What to Look for in Landscaping Jobs Near Me in the Sun Prairie and Madison, WI Area
Choosing the right landscaping company can be a headache-inducing process and while everyone talks a big game, you don’t want to be stuck paying for shoddy work. Here are the key things to look for when you’re in the market. Simply reading reviews online won’t give you the whole picture: from communication and organization to being upfront about licenses and certifications, landscaping companies need to be on their A-game from the very beginning. Here’s what to look for in landscaping jobs near me in the Sun Prairie and Madison, WI area.
Clear Communication
From the moment you make that first phone call, landscaping companies should always respond quickly and professionally. No matter how big or small your project is, they should treat it with the same level of urgency and excellence; or, if a project doesn’t fall within their capacity, they should politely decline. There should be no surprises or misunderstandings along the way such as a project being too big for a company to handle, or so small that it falls through the cracks.
A Quality Bid
Every step of the project should be planned and tightly choreographed for safety and efficiency. You can tell a company has a plan (and the skills and equipment necessary) from the quality and details of their bid. The more detailed the bid, the better. Before you get a contract, there should be full transparency and clear communication regarding timelines, costs, and the scope of work. Many projects run into unexpected challenges, so professional project management (which starts with a plan) is key to keeping the project on time and on budget.
Tip: Did the bid clearly show what you will be paying for?
Transparent Testimonials
Every contractor should show examples of their previous work and endorsements from their customers (beyond 5-star review on the internet). Most importantly, get testimonials that relate to your project so you can compare apples to apples. If a contractor doesn’t provide references, or they are consistently bad, walk away.
Similar Projects
If possible, ask to see past projects in person. Then you can apply your own critical eye to the fine details that speak volumes about a contractor’s expertise and commitment to quality.
This is especially important if your project is complex. Some projects can be handed off to a new company with less experience; but for complex projects, be sure the company has the capacity and experience to deliver a satisfactory result.
Tip: Is the contractor showing you all kinds of projects except those similar to your project?
Up-to-Date Insurance and Certifications
Contractors should be proud to show you their insurance, certifications, and even industry awards. While landscapers aren’t required to be licensed, do not accept a bid from anyone who won’t produce proof of current insurance. Industry certifications and awards signal a clear commitment to their craft. Certifications are a badge of honor since they are expensive to acquire and show that a company is at the forefront of the landscaping industry.
Warranties and Post-Project Communication
Once the work is done, the contractor shouldn’t ghost you. Problems could arise after the work is completed, and you should have the security of clearly stated ironclad warranties. Likewise, the company should check-in after the project is completed as a sign that they are invested in their work, and that your business - and your referral - means a lot to them. Again, if they don’t have a lot of positive referrals, it could be because of poor handling of problems. Many clients are happy to give a positive review if their concerns have been resolved quickly and professionally.
Related: How Landscapers Near Me Create Showstopping Nightscapes With Outdoor Lighting in Sun Prairie WI
About the Author
With over two decades in business and maintaining an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau the entire time, Proscapes LLC is a leading landscape company in the Madison, WI, area. As a Unilock Authorized Contractor, we are recognized as the best-of-the-best in our craft—earning numerous awards along the way.