Danger Zone
Like a lot of people, you’re busy.
Busy with work, busy running kids to soccer, busy with committees, busy with hobbies. The last thing you want after a busy week is a busy weekend. Problem is you have a new house that needs to be landscaped. Or maybe you have an older yard that you want to get a bit more enjoyment out of. Looks like it’s time for a (cue scary music) Landscaping Contractor.
No doubt you have a contractor horror story. Heck, we just renovated a house and had to go through it ourselves. We were extremely fortunate that we had some great companies to work with, and the one problem contractor we had, well that buck stops with me. You see, I got lazy and didn’t follow the rules. There are 5 of them, and while they aren’t a guarantee, asking these 5 questions can save you a lot of heartache (and in the long run, a lot of cash).
1 - Are you bonded and insured?
Any company taking deposits on landscaping work in Alberta must be bonded. Additionally, any company working on your property should be insured and carry WCB. This is your assurance that your contractor is accountable to you and that they are operating legally.
2 – Can you provide a plan and contract?
Prior to making any agreements, have the landscape contractor prepare the details in writing. A plan/quote will provide information on times, materials used, and pricing. The contract spells out all guarantees, responsibilities and payment terms.
3 – Do you have any references?
Ask to see photos of prior work, and ask for references. Check out at least 2 of them.
4 – Do you offer a guarantee?
Ask your contractor if they offer a guarantee, and if so, ask what is and isn’t covered.
5 – What experience do you have?
Ask questions such as: what is your educational background, how long have you been in business, and what professional organizations does your company belong to?
If you have a landscaping project in your future, give us a call. We work with a lot of excellent local contractors and we would be more than happy to pass their names along to you..
The bottom line is to find someone you are comfortable with. Then sit back, relax and watch your dream yard take shape!
Rock On!
Paul
Like a lot of people, you’re busy.
Busy with work, busy running kids to soccer, busy with committees, busy with hobbies. The last thing you want after a busy week is a busy weekend. Problem is you have a new house that needs to be landscaped. Or maybe you have an older yard that you want to get a bit more enjoyment out of. Looks like it’s time for a (cue scary music) Landscaping Contractor.
No doubt you have a contractor horror story. Heck, we just renovated a house and had to go through it ourselves. We were extremely fortunate that we had some great companies to work with, and the one problem contractor we had, well that buck stops with me. You see, I got lazy and didn’t follow the rules. There are 5 of them, and while they aren’t a guarantee, asking these 5 questions can save you a lot of heartache (and in the long run, a lot of cash).
1 - Are you bonded and insured?
Any company taking deposits on landscaping work in Alberta must be bonded. Additionally, any company working on your property should be insured and carry WCB. This is your assurance that your contractor is accountable to you and that they are operating legally.
2 – Can you provide a plan and contract?
Prior to making any agreements, have the landscape contractor prepare the details in writing. A plan/quote will provide information on times, materials used, and pricing. The contract spells out all guarantees, responsibilities and payment terms.
3 – Do you have any references?
Ask to see photos of prior work, and ask for references. Check out at least 2 of them.
4 – Do you offer a guarantee?
Ask your contractor if they offer a guarantee, and if so, ask what is and isn’t covered.
5 – What experience do you have?
Ask questions such as: what is your educational background, how long have you been in business, and what professional organizations does your company belong to?
If you have a landscaping project in your future, give us a call. We work with a lot of excellent local contractors and we would be more than happy to pass their names along to you..
The bottom line is to find someone you are comfortable with. Then sit back, relax and watch your dream yard take shape!
Rock On!
Paul
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