Making any improvements to your home can be very exciting. But without preparing for and planning that change properly, things can turn frustrating and the outcome may not actually be the best improvement possible.
So before you jump into a landscaping project or choose a landscape company to work with, be sure to first consider these tips:
### 1. See it! Visualize it in your mind’s eye.
– Know what you want your space to be used for:
– Will you be entertaining? How often? In the day/night?
– Is food usually a part of your entertainment time?
– Do you need additional storage?
– Does your dream space have a pool or spa?
– Do you need areas for children’s activities?
– Know what you like. Save pictures, articles and pamphlets of spaces you like in a folder or drawer so you can look them over regularly… these pictures will enable you to develop a better plan.
### 2. Plan it! Get it down on paper so you can see it.
– Every successful transformation works from a comprehensive design that melds your dreams and wishes into your space and budget. You can start by quickly sketching your own ideas to get a workable plan going.
– Design with a future perspective in mind. Try to project your needs and how they may be accommodated now. Think of the growth rate of the plants and trees you have in mind for the area.
– Design with site, construction and scale limitations in mind. For example, you may want a large tree variety but your small yard size won’t really allow it to grow properly.
### 3. Do it right!
– Be realistic about project management. If you want to manage your project, be sure to consider whether you have the knowledge, contacts and ability to manage the project (e.g., ordering paving stone, applying for permits, hiring and scheduling labour), or more to the point, whether you have the time needed to get these needs addressed. If not, you may find it more gratifying to have a company manage the project from start to finish.
– Ensure that your project will be resourced appropriately.
– Does the company you’re considering have the proper management structure in place to ensure supervision of workers, quality installation and timely project completion?
– Do you know their training and experience? Look for landscape industry certifications or horticultural accreditations.
– How many years have they been in business? A company that has been established for several years will increase the likelihood that they’ll be there in the future if any issues need to be addressed.
– Do they have the equipment needed to complete the full scope of the project?
### 4. Make sure it’s safe!
– Check to see that the company you’re considering is in good standing with the Workers Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).
Hiring companies that are not in compliance makes the project owner — you — liable in the event of a workplace injury.
– Can the company supply a valid Certificate of Insurance? It should state their name and address, level of insurance coverage, effective and expiry dates of the policy as well as the date of issue.
– Does the company have a Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC) and working policy? Any company
that has more than 10 employees is required by law to have a JHSC.
– What level of Liability Insurance does the Company have? Commercial Liability Insurance should exceed $2,000,000.
### 5. Get current references.
– One of the best ways to determine whether a company is right for a project on your home is by getting references. Insist on at least three client references. When speaking directly to them ask:
– Was the work completed on time?
– Did the contractor communicate with the client throughout the project?
– Was the quality of workmanship up to your expectations?
– Did the staff conduct themselves in a professional manner?
– Was the project kept tidy throughout the construction process?
– Checking supplier references as well can protect you from Creditor Liabilities. If a contractor regularly pays for their materials in accordance with standard trade terms, you can protect yourself from any creditor demands. Depending on the size of the project, it is advisable to obtain up to three supplier references. If possible, from suppliers relevant to the materials needed for your project (e.g., interlocking stone, nursery stock, timber).
### 6. Ensure a contract is signed before starting.
– Make sure your agreement and contract is in writing and signed by both parties. A good contract should:
– Tie payment or deposits to completed milestones.
– Define procedures for the approval of changes and costs of extras.
– Clearly state details such as payment schedules, work start dates, and the complete scope of the project.
– Address areas of responsibility, such as the provision of underground service locates, permits, etc.
### 7. Ensure there’s a warranty.
– The terms and conditions of the contractor’s warranty should be clearly spelled out in writing and should specify if the workmanship is guaranteed and for how long.
– It’s important to know your responsibilities as the homeowner, regarding ongoing site maintenance (e.g., watering), which may affect the warranty. This is especially important regarding the guarantee of plant materials.
With these things addressed, you’ll make way for a smooth and enjoyable landscape renovation project. Of course, with Gelderman, you’ll have everything covered from an effective design to an unbeatable warranty – and everything in between!
