- Research and gather a list of potential landscape companies in your area that will meet the criteria for your project.
- Contact each company to schedule a consultation and interview.
- Prepare a list of questions to ask during the interview, such as:
- What is your experience with projects like mine?
- Do you have any certifications or accreditations?
- Are the company employees trained or subcontracted?
- Can you provide references from past clients?
- What is your process for designing and implementing a landscape project?
- Most companies charge a fee for a design, what would the design fee cost for your project be?
- What is the estimated timeline and cost for my project?
- Do you have insurance and workers-comp for your work?
- Do you offer any warranties or guarantees on your work?
- Do you offer after installation maintenance or service for the project?
- During the interview, pay attention to the company’s representative’s communication skills, professionalism, and level of knowledge.
- Red flags to look for during the interview include:
- Lack of communication or responsiveness.
- Unwillingness to provide references or proof of insurance.
- Low-ball estimates that seem too good to be true.
- Inability to provide a detailed project timeline or cost breakdown.
- Pressure tactics to sign a contract quickly.
- Know your budget-be upfront and be truthful about it. When the designer starts designing, it is important they understand the budget to create a design suitable for your needs and to stay within your budget.
After interviewing several companies, compare their proposals, references, and overall impression to make an informed decision on who to hire for your landscape project.