Blog Contributed by David West
We all know the value of great landscaping. We also know the value in finding an exceptional landscaper who will help you with everything from basic lawn maintenance to designing new installations. That’s why we came up with five questions you should be asking your next potential hire for commercial landscape services. These questions will help guide you to picking the best company to fit your needs as well as help you in discussing budget concerns. Read on for more information!
How long has the company been in business?
If it’s ten years or more, that probably is a good indicator that the company has a positive track record. If the company has done comparable work and can provide references from satisfied clients, these are also good indicators of reliability. It will also help you understand what you can expect as a client. Additionally, check to see if the company has full time support staff. Great Estates has been in business since 2005, serving businesses and homeowners across middle Georgia. We have a dedicated Customer Service representative ready to take your calls and assist with account management and billing details.
What services are offered?
Find out the scope of services offered. Full service landscapers will offer services beyond basic lawn maintenance such as design and new installations, irrigation, and many other services. Instead of going through several service providers, many companies and individuals prefer full-service landscapers because of the convenience it affords. Great Estates is a full service landscaping company offering design, installation, maintenance and fertilization, and many other landscape services. Find a list of services here.
Is there a schedule of work to be performed?
Your landscape contractor should provide completion time frames for each project and communicate as services are performed on an ongoing basis. Great Estates will provide a management plan for the regular maintenance, fertilization, pest and disease management, irrigation and seasonal color changes for your landscape and keep you updated as service is completed on your property.
How should I weigh the factors of meeting my requirements for the project with maintaining a cost effective approach?
It’s important to consider what your project goals are and discuss with each landscape contractor how best to achieve those goals. It’s important to note budgetary restrictions in those conversations, and be clear about your budget up front, but it’s also valuable to know exactly what proposals do and do not entail. Many times, there are value added services not specified in line items of a proposal with a particular landscape company. On the other hand, there may be costs that are intentionally left out to be added in later after the contractor secures the job. Anyone can throw a low bid out, but will that landscape contractor follow through on the job and bring about your desired results? Great Estates will provide you with a complete proposal for each stage of your project, not a lump sum price for the work that cannot be properly compared.
Does the company have workman’s comp and insurance?
The contractor you choose should have both workman’s compensation and insurance. Workman’s compensation protects you in the event a worker has an accident. Insurance policies should have general liability, which protects your property should anything happen to damage it. Verifying insurance also lets you know that the company is able to obtain insurance and is thus not as likely to be a disreputable organization. Great Estates is fully insured with $1,000,000 liability coverage and regularly contributes to Workers Compensation, SUI, SS, Federal & State Tax & Medicare for each employee.
Since 2005, Great Estates Landscaping has been the single-source solution provider to commercial enterprises across middle Georgia. Give us a call and let us show you how we are working to turn every opportunity into a “customer for life.” Contact service@greatestateslandscaping.com or 800-657-8084.
David West is not only a manager on the landscape maintenance, installation and turf management team of Great Estates Landscaping, he is also an avid outdoorsman and enjoys spending as much time with his family as possible.