When someone is looking for a new home, one of the first things they will see is the exterior of the home. Proper landscaping can significantly boost your property value. Most homeowners can handle the basic maintenance of a landscaped yard, but getting to that point can take a lot of hard work and time. Therefore it’s often a good idea to consider hiring professionals.
Finding a Good Landscaper
It is important to meet with several landscapers until you find the person that actually knows their stuff. You want someone who will be able to tell you which plants will work best in your yard based on the soil. How much sun exposure will the plants obtain, and will you need to water them daily?
If you have recently built your home, the landscaper should be able to offer tips on how to add some hardscaping to the yard as well. Look for a person that respects your opinion, and makes you feel involved in the landscaping process.
Insurance
Always do your research when you look around for a good landscaper. You need to find a person that has insurance coverage, guarantees, and a good reputation. If something goes horribly wrong with the landscaping project, you do not want to be liable for damages. A trustworthy landscaper will gladly show you their insurance information upfront.
Background
Find out what type of experience the landscaper has. How long have they been in business? Do they have a large or small team of people working for them? Have they taken on projects similar to yours? It helps to do your research about their background so you know what to expect when you work with the landscaper. Ask them for a list of references, or do some research to find customer reviews of their services.
Bids
If you have a particular budget that you need to stay within, talk to the landscaper about this. They may be able to change some of the plants or ideas to reduce the costs. It is important to obtain multiple bids and compare them to find a landscaper who can satisfy your financial situation.
Remember, the highest bid doesn’t always mean the best service, and sometimes you will get what you pay for with the lowest bid. The labor and materials costs can baffle a lot of homeowners. Just because you own a shovel doesn’t mean you have the right knowledge to use it for landscaping. The equipment they need might be expensive, and they have a team of individuals that are adequately trained to complete the job.
Time Frame
Some homeowners have plenty of time to work with, but others are under time restraints due to city policies. It is important to talk to the professionals about your expectations for the completed project. They will work up an agreement you need to sign for them to get started on your landscaping job.
If you want to boost your curb appeal and have a yard you can be proud of, be sure to follow these guidelines when choosing a landscaping pro.
Start Shopping for Landscaping Supplies!
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