Landscaping Directory Article - Always Check References
This common sense tool for checking a landscaper's track record is often overlooked
When I started my landscaping business 10 years ago, one of my concerns was that I didn't have a list of references to share with potential clients. Though I had led a crew for years, I didn't feel comfortable presenting those clients as references, because they were really clients of my previous employer, not mine. I soon discovered that my fears were unfounded.
The things a homeowner can do to protect their interests when interviewing potential landscape contractors are well documented. They can be found on numerous websites, in regular newspaper articles, magazines and on television. With the same information available from so many sources, I'm often amazed at how few people actually ask for any reference information of any kind.
I suppose that part of the reason I don't get many requests for references is because people don't like conflict, and asking for references might feel like you aren't taking a landscape contractor at his word. You should toss this notion out the door. As a guy who sells landscaping for a living, I'm not the least bit offended when someone asks for references. In fact when I go into a design presentation, I'm hoping they'll ask about references, because I believe we've done a superior job satisfying our clients. I know that if they take the time to call, they'll be impressed with the answer they get. Which reminds me; I should tell you the questions you should ask former clients when you call:
Did they treat you with respect?
Was the project started and completed on time? There are always potential delays due to weather that are beyond the control of a landscaper; you should be sensitive to this. However, the list is long of homeowners who contracted for work they thought would begin in April, but didn't actually commence until October. Or worse yet, it did start in April, but the company hopped from one project to another, only working on your project for short periods, and only after several phonecalls.
Was the project completed on budget? There can often be changes initiated by either the client or the landscape contractor during the construction process, changes that result in an increase in the total project cost. But absent any project changes, the final price should equal the price given at the time of acceptance of the proposal.
Lastly, would you hire them again? Of all the questions you can ask, the answer to this one is probably the most telling. If the answer to this question is yes, for each of the references you call, then you probably have a winner.
A note about reference lists: You would expect that if a company was putting together a list of references, they would only list those clients that they knew would give positive feedback. But what I've found, troubling as it is, is that the reference list is usually a pretty good cross-section of the general satisfaction of their client base, and you may find a few in the list who weren't happy with the services they received. In my personal opinion, if there is anyone on a reference list who is unhappy with their work, you should move on to the next landscaping company under consideration. An unhappy reference either means the landscaper isn't smart enough to not put unhappy clients on their list, or they are smart enough; they just don't have enough happy clients from which to build a list. Either way, you might be better served setting their proposal aside and moving to the next one.
Remember that it's your home and your investment, and that you should feel comfortable before you place your money into the hands of any contractor. Check references, but also ask for proof of insurance and ask to see a portfolio. If you're satisfied with what you see, you'll most likely have a good landscaping experience.
Jeff Pozniak is the president of Stonehenge Brick Paving & Landscaping, in Wisconsin. Jeff began working in the landscaping industry in 1985, and also administrates a landscaping discussion forum, the Ground Trades Xchange.
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