You’ve spent months—or even years—collecting inspiration photos online and in catalogs. Now you’re ready to take the next step and hire a landscape contractor. But with pricing all over the place and quality that’s hard to judge from a website, how are you supposed to make the right choice? Why is one estimate surprisingly high, while another seems impossibly cheap? And does choosing someone in the middle even guarantee a good outcome?
Stick around. Below are practical, actionable steps to help you double-check any company you’re considering and ensure you’re hiring a trustworthy, qualified contractor.
TL;DR - Hiring a Landscape Contractor or Designer
- Always research contractors before hiring—quality, experience, and reliability vary widely.
- Visit past projects in person, ask for referrals, and speak directly with previous clients.
- Verify warranties, certifications, and whether their pricing realistically matches the scope of work.
- Extremely low bids are often red flags and commonly lead to expensive failures later.
- Proper construction prevents long-term issues; choosing the right contractor saves money and stress in the long run.
- Do your homework, ask questions, and hire carefully to avoid costly regrets.
Actionable Steps You Should Take Before Hiring Any Contractor
1. Review Past Work — In Person When Possible
Always ask to see projects the contractor has completed. Pictures can be deceiving, so visiting actual sites gives you a true sense of their craftsmanship. Look for consistency, quality, and attention to detail.
2. Ask for Referrals — And Actually Contact Them
Speak directly with past clients and ask questions such as:
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Was the company professional and knowledgeable?
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Was the work built to last?
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Did the project finish on time?
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Were there unexpected charges not communicated upfront?
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Was the craftsmanship to your expectations?
These conversations can reveal more about how a company operates than anything you’ll find online.
3. Understand the Contractor’s Warranty or Guarantee
A reputable contractor stands behind their work. Ask what type of guarantee they offer and what it covers.
4. Look for Industry Certifications
Certifications demonstrate training and professionalism. Examples include:
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ICPI or NCMA for hardscaping
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Aquascape Certified Contractor for water features
Certifications show a commitment to proper construction techniques and ongoing education.
5. Educate Yourself on Realistic Pricing
Homeowners often underestimate the true cost of outdoor living projects. If a quote seems too low, it usually is. Cheap work often leads to expensive repairs later.
Many homeowners who choose the lowest price end up spending twice as much to fix poorly installed projects.
When Poor Construction Becomes an Expensive Mistake
A real example: a retaining wall built with improper techniques collapsed five years later. One small construction flaw led to a complete project failure—an expensive problem that could have been avoided with proper installation.
We’ve seen homeowners receive three bids where the lowest was literally one-tenth of ours. After reviewing material and labor costs, one homeowner realized the cheapest estimate wouldn’t even cover one-quarter of the materials—let alone equipment or labor.
Another homeowner hired a low-cost contractor for a large outdoor living space. Within two years, major failures appeared. An expert from the product manufacturer confirmed improper installation. The homeowner ended up spending three times the original amount to tear everything out and rebuild it correctly. Ten years later, the rebuilt project is still functioning beautifully.
We Share This to Help You Avoid Costly Regrets
These stories aren’t meant to scare you—they’re meant to offer perspective. Not every contractor is the right fit for every homeowner, and that’s perfectly okay. But we want you to succeed in creating your dream outdoor space, without the financial and emotional frustration of a failed project.
Take your time. Ask questions. Do your research.
And if you ever want guidance or a second opinion, we’re always here to help.
You can reach out anytime—or message us on Facebook if that’s easier.
Cheers, and good luck with your project!
