We give advice on how to choose a landscaping contractor, a landscape designer and a paving contractor.

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Looking for a Landscape Contractor?

Before hiring a landscape contractor, you will need to consider a few things:

1. First of all, determine the scope of the project, and make a list of the services you'll require from the contractor. These could include creating driveways, patios, decking areas, grading the site, installing lighting, building walls, planting areas, etc. There are areas that you may wish to work on yourself. Make sure the contractor will be aware of this.
2. Investigate the company. How long have they been in business? Ask the contractor for references of previous jobs and see if you can visit them personally.
3. Make sure the contractor and his employees are fully insured. If not, then the liability, should any accident occur, may rest with you. Ask the contractor to show you insurance documents.
4. Discuss your proposal / design with at least 3 contractors. Gauge their reaction and interest in the project. You will find that often the most enthusiastic contractors are the most creative. Also, if you only discuss your proposal with one contractor, you are limiting the scope of the design.
5. Enquire about guarantees of levels of workmanship and materials. For example, what will happen should a retaining wall collapse after being built?
6. Get everything in writing!! Make sure that quotation is as detailed as possible and provisions for any and all eventualities are made.