- Ask for References, and Photographs of recent work.
- BEWARE of contractors who demand a large deposit up front! Disreputable Contractors "Lock in" a naive homeowner by demanding a sizeable deposit before even beginning the job. This allows the contractor to overbook, and string along the homeowner, who is reluctant to lose their deposit by cancelling.
- BEWARE of contractors promising immediate start dates. Each Spring we are swamped with work, as is any reputable Landscape Professional. We strive to provide prompt estimates, and to schedule the work in an equally timely fashion. Weather delays may affect scheduled work, but you can depend our promise to keep you updated on any schedule changes. We fail to win a certain number of contracts each Spring, simply because another bidder promises to begin before we can.
- At FARDA LANDSCAPING & EXCAVATING , you can be sure that we offer honest timetables for completion of work, and if weather or material delays are unavoidable, we are in touch with our clients in advance, keeping them updated on start dates. We require a $100.00 deposit to schedule the work, and then a fair payment schedule is clearly outlined -- AS THE WORK PROGRESSES!
- In our 20 plus years in this business, we have been saddened to witness consumers accepting the "low bidder" and receiving a sub- quality job! We are often called in to correct or "Redo" work completed by an unprofessional Landscaper.
- Our best advice is to have a clear plan for the work that you intend, understanding the drainage and soil conditions, available natural light, animal populations, and then REQUEST BIDS FOR THE SAME JOB, WITH THE SAME SPECIFICATIONS, TO NOT MORE THAN 4 LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONALS. Obviously, different firms have different styles, and each bid cannot be a cookie cutter image of the other, but it is so important to compare APPLES to APPLES! Low bids may not be priced offering the same size or quantity Landscape plants, or hard goods. Mulch and soils should be specified by the cubic yard, not by the "load".
- You work hard for your money, DON'T SPEND IT TWICE FOR THE SAME JOB! By choosing a reputable professional landscaper, you can plan for the whole project, and complete the work in the appropriate order.
- At FARDA LANDSCAPING & EXCAVATING , we understand that Rome wasn't built in a day. We can determine your wish list, and complete the work in the stages that your budget allows. For example, clients with newly constructed homes may be hoping to get rid of the "MUD" with a new lawn, and then complete foundation and other plantings next season. Allow us to draw a Landscape Plan with your entire goal for, and then we'll work together to prioritize the stages as your budget allows! Our drawings are available on a "NO OBLIGATION" basis. The typical cost is approximately $350.00,payable on delivery, and should you decide to place your confidence in FARDA LANDSCAPING & EXCAVATING to complete the work, we will cheerfully deduct the cost of your drawing from the total job. A professional drawing is one of the most important steps in obtaining comparable bids. This allows you to obtain bids from several professionals, on the "SAME JOB". Don't settle for vague descriptions, Insist on knowing what you will be delivered for your hard earned dollar.
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