Kelowna Landscaping

Whether you are landscaping your yard from scratch or changing an existing design, it is wise to plan carefully, determine an operating budget and decide if you will do the work yourself or contract the work out to a reputable landscape design company. Depending on the magnitude of the project, you may be looking at a considerable sum if you decide to hire a landscaping firm. If this is the case, it is important to check references carefully to ensure you get the best bang for your buck. Choosing a good landscape contractor is just as important as choosing a good carpenter to build your house. If the job is done right, you will experience years of enjoyment and satisfaction in a tastefully designed yard.

Here are some points to consider when choosing a Kelowna landscaping firm:

1. How long has the landscaping firm been in business? A young company may be good, but may not have the necessary experience for dealing with all the things that could and often do go wrong. When you are spending a lot of money for quality work, you do not want to take any chances with inexperience.

2. In referencing other customers in your area, see if you could look at the actual work that was done, preferably a few seasons after the fact, and be sure to ask the following questions:

• How satisfied were they with the work that was done? If you sense any hesitation in their answer, consider this a red flag and keep looking.

• Would they hire this company again? A resounding yes would tell you to go ahead and book them while you can.

• Were the workers professional in conduct? You want someone in the close proximity of your home to be trustworthy, industrious, courteous, and reliable.

• Did they make realistic projections for job completion? Barring unforeseen circumstances or inclement weather, a good contractor should be able to make reasonably accurate completion projections.

• Did they produce quality workmanship? Checking a project, which has been completed for a few seasons, should indicate whether the quality of work could withstand seasonal changes, ground settling, and retain its beauty and resilience. One good example of this would be the degree to which an inground swimming pool has withstood temperature and harsh climate changes without the need for repair. Another example would be their use of quality materials such as landscape fabric roll that is sufficiently tough to inhibit the growth of weeds.

• Was the project contractor easy to contact? This is an act of simple courtesy. With easy cell phone access nowadays there is no excuse for anyone to not return calls within 24 hours at least.

• Did they employ safe work practices with proper supervision? Did the workers take unnecessary risks with their equipment?

3. Will the work be done under contract? A legal contract is your only protection. What is spelled out in a written contract must be performed to mutually agreed upon terms, otherwise there could be serious legal implications.

<4. Are the rates reasonable in comparison to other local companies? Have you done your homework and obtained at least three estimates?

5. Does the company furnish a warranty and what are its terms? A warranty is essential these days. If there is equipment failure or material deterioration, what will be covered under warranty and for how long?

6. Is the company properly insured and are its workers protected under Worker's Compensation? If there is ever a problem, you do not want to be even close to an internal lawsuit.

7. Is the landscaping company's equipment in good working order so as to ensure safety and efficiency? The degree to which a company will maintain their equipment and keep it in good working order will be a good indicator.

It may seem like a daunting undertaking to put a company under this kind of scrutiny, but it is your money after all that will be spent, and it will serve you well to take the time to get the best service that you can afford. Of all the Kelowna landscaping companies in the service directory, you want the best.