8 Crucial Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Landscaping Company
There are a lot of choices when it comes to finding a landscaping company. After all, companies come in all sizes and specialties. It can become tough to decide which company will be the best fit for your next project, and asking questions before hiring a landscaper can prove invaluable.
One of the best ways to find the best company is to have a predetermined list of questions to ask. We've compiled a list of 8 essential and helpful questions to ask your prospective contractors and also took some time to explain what makes Earth, Turf, & Wood different.
1. Do you have any special training or certifications?
We have multiple certifications and training, which reflect our ongoing commitment to excellence and the highest industry standards. These include:
- Techo Pro Authorized Hardscape Installer
- I.C.P.I. (Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute) Member & Certified Installer
- N.C.M.A. (National Concrete Masonry Association) Member & Certified Segmented Retaining Wall (SRW) Installer
- Central PA’s only landscape design-build firm with an in-house Registered Landscape Architect with over 25 years of experience in this field.
2. Do you have the necessary engineering, construction, and code compliance knowledge to do the job correctly?
We have extensive knowledge of engineering, excavation, and construction elements, from the most basic to the most complex build projects. We have constructed a range of projects from basic patio installation of $3,000 up to outdoor living environments in excess of $1,000,000, plus resort & conference center projects totaling in excess of $300,000.
We have the knowledge and in-house capabilities to do minor residential stormwater management plans, which have now become a necessity in today's construction.
We secure all necessary permits and licenses. Each municipality has different code and zoning requirements and we have the necessary knowledge and ability to fulfill these requirements.
3. Do you have the necessary equipment to do the job or will you be renting your equipment?
We own an extensive arsenal of updated and state-of-the-art hardscape and landscape installation equipment. Often, installers are forced to frequently rent their equipment, illustrating that they are not serious about this occupation. As a result, they frequently lack the necessary education to properly install complex projects. It is a rarity that we find ourselves in a rental situation.
In addition, we do most of our work in-house. From time to time, depending on the amenities that the customer chooses, we utilize the expertise of several partner companies. These firms hold to the same high standards and excellent workmanship as we do.
4. Can you show us examples of other work that you’ve done that is comparable to the scope of work we’re interested in?
We can gladly take you to visit at least five projects that we have constructed and produce a large portfolio of other work.
In addition, every photo seen in any of our literature, on our equipment, or on the website was constructed exclusively by our installers.
At no point do we use supplied photos from our vendors to illustrate the scope of our abilities. We have also been in business for 15 years and can take you to visit projects that are 3, 7, and 10 years old if you’d like. These are true testaments to projects that last over time.
5. Do you offer any type of guarantee on the work that you do?
We offer an unconditional 5-year hardscape warranty on all of our projects. This warranty stands alone in the industry and covers 100% of any claims. We feel confident that, due to our precise construction techniques and high standards, our installations should give you years and years of enjoyment.
A failing project from a cheap installer with a limited warranty can often result in a complete tear-down equaling three times the original quote to correct the issue. This has NEVER happened to one of our projects. In our mind, the only appropriate course of action is to do the work right the first time.
6. What kind of crew can we expect to have at our home while you are working on our project?
Our team of installers is very professional and courteous, our fleet of pristine equipment is washed every day before leaving our shop, and the image that our company portrays in the community is carried right through to your project.
Our company exceeds all industry expectations in that we mandate the following:
- Random drug testing
- Criminal background checks
- A no-smoking policy
- A no-foul-language policy
- Consistent uniforms for all employees
Since you, the customer, are investing in our company, the least we can do for you is give you peace of mind that you and your family are in safe hands at all times when dealing with anyone at Earth, Turf, & Wood.
7. How quickly can we expect to have our project completed?
Our project efficiency has been commended by both the competition and customers alike. The biggest holdup on most projects is dealing with unforeseen problems. Our design and construction plans are put through a multi-step review process by our foremen and office staff prior to beginning the project.
We do everything possible to avoid setbacks that may cost the customer additional fees. Most of the time, through careful review, we solve potential problems up-front, saving the customer money and aggravation in the long run.
8. Do you do any work with drainage on your projects?
Before we draw any project in your backyard, we take an extensive amount of elevation shots with our laser, often at over 100 different locations. Why? Because the last thing we want to do is to propose a design that does not drain correctly and introduces a water issue in the house.
Seven out of 10 homes we look at already have a drainage issue that we can correct as we design a new project. If a contractor who is designing your backyard does not take elevations and design around this, red flags should go up! At any time, we will show you where all these elevations are on our plans.
Let's Get Started!
Now, you know some top questions to ask before hiring your landscaper. For more help and information on planning your outdoor living area, contact us for a DreamBuilder Workbook. This helpful resource will enable us to work together to plan an ideal outdoor space for you and your family!
If you're still looking for more inspiration, check out some of the projects we've completed in our Project Gallery.
When you're ready to discuss the details for your next project,
contact us for a free consultation where we can talk about making your dreams become a reality!
