In many areas of the country, spring has already sprung. Even those still battling icy conditions can tell that it’s just around the corner. Time to get your outdoor living spaces ready for company! If you’re considering an outdoor living makeover, there are a number of factors to consider in choosing the right contractor. Get some tips on making the right choice for your project.
WHAT’S THE ADVANTAGE TO CHOOSING A BELGARD AUTHORIZED CONTRACTOR?
We take the Belgard name very seriously and hold contractors to rigorous standards. When you choose a Belgard Authorized Contractor, you can trust that the contractor is an experienced professional who is certified in hardscape installation techniques and is properly licensed and insured. By visiting our locator web page at www.Belgard.com/locator, you can find Belgard Authorized Contractors and Dealers near your zip code location and can even narrow your search by distance or by types of services offered. If your contractor is not Belgard Authorized, be sure to ask which certifications your contractor carries and whether he or she is a member of their local landscape association. This will at least be a good sign that they are committed to education and are up on the latest trends.
SHOULD I ASK TO SEE REFERENCES OR EXAMPLES OF PAST PROJECTS?
Absolutely! Ask to see photos of past projects both for design ideas and to get a sense of the contractor’s level of creativity and expertise. Even better, you may want to get an address or two and check out the workmanship up close. You will, of course, need the property owner’s permission first. But don’t be afraid to call the contractor’s references and ask tough questions about work ethic and accountability. At the very least, be sure to check out the contractor’s website for testimonials and project photos. In this day and age, there is no excuse to not have a good website that represents your business. If the website is dated, that’s a good indication that the contractor is not overly focused on the details of running a great business.
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT THE DESIGN PROCESS?
The more complex the project, the more important the design process. While it might not be necessary to see a design rendering on a simple patio, an outdoor kitchen or multi-level terrace is a different story. A design sketch or rendering will ensure that you and your contractor are both on the same page, reducing the chance of miscommunication. Belgard Authorized Contractors have access to 3-D renderings with fly-through animation through the Belgard Design Studio, which will give you a realistic vision of your future space, including furniture placement and how hardscaped areas will look with your existing home, exterior structures and landscaping. Be sure to ask if your contractor charges a fee for design and consultation. Depending on the size of the job, some contractors do charge a fee; however, this should be perceived as a good sign and indicates they have the experience and reputation to justify this expense. These fees are almost always deducted from the final cost of the job, but be sure and clarify that upfront.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I ASK A POTENTIAL CONTRACTOR?
- Will their team manage aspects like landscaping, plumbing, irrigation and lighting – or will you be expected to handle this separately?
- What’s the estimated start date and turn-around time?
- What are the payment terms and options? Belgard Authorized Contractors also have access to the Belgard Preferred Payment same-as-cash financing program, which could help you build sooner or expand the scope of your project without overtaxing your financial resources.
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6 comments
I do like how you encourage your readers to actively ask the hardscape contractor for example of their prior work. After all, if the customer is going to pay the contractor to build a patio or grill pit, then they’ll want to know that they’ve done it before. Seeing a few examples of the contractor’s previous work can also ensure the customer that they are working with a legitimate, professional contractor.
This summer my husband and I are hoping to have a patio built. We want to make sure that it is built properly and that the design will match our lifestyle. As you suggested, it’s a good idea to ask for photos of past project to get design ideas and see the contractor’s style. Thanks for sharing!
My wife and I will be adding a swimming pool and looking for a contractor with experience in both pools and hardscaping. It is a must to have prior projects and reference before starting a project. Thanks for sharing.
Good luck! If you need help, visit http://www.belgard.com/locator.
Great tips , choose a hardscape contractor who will ensure a positive experience from start to finish and willing to work with your ideas.