Working With Landscape Contractors
By John C Wilkes III, Fri Dec 9th

Having a beautiful and functional landscape is every homeownersdream. Hi, My name is John C Wilkes III and I have worked in thelandscaping industry for over a decade. I achieved my degree inLandscape Architecture and went straight into the design andbuild sector. I have worked around all kinds of contractors andhave worked as a contractor myself. Now I'm ready to share myknowledge. My intention is to help all those interested inimproving their landscape so they might avoid some seriouspitfalls while fulfilling their landscaping dreams. We have allread articles similar to this one before and they all say thesame thing. They encourage you to get three estimates, checkreferences, and consult the BBB for each contractor you areconsidering. That's all fine and dandy, but I'm here to explainhow to deal with any contractor and get the results you want.First, you want to choose the contractor that's right for you.One popular theory says that there are three aspects toconsider. Those are timely service, quality work, and pricing.This theory states that you can't get all three aspects with thesame company. That is you can't get great quality work, fast, ata competitive price. There is some truth to this theory. Thatbeing the case you should decide what's most important to you.Do you need the job done fast or is it ok if the contractortakes a few weeks to complete? Are you only interested in topquality work or it it ok if it's a little rough in places? Andare you willing to pay top dollar or are you looking to get morefor less? You should consider these aspects thoroughly and thenfollow your instinct. Once you have chosen the contractor youwant to work with you should handle your payments to him verycarefully. After all that's really all that's motivating thecontractor to come to your house and do the work. Mostcontractors will demand a deposit of 1/3 or 1/2 of the total jobcost to put you on his schedule. You can go ahead and put downthis deposit, but you need the agreement in writing whichincludes all specifications of work to be done and the timeframe in which he will start and finish. Even if the contractormentioned some work he could do during consultations you hadwith him, if it's not in the contract then don't expect it toget done. Even something as small as pruning some shrubs orclearing an area should be specified. Also make sure thecontract has real time frames. If he says he can start in a weekand complete within two weeks then get it in writing. Ask for apenalty clause that says for every day that goes by outside ofthe time frame set he will deduct $100 from total job cost.Contractors are familiar with this clause and should agree toit. Once a job is halfway completed, some contractors will askfor another payment. If the payment schedule was broken intothirds and the work is going well then go ahead and pay thecontractor so he can complete the work. If things have gone verybadly to this point then don't pay and excuse the contractorfrom the job. When the job is almost completed the contractorwill ask for the final payment. This is where you have to bestrong. Make a list of all the details that have not beenfinished and tell the contractor he must finish the list beforeyou will pay him the final payment. If you are comfortable youcan pay him the majority of the final payment, but withhold 10%or so until the finishing list is completed. Do not pay thecontractor the total final payment if he is not totallyfinished. Remember he is working for the money no matter howwell you are getting along. Once he is paid he will go lookingfor the next paycheck from the next client. For more informationabout working with contractors and more landscaping informationmake sure you go to www.landscaperesolve.com. There you willfind more valuable information you should consider beforeworking to achieve your landscaping dreams.

About the author:My name is John C Wilkes III and I have worked in thelandscaping industry for over a decade. I achieved my degree inLandscape Architecture and went straight into the design andbuild sector.