Hiring landscaper will give home a professional look

A beautifully landscaped lawn is both appealing and environmentally friendly, but it can be tricky for a do-it-yourself project. Hiring a landscape contractor will give homeowners the professional help needed when dealing with the area surrounding their home. It is important to be attentive and do thorough research before hiring a landscape contractor.

The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas offers the following tips for selecting a landscaper:

Research.

Check BBBHouston.org, where you can also search the BBB Accredited Business directory, for information on landscapers before you hire them. Always ask for references, and check the company’s affiliation with national franchises or associations.

Shop around.

Get written estimates from at least three companies. Keep in mind that the cheapest estimate is not necessarily the best option. You may have to invest a little more for higher quality products and services.

Know what you want.

Do you need fertilizing, weeding, mowing or aerating? Ask prospective companies about the products used.

Ask for a lawn inspection and free estimate.

Quality companies will offer an estimate only after they see what they are working with. Lawn care companies that quote a price without seeing your lawn can’t be sure what you need. A landscaper will need to measure the area and consider access to the yard.

Check for documentation.

See if licensing is required; in Texas, general landscapers may not require licensing, unless they also advertise themselves as landscape architects. Landscape architects are licensed by the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners, and you may check licensing at www.tbae.state.tx.us. Also, check that the landscaper has the proper insurance, and make sure everything is up to date and in good standing.

Get everything in writing.

Once you hire a landscaper, make sure all details of the job are included in a written contract. The contract should include the start and completion date of the project, the materials used and all the costs and fees broken down. Ask the contractor to provide a lien waiver, especially for larger projects, to prevent you from being held responsible to pay the supplier when you have already paid the landscaper in full. Read everything thoroughly before signing, and never sign a contract that is partially blank.

Be home when the work is completed.

It’s a good idea to be on site when the actual landscaping takes place, especially if it’s a bigger job. Oversee the work and keep in mind that if you become concerned that the job is not what you had originally contracted for, you have the right to tell them to stop whatever it is that they are doing.

Remember the rule of thirds

. If you’re getting a new patio, deck or major landscaping, consider paying a third of the contract amount to secure the contract, a third when the work is half done and the final third only after the job is completed and you are satisfied with the work.