How to Hire The Right Landscape Contractor

A good landscape contractor must have good experience and knowledge in order to do the work that you need to get done. The best landscape contractor has a license as well as workers' compensation insurance on the people who work for them and liability insurance.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Research
• Internet Access
• Pen and paper to take notes
• Telephone

1. Consider what needs to be done to your property before seeking a licensed landscape contractor. They provide various construction and installation services.
   -plants and sods
   -irrigation systems
   -drainage systems
   -landscape lighting
   -water features
   -arbors, decks and trellises
   -patios, walkways, and retaining walls
   -fences
   -swimming pools and spas--such work also requires a swimming pool contractors license, or at least a sub-contract with a licensed contractor.
   -tree trimming

2. Make sure to verify the contractor's license as well as ask for references.
   -www.cslb.ca.gov
   -1-800-321-CSLB(2752)
   -Get at least 3 estimates for the work that you want done from different licensed contractors. Make sure they do everything and they have good quality materials and equipment to do the job.
   -Visit their references to make sure you like the work of that particular contractor.
   -Check their licenses, certificates and insurance papers.

3. Check the contract carefully before signing it.
   -for dates when the job will start and end.
   -for everything that will be used in the job, and detailed description of the work that will be done. Make sure everything that will be used in the job is listed in the contract.
   -make sure they will check the underground utilities and they have the building permits in order to do the job.
   -make sure the contractor will supervise all his workers, making sure they will do the job right and finish it on time.
   -make sure they will clean up everything after completing their work and dispose of everything properly.
   -check the maintenance plan and any guarantees offered.

4. Before paying the contractor anything, consider the following...
   -do not pay cash
   -do not pay $1000 or 10% of the job as down payment
   -do not pay too much before the job is actually done

Tips & Warnings

• If you need more information, contact www.clca.org or 1-916-830-2780

[msmabry]

on 5/20/2009 Great article on how to hire the right landscape contractor. 5*