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Are you dreaming of what your property could look like with a landscaping construction makeover? Whether it is a front yard project or a backyard redesign, it is important to select the right landscape contractor that works for you and for your vision.
So how do you choose a landscape contractor? First, compile a list of landscape contractors using referrals or Google Search. When you talk with the different contractors make sure to ask these 17 questions to determine if they are the right contractor for you.
Finding a Landscape Contractor
The first step is to find contractors in your area.
So where can you find an experienced landscape contractor in Burlington and the surrounding area?
Ask friends, family and neighbours for recommendations
Begin your search by tapping into your network. Recommendations from friends and family can provide valuable insights into reputable landscape contractors in the area.
Talk to your neighbours and ask if they have positive experiences with any specific local contractors.
When you’re driving your neighbourhood, look for signage and vehicles for landscape contractors working in your area.
Also consider your extended circle. If you are a member of any local groups, sports teams, churches or other religious institutions, ask around for any recommendations.
Personal references give you deeper insights into the company you might hire.
Search online using Google Search
Harness the power of the internet. Google Search and Maps are excellent tools to discover local landscape contractors. Pay attention to reviews and ratings.
Local contractors will be familiar with bylaws, permits and specific municipal processes.
Use search terms like
- Landscaping Companies Near Me
- Landscape contractor in <insert your city>
- Landscape construction in <insert your city>
Search using Google Maps
Just like using Google Search, try searching directly on Google Maps to find local contractors.
The advantage here is that you’ll see Google Business Profiles of relevant companies, including reviews from others.
Pay close attention to google reviews when making your decision.
Check associations and memberships
Explore membership directories, such as Landscape Ontario. Most regions have an association for landscape professionals.
Being a member of professional associations often indicates a commitment to industry standards and excellence.
Associations also tend to have awards for different categories every year as well. Companies who win these awards are likely to be a good option for your project.
Understand the Landscaping Process
Before selecting a landscape contractor, it is important to understand the typical process a project will go through.
The process for a landscape construction project will be different from selecting a landscape contractor for maintenance and lawn care.
Landscape construction process
Landscape construction projects have 5 typical steps in the process.
- Understanding your desire and vision for the project
- Develop drawings to put the vision on paper
- Determine the full scope of work and provide a confident estimate.
- Sign the contract
- Watch your project take shape.
Every step in the process is important. However, developing the drawings could be considered the most important step.
Drawings make sure that you and your landscape contractor are ‘on the same page.’
A design-build landscape contractor will be able to design the project and build it. This is usually a good option as we’ll discuss below.
To learn more about the typical construction process visit our process page.
Landscape maintenance process
Selecting a landscape contractor for property maintenance and lawn care is a bit easier.
You will still want to meet with the contractor, preferably at the location you want maintained. Discuss the regular maintenance you would like to have completed.
Also discuss if there are any one-time projects you’d like to have completed such as spring or fall clean-up.
It is helpful to have some of this written down ahead of time to ensure that you cover all these items with the contractor.
A landscape contractor will take note of everything you would like completed. They will likely take a few days to prepare a formal proposal with pricing information.
17 questions to ask to evaluate landscape contractors
There are a variety of questions you should ask when choosing a landscape contractor.
Don’t risk forgetting to ask any of these questions when meeting with a potential contractor, download our checklist to help you compare contractors!
- How many years have you been in business?
- How many employees does the company have?
- Are you a member of professional associations?
- When would you be able to get to my project?
- Can I see your WSIB clearance certificate?
- Can I see a Certificate of Insurance?
- Do you offer design services?
- Do you have any past projects that are similar scope and size to my project?
- Can I see a project profile or portfolio?
- Do you have testimonials from these clients?
- Can I contact any previous clients for a reference?
- Can I contact any suppliers or subcontractors for a reference?
- Do you have positive online reviews (Google reviews or others)?
- Are there currently any ongoing legal cases or litigations involving your company?
- Do you offer a warranty? If so please elaborate on the standard terms and conditions
- What elements of my proposed project would you complete yourself, and what would you subcontract? Do you have preferred subcontractors?
- Do you have a sample contract we could review?
4 questions to ask yourself
After meeting with a contractor ask yourself the following questions.
- How responsive was the contractor when you inquired?
- How were their communication skills?
- Do you believe you would enjoy working with this company?
- Does the company portray a professional image and brand?
Download the free Checklist
Download a copy of these questions in a printable PDF to use when you need to evaluate landscape contractors. Simply fill out the form below and we will email you a copy!
Benefits of Hiring a Design-Build Landscape Contractor
A design-builder is a company that does both the planning and building of a project.
This way of working ensures everyone is on the same page throughout. The team, having been part of the planning, knows exactly what the goal is. This makes the building process smoother, often saving money and finishing the project on time.
Starting a landscaping project involves big decisions. Thinking about using a design-builder could make your journey easier – they guide you from idea to reality.
Here are five good reasons to choose this approach for a straightforward, budget-friendly, and smooth process.
Seamless integration
A landscape design-builder handles both the design and construction aspects in-house. This seamless integration ensures a smoother process and better communication throughout your landscaping project.
Cost-effectiveness
With a design-build approach, there’s more control over costs. The integrated team collaborates closely, avoiding unexpected expenses and ensuring that the project stays within the defined budget.
Cohesive vision
Design-build firms maintain a consistent vision throughout the project. Since the same team is involved in both designing and building, there’s a unified understanding of your goals and preferences from conception to completion.
Efficient communication
Communication is streamlined when the design and construction teams work together. This leads to faster decision-making, quicker problem resolution, and an overall efficient project timeline.
Single-point accountability
Choosing a design-builder consolidates accountability. You have a single point of contact for the entire project, simplifying communication, addressing concerns promptly, and ensuring that the final result aligns with your expectations.
Choose someone who you can work with
Making an informed decision is vital for your upcoming landscaping project. Remember you will be working with this person for an extended period of time. Make sure this is someone that you feel you can trust and work with throughout your project.
Ready to transform your outdoor space?
Reach out to Creative Concepts Landscapes for a consultation. Simply fill out the form on our contact page.
