What to Look For in Professional Landscaping Companies in Middletown, RI
The choice you make in which company to work with on a landscaping project may be one of the most important decisions you make for your home all year. Before you sign the dotted line, there are several ways to ensure that the company will deliver on your expectations. If you’re considering several companies, here’s what to look for in professional landscaping companies in Middletown, RI.
Related: Top Projects That Landscapers Near Me Are Working on This Spring in Barrington and Bristol, RI
First Impressions
As always, trust your gut instinct. First impressions are often made on a company’s website or their social media presence. A reputable landscaping company will have a professional online presence to help push their work and reach new customers. That’s not to say they must have a fancy website; just one that reflects their work.
There are several things that you should immediately see on a website or social media account: the name and branding, services provided, examples of previous work, and contact information.
Relevant Expertise
Most importantly, the website should show - not tell - examples of work that is similar to what you will be doing in your landscape. A company that specializes in high end outdoor entertaining spaces, for example, might not be the right candidate to reroute a long driveway or grade the land for better drainage.
Most landscapers have a niche so look for the ones that are experts in what you need them to do.
Size and Experience
A small landscaping company can do excellent work but a company with large crews can handle larger and more complex problems so take the size and complexity of your project into consideration.
Experience definitely matters on large and/or complex projects. These projects have a lot of moving parts and it takes an experienced contractor to keep the project moving along smoothly.
There’s nothing wrong with giving a new company your business for a simple patio renovation, some plant bed work or a new paver driveway; but if you’re doing a large-scale landscape makeover, work with someone who’s done that before - with proven satisfactory results.
Word of Mouth
Even if a company has a fantastic online presence, you will still need to read reviews and if possible, talk to previous customers. One of the best advertisements is the old-fashioned word of mouth. People love to talk about their projects, so if you’re out walking your neighborhood and see a landscape you like, ask some questions.
Fast Callbacks
The amount of time between when you make first contact and the landscaping company responds is a huge indicator of how the project will go forward. You should expect a representative to get back to you within one business day. Slow response times or no callbacks probably mean the company is disorganized, inattentive, apathetic, or overworked - and it’s indicative of the level of communication you’ll have once you sign on the dotted line.
Detailed Contracts
Once your chosen landscaping company has drawn up a contract for the project, most of your questions should be answered including how much time it’s expected to take, how much money it’s expected to cost, as well as procedures for unexpected challenges.
Proof of Insurance
The ability of a company to safely operate during a project is strongly determined by staying current with their insurance. Accidents happen, from injuries to property damage, and you don’t want to be the one footing the bill.