If you are looking for a landscape contractor St Louis has just the professionals you seek. Regardless of the scope or magnitude of the landscaping task you have in mind you can get a contractor who can work with you around your budget and time/ availability. First, there are a few things you need to think about and address before hiring the first St Louis landscape contractor who comes your way.
Where to look for landscape contractors
More often than not, you will be referred to a professional landscape contractor by the people in your social and professional circles. You may also be referred to these professionals by other professionals who work in collaboration with these landscape contractors, such as landscape designers, garden and landscape architects, general contractors, and artisans among other professionals. If you cannot get the contractor you want from these social networks, check local business/ professionals’ listings where these contractors may be listed. The online platform, also, makes your search easier as you can type the relevant keywords on the many search engines, and get massive results. Always make sure to verify the personal, professional and legal status (citizenry and permission to work in your locality) of a landscape contractor before you hire him/ her.
Identifying the most appropriate landscape contractor
Educational and technical background
As one of the high-profile professions, landscape contracting encompasses the planning/ design, management, construction, and after construction management of garden aesthetics using technological and artistic savvy, as well as relevant equipment. It is in this regard that all contractors must have attained certain minimum educational levels before they can be licensed as practitioners. In addition to educational achievement, these contractors must have passed additional tests/ exams set by their profession’s licensing board(s).
Professional experience and references
Academic papers are a good start for landscape practitioners, but they (papers) do not necessarily guarantee stellar work from the practitioners who possess them. It is, therefore, advisable that you inquire about the professional experience your shortlisted contractors have in the industry. Skilled landscape contractors, who have a wealth of experience and excellent references, are more likely to deliver outstanding work on your landscaping task compared to new professionals. However, this is not to say that new professionals are not as good; you might be surprised how well some of the new professionals can serve you.
Pricing: Per hour or per job
Several factors determine the fee your contractor will charge for your landscaping job. However, always consult with your potential contractor about their pricing. Some charge on an hourly basis while other contractors charge a fee based on the entire task. Again, ask what the fee entails. Some contractors charge a fee for their services only, requiring you to pay for any equipment or products that may be needed to complete your landscaping task, whereas others include the services, products, and equipment in their pricing. While still addressing the issue of fees, ask the contractor whether they have particular modes of payment or they accept any mode of payment.
Hiring the most appropriate landscape contractor St Louis has has an important and direct impact on the outcome of your landscaping task. It is, therefore, paramount that you choose wisely. There are numerous resources from where you can identify as many contractors as you would want to shortlist and screen prior to contracting them. Always do a prior educational, legal and professional background of your potential contractor; do not be afraid to ask for referees or proof of what the contractor tells you.