done incorrectly and finished jobs that were left incomplete.  Worst of all, the customer had already paid for the work. Now, they have to pay again to get it right.
      You’ve worked hard for the money you’re going to spend. You deserve to have someone that is qualified do the job and won’t give you the run around. To help ensure you choose a good contractor you should review the following suggestions:

  o       Obtain two or three estimates.

  o       Ask for references.

  o       Most important. Follow through & check the references!

return to top