How to Find Landscapers and Contractors You Can Trust

Landscapers are pretty much a dime a dozen these days. It’s hard to find landscape contractors you can count on. A lot of landscapers in Ann Arbor MI are just out to get your money. They promise work and never follow through. I have known too many people who have let this happen. Do yourself a favor, don’t make these mistakes either. How do you know if a contractor can be trusted or not? Below I have listed a few signs to keep an eye on. If any one of these signs pop up, this is pretty good indication that something is amiss.

1) Will the contractor ask for money upfront? Never side with contractors who ask to be paid(in full)right away. There is a rule of thumb which must be followed. You give them a small amount as down payment. The rest is given to the landscaper once the job is done. This happens a lot with the fly-by-night companies. This is a rookie mistake that first-time home buyers make. Not everyone is who they appear to be. You need to put on your business bonnet and think like a business man. Money talks. Do you really want to be ripped off?

You need to give them an incentive to finish the job. If you give them the money right away, their incentive disappears.

2)What sort of credentials does the firm have? This is another key factor in eliminating fraudulent behavior. If the company doesn’t have a license, a bond or any kind of certification, you need to look elsewhere. Find out where their office is and pay them a visit. Try to do this unexpectedly. This way you catch them off guard. You want to see the staff in their natural habitat. It’s only by doing this you will see who they really are.

3) Do they sit down and talk over everything? Do they present a contract to you. A contract is dead giveaway. A contract protects everyone involved. Never enter into something without a contract.

4) Discuss all financials right away. Find out from the person who much the work will cost you. Don’t ask for an estimate either. You want the real price. Some companies will quote you an estimate. As the work progresses, they add in extras. Contracting companies are known to do it all the time. You can’t be so naïve about this. They are not there to be your new best friend. They are there for the money.

Once the real price is given, have it written down in the contract. The contract is binding. Once it’s written down, they are obligated to uphold all aspects of the agreement.

Never do a verbal agreement. This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. It’s your word against theirs,if something goes wrong. Do you really want to have that song and dance with your contractor. It might not end the way you want/expect it to.

Get your yard looking its absolute best with custom landscaping solutions from Twin Oaks. Find us online at https://www.twinoakslandscape.biz/, visit us in Ann Arbor, MI at 4100 South Maple Road, or call us at (734) 213-6911.