Is my contractor properly insured?
Properly bonded companies will be able to provide you with proof of adequate insurance coverage which is specific to the type of work you’re having done. Of course, the certificate of insurance should match your contractor’s legal name or DBA name specify what services and dollar amounts are covered, as well as stating the dates for which the policy is in effect. Live Workman’s Compensation coverage should also be indicated in the event that someone is injured while working on your property.
What accreditations or certifications should a contractor have before performing work?
A Commercial Applicator’s License v.3.0, issued by the State of Wisconsin, is required and must be current for anyone who handles fertilizers and/or pesticides for hire, whether that individual is employed by a lawn maintenance or landscape installation contractor. Certification can be confirmed, as well as questions answered regarding the safe and proper use and disposal of property care chemicals, by contacting the State of Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection at (608) 224-4551. Design work should be performed by a registered Landscape Architect, trained to consider every variable and ordinance which applies to your property plan. In addition, look for staff members with the following certifications: Certified Landscape Professional, Certified Landscape Technician, Certified Irrigation Contractor, Certified Turfgrass Professional, or Certified Irrigation Contractor.
Can I see other work completed by my contractor at other sites or speak with previous customers?
It would be rare to encounter a contractor who hasn’t completed at least a few projects prior to your meeting. A qualified contractor should be willing and able to give you an address or two at which s/he has completed work. In many cases, the homeowner is willing to be contacted directly and offer a testimonial about the work performed by the contractor that you’re considering hiring. A good contractor shouldn’t resist your request for such information; after all, there is no more effective sales tool than a satisfied customer!
Does it matter if my contractor establishes a written contract with me?
As with any other major improvement or renovation performed on your property, a lawn or landscape service should enter into a written contract with each customer. The contract should include, at minimum, a detailed, written summary of work to be performed; a reasonably estimated time of completion; an agreed-upon price (or price range, in the presence of variables); and payment terms. Establishing a mutual understanding of what type of warranty will guarantee the finished work, as well as laying out how that warranty will be honored, are key criteria to be settled before the contract is signed. This common-sense step provides peace of mind, legal protections, and a clear, shared set of expectations for both the consumer and the contractor.
Is my contractor a member of any professional organization?
Individuals and businesses that are invested into and involved with the development of their industries or areas of expertise will naturally find means of expressing those values. Each state’s Landscape Contractors’ Association, the Wisconsin Pest Control Association, the Better Business Bureau, the New North, the Professional Land Care Network (PLANET), the Chamber of Commerce, and the Irrigation Association are just a few of the most recognizable affiliations for green industry businesses. Proudly displaying evidence of membership, additional certifications resulting from ongoing educational efforts, and proof of a company’s involvement in the efforts of its professional associations all speak volumes about a contractor’s level of professionalism within the industry!
What additional factors should I consider when choosing a contractor?
One important indicator of contractor professionalism is a commitment to ongoing renewal. Opportunities abound year-round for property care professionals, and even homeowners, to attend vendor- or manufacturer-supplied educational seminars. Of course, institutions like Fox Valley technical College in Appleton offer both individual classes and entire course groups which can lead to a variety of certifications.
Quality contractors work with quality vendors and receive their support. Does your contractor have the ability to bring manufacturer representatives or product supply reps on-site to evaluate and support the best routes to completing your project? What is the reputation of the product supplier(s) with which your contractor works? Will the product manufacturers or suppliers stand behind the quality of their products and the contractors who use them?
Should I hire separate contractors for the installation and maintenance of my landscape project or property in general?
As a general rule, landscape contractors either have their own maintenance division, or they subcontract the work to trusted lawn care partners. Some landscape projects call for specialty items like a large pond or waterfall, outdoor lighting, lawn sprinkler system installation or modification, or a multi-year maintenance agreement. In any of these cases, the primary contractor with whom you are working may be able to meet your needs with his/her own equipment and personnel; at times, s/he may find it in your best interests to subcontract certain aspects of the overall project to a contractor who specializes in the type of work in question. It’s a good idea to understand in advance how each phase of the project will be carried out, and by whom.
You can relay upon us to provide . . .
An immediate improvement in your company’s online visibility via our Association website
Regularly scheduled monthly meetings—all of which include a meal and an educational presentation
Strong support and encouragement from your colleagues within our shared industry and market
Opportunities for highly visible public advertising and community goodwill for your business
Invitations to group attendance at industry events
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