Negotiating a Landscape Contract

Answer 1

Many people dream about the day they can finally get some much needed landscaping done on their property. For some people, landscaping is the gift of a lifetime. It can be something that saves a person much hassle and brings great value to any home or property. Before a person races to hire a landscaping contractor, however, he or she needs to be very clear about what it is he or she wants done. In addition, he or she needs to hire a contractor that is reputable and known for his or her work ethic. This article will discuss how a person can negotiate a landscaping contract, as well as other considerations one should make while going through the process of hiring a landscape contractor or company.

First, a person should always make sure that he or she knows exactly what he or she wants before hiring someone. A person should visualize what he or she wants done in the yard. In addition, it is helpful for a person to clip out any pictures of trees or bushes or landscaping a person wants done on his or her property. Having a clear vision helps a person to tell a landscape contractor exactly what it is he or she wants. A contractor is much more likely to follow through with a person's wishes if those wishes are clear and to the point. In addition, it simply makes a contractor's job easier for him or her to know what a client wants and does not want done to his or her property.

Second, a person should have a clear budget of how much he or she is willing to spend on a landscaping project. A person should communicate this budget clearly to a contractor, so the contractor knows to take the budget seriously and not go over it. A person should also say that if the contractor goes over the budget, the contract will not reimburse him or her for any extra labor or money spent on the project. By letting a contractor know this, a person eliminates any chance there may have to be a lawsuit filed after the landscaping is completed and done. In addition, letting a contractor know this shows that one is fully attentive of the process and cares about it. When negotiating, a client should never allow a contractor to walk all over him or her and remain strong.