How to Hire a Landscape Contractor
Need a professional to help you achieve your landscape dreams? Let us help you find the ideal landscape contractor!
Here are some questions to consider to help you find the landscaping professional that’s best for you:
ARE THEY LICENSED?
If your project costs more than $500, the contractor must be licensed by the state of California. To verify a license, use the California State License Board’s Instant License Check or call them at (800) 321-2752.
Contractors must demonstrate a minimum level of competency and financial responsibility to be licensed. All CLCA member-contractors meet this requirement.
Many of California’s cities and counties require business licenses.
The Department of Agriculture requires landscape firms applying pesticides in California to have a pest control license.
ARE THEY INSURED?
Workers’ compensation insurance protects you in case a worker employed by a contractor is injured on your property.
General liability insurance protects against not-so-natural disasters. These policies typically offer a minimum coverage of $300,000 to $1 million for residential and at least $1 million for commercial work.
Automobile insurance provides additional protection when a contractor’s vehicle is involved in an accident on your property.
ARE THEY MEMBERS OF THE CALIFORNIA LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION?
Membership in the association demonstrates a commitment by the landscaper to promote the professionalism and creativity of their company and their industry. With on-going education and professional development, CLCA works to ensure that all members provide their clients with a professional and cost-effective landscape experience.
DO THEIR REFERENCES AND PORTFOLIO INSPIRE CONFIDENCE?
Expect to be provided with a reference list and examples of completed projects. Ask to tour projects similar to yours. Visiting a project in progress can be instructive as well. A “track record” of accomplishments can be demonstrated using:
Photos of completed projects
Letters of appreciation
Examples of community work
A biography
Articles the contractor has written
DO YOU FEEL A CONNECTION WITH THE CONTRACTOR?
Your relationship with your landscape and your landscape professional is more than a business arrangement. Guided by your vision and your budget, your landscape professional will transform your landscape into your dreams.
A landscape contractor may coordinate many specialties to create your landscape, including:
Clearing /grading the land
Ensuring that there is proper and adequate drainage
Creating decks, patios, masonry walls, rockscapes, water features, paving and other creative effects
Installing and managing irrigation systems
Crafting interiorscapes and specialty gardens
Installing lighting for safety and enjoyment
Selecting and planting everything from the most delicate of flowers to massive trees
Managing your garden to promote environmental health
Auditing water use to eliminate waste
It’s imperative that you and your landscape contractor are able to communicate clearly to make your dreams a reality.
ARE THEY CERTIFIED?
CLCA Certified Water Managers must pass a written test and complete a rigorous year-long field performance test that documents their ability to use water wisely.
Landscape Industry Certified Technicians must pass a rigorous written & “hands-on” examination demonstrating a thorough knowledge of installation, maintenance, and irrigation.
View companies in the San Luis Obispo area with certified employees.