What Is the Best Way to Hire a Contractor?
Before hiring a landscape contractor, there are a few things you should know that can save you time, money, and frustration.
A beautiful landscape doesn’t happen by accident. Behind every attractive patio, thriving garden, elegant walkway, or inviting outdoor living space is a team of professionals who understand how to turn ideas into reality. The challenge for most homeowners is figuring out who those professionals are.
Spend five minutes searching online for landscape contractors, and you’ll quickly discover that everyone claims to be the best. Every website is filled with impressive photographs. Every company promises quality workmanship and exceptional service. Unfortunately, not all contractors deliver on those promises.
As a landscape architect, I’ve worked with landscape contractors for more than 35 years. Some have been outstanding craftspeople who consistently exceeded expectations. Others have left homeowners dealing with missed deadlines, poor communication, budget overruns, and disappointing results.
One thing I’ve learned through the years is that the success of a landscape project often depends less on the design itself and more on the landscape architect being on site and the team hired to build it. Even the most creative design can fall short if it’s installed poorly.
The good news is that a little preparation can dramatically improve your chances of hiring the right contractor and enjoying a smooth construction process from start to finish.
Start With a Clear Vision Before Requesting Estimates
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is contacting contractors before they’ve figured out what they want.
Define Your Goals First
Before you request estimates, spend some time thinking about how you want your landscape to function. How do you plan to use it in the future?
Are you trying to improve curb appeal? Create an outdoor living space? Solve drainage problems? Increase privacy? Reduce maintenance? Maybe it’s a combination of all four.
The clearer your goals are, the easier it becomes for landscape professionals to recommend solutions that fit your needs and budget.
Gathering Ideas and Inspiration
If you’re not sure where to begin, start collecting ideas.
Look through magazines, visit local neighborhoods, browse landscape websites, and save photos that catch your attention. You don’t need a complete design, but having examples of what you like can help landscape professionals understand your vision.
I’ve found that homeowners often know what they like when they see it, even if they struggle to describe it.
Solve Problems Before Adding Features
I often tell clients that a landscape should solve problems before it adds beauty.
If your backyard turns into a swamp after every storm, address the issue before installing a decorative patio or planting bed. If drainage, erosion, or grading problems exist, they need to be addressed first.
Once the functional issues are solved, the attractive features become far more enjoyable and valuable.
Understand the Difference Between Design and Construction
Many homeowners use the terms landscape architect and landscape contractor interchangeably, but they perform very different roles.
What a Landscape Contractor Does
A landscape contractor is responsible for building the project.
This may include installing patios, walkways, retaining walls, planting beds, lighting systems, irrigation systems, outdoor kitchens, and other site improvements. Their expertise lies in construction methods, materials, equipment, and project execution.
A good contractor knows the costs and how to build things properly and efficiently.
What a Landscape Architect Does
A landscape architect focuses on planning and design, but needs to know how to build what they design.
We analyze site conditions, address grading and drainage challenges, prepare construction documents, coordinate permits as needed, develop a project roadmap, and visit the site regularly to ensure the project is built in accordance with the landscape plan.
Think of it this way: the landscape architect develops the plan with input from the property owner, and the contractor brings that plan to life.
When You May Need Both
For smaller projects, hiring a contractor may be sufficient.
However, if your project involves retaining walls, significant grading, drainage improvements, permitting requirements, environmental regulations, or a substantial investment, involving a landscape architect can often save money and prevent costly mistakes.
I often tell my clients that I will save them more money than the design fee I charge.
One advantage homeowners don’t always consider is objectivity. A landscape architect isn’t usually trying to sell a specific product or construction service.
Our job is to help you make informed decisions and occasionally tell you when you’re about to make an expensive mistake. Trust me, sometimes it’s not easy telling a client something that they don’t want to hear, but I feel that’s what they’re paying me for.
A seasoned landscape architect has seen it all; put that experience to work for you.
Do Your Homework Before Hiring Anyone
One of the worst reasons to hire a contractor is that they were the first courteous person to return your phone call.
Landscaping is a significant investment. It deserves the same level of research you would perform before buying a car or adding a room to your house.
Look Beyond Online Reviews
Online reviews can be helpful, but they shouldn’t be your only source of information. Be aware that not all reviews are real.
Instead of focusing on individual reviews, look for patterns. Consistent comments about communication, workmanship, reliability, and professionalism are often more meaningful than a single glowing review.
Likewise, repeated complaints about missed deadlines, surprise costs, or poor communication should raise concerns.
Study Their Portfolio Carefully
A contractor’s portfolio can reveal a great deal about their capabilities.
Don’t just look at the overall appearance of the projects. Pay attention to the details. Are the paver joints straight and consistent? Do retaining walls look professionally built? Are planting beds thoughtfully arranged and properly maintained?
The details often tell the real story.
Ask for Recent References
A reputable contractor should have no problem providing recent references and at least one site to visit to view their work.
Speaking directly with past clients can reveal valuable information about communication, scheduling, cleanliness, problem-solving, and overall satisfaction.
In many cases, a five-minute conversation with a former client can tell you more than an hour spent reading online reviews.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a landscape contractor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during any home improvement project. The contractor you choose will affect not only the quality of the finished work but also your experience throughout the construction process.
Over the years, I’ve seen homeowners spend months planning the perfect landscape only to run into problems because they rushed the contractor selection process. I’ve also seen homeowners take the time to do their homework, ask the right questions, and hire qualified professionals. Those projects almost always produce better results and far fewer headaches.
Take your time. Define your goals, research your options, check references, review portfolios, and carefully compare proposals. Don’t be tempted to choose a contractor based solely on charm and being the lowest price.
Experience, communication, craftsmanship, and professionalism are often worth far more than a small difference in cost. One thing that’s important to me is whether the contractor shows up on time and does what he says he’ll do. If they have issues before you hire them, you’ll have real problems once you hire them.
Remember, a landscape is more than a collection of plants, patios, and walkways. It’s an investment in your property and your quality of life. When designed properly and built by the right contractor, a landscape can provide beauty, function, and enjoyment for decades.
Choose wisely, ask plenty of questions, and don’t be afraid to trust your instincts. The right contractor won’t just build your landscape; they’ll help bring your vision to life.
