LAND HOE! Landscape Design and Renovation
Tips for Hiring a Landscape Contractor

Taking time to hire a reputable landscape contractor can assure that you get quality work for a fair price. The Washington Association of Landscape Professionals (WALP) offers the following tips when looking for a contractor:

• Hire only a licensed contractor. Be sure they carry workman's compensation and liability insurance. This is for your protection.
• Determine your budget. Think about how much you can afford to spend on the project or service.
• Decide what types of work you want done: landscape construction, maintenance, irrigation, patios, etc.
• An estimate is a good "guess" as to what a project will cost. For a firm price, a contractor will need a design. Designing a landscape takes time and expertise no matter the size of the project. You should expect to pay for design services just as you would pay for any other professional services
• Ask for references and check them!
• Ask for bids in writing. Be sure all bids are based on comparable items: plants, soil, mulch, edging, etc. Ask about any items you don't understand. If a bid looks "...too good to be true..." it probably is.
• Make sure you understand any contract before signing it. Contracts should specify what work will be done, the charges, how long it will take, a commencement date and completion date. Beware of making down-payments before signing a contract.

WALP is a trade association for landscape, irrigation, and maintenance contractors with members throughout the State of Washington. LAND HOE! is a proud member of the Washington Association of Landscape Professionals.

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