How to Find Landscaping Companies You Can Depend On in Middletown and Bristol RI Areas
Investing in your landscape can yield significant returns, not only in the value of your home but in your enjoyment of your outdoor space. Choosing the right professionals to make your landscape perfect for you, is not always easy. Here’s how to find landscaping companies you can depend on in Middletown and Bristol, RI, areas.
Related: How Landscapers Near Me Create Gathering Spaces in Barrington and Jamestown RI
Get Several Bids
You get what you pay for! Always get several bids. If there’s a huge discrepancy between the high and low bids, you may want to avoid the low bidder. Many new companies bid low to get a foot in the door. That’s okay, but they may not have the experience or resources to successfully pull off large or complex projects. You could give them a chance with a smaller project but save bigger projects for reputable, experienced companies.
Licensing fees, insurance, and professional memberships are factored into the bids - and they are not cheap. A very low bid may mean that the company doesn’t have the licensing or insurance that will give you peace of mind. Of course, licensing and insurance don’t mean satisfactory results, but they do improve the chances. Licensing proves a professional’s competency, a willingness to renew licenses annually signifies commitment to professional development and customer service, and solid insurance offers protection for both parties should anything go wrong.
Insurance
Do not allow any landscaping company on your premises until they have presented proof of current insurance. Insurance is there for your own safety, the safety of the crews, and protection of your personal property. It also protects your investment should a company disappear in the middle of a project, do substandard work, or otherwise fail to fulfill their contract.
References
Unless a company is brand-new, ask to see a list of past customers you can talk to. Ask to see examples of past and current projects for yourself. Read online reviews - and while there’s always the chance that a disgruntled customer will be louder than the rest, see what the general tone is of a company’s reviews. Red flags include reviews like, “I don’t know the quality of his work because he doesn’t respond to calls.” If customers are being ghosted before they become customers, you can be sure the company does not value customer service!
Communication
Be as specific as you can when requesting bids. Give landscaping companies a clear idea of your budget and vision. Some companies may decline to bid if a project is too big or too small. Some prefer projects that don’t stretch their resources, and some prefer project minimums.
Trust Your Instincts
A landscaping company’s appearance speaks volumes about its quality of work and commitment to professionalism. Work with a company that takes pride in its business, including crews uniforms, and well-maintained professional-grade equipment. This is why it’s important to visit at least one in-progress job site before you accept a bid.
The Final Call
Narrow down your list of contenders to landscaping companies that clearly demonstrate knowledge, expertise, capacity to do the scope of work you need, and great customer service.
The Contract
Be sure that a company is willing to guarantee their work! Avoid companies that don’t put guarantees in writing; in fact, avoid companies that are shady about putting everything in writing! A detailed contract can be a lifesaver in the event of a dispute.