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Shopping for landscape help
Remember that everyone in business needs to make some kind of a profit in order to stay in business. Remember, also, that most folks are not trying to ‘rip you off’. But keep in mind that quality and knowledge vary drastically no matter how good or bad the intent may be. A bid that is too low will often produce substandard work and/or materials, or a professional/worker who has underbid and is taking a loss. Either is undesirable. Substandard work may not show up at first but is likely to cost you much more in the long run than spending more to get the job done right in the first place. On the other hand, the highest bid may not necessarily buy you the best job either. If the person you are paying top prices to has a good reputation for giving quality, experience and knowledge, then you are likely getting your money’s worth. If it is simply the highest bid, you may be paying for padding. Shopping for your landscape expert will require more than a superficial look.
With landscaping, as with most construction jobs, it is vital that the preparation job is done thoroughly. Prep is without doubt the most tedious and time consuming part of any job of building. But invariably, when short cuts are taken, the project goes wrong in the future, usually costing many times more to tear it out and put it right, than it would have cost to do the job right in the first place. Landscapes that look lovely when put in can grow into tangled messes if the mature sizes were not considered in the original planting. Hardscapes – and even your house – can be endangered by mistakes in soil levels or invasive roots. Misplaced hardscape features may turn into disasters in the future if they were not properly thought out or built with adequate preparation. If you shop for a person with knowledge, experience and integrity you are likely to avoid such mistakes.
The same warnings go for shopping for landscape designers, landscape architects and plant experts as well as for contractors and maintenance workers. There are all degrees of talent and knowledge involved in these fields. Once again, check into each person’s experience. Make sure references are unbiased. Look at pictures or jobs that have been done. Do your homework. There are many talented, reputable and comfortable-to-work-with people out there. You can use them on your team as anything from advisers to do-it-all experts. Consider price, but don’t let that alone prejudice you. Consider experience, knowledge and talent. Consider how you feel when you talk to your experts. Do you feel you are being lectured to or listened to? Which style best fits your needs and personality? Does the individual seem knowledgeable? Responsible? Doing research will increase your odds of success. Careful communication is essential. If you aren’t comfortable with the way a job is preceding, express your concerns. Sometimes better communication can fix the problem. If that doesn’t work, consider shopping for someone else before you throw good money after bad. The people working on your landscape are your team. You both take responsibility for the result. And a good working relationship with a knowledgeable, caring professional can bring the best of your dreams to life in your garden. Shop carefully for your landscape experts.
