Beaming sunshine and blooming plants may kick your spring fever into high gear when it comes to re-vamping your yard. Weed out shady outdoor contractors with these BBB tips:
- Figure out what the final picture looks like and then plan accordingly. Will you require lawn-care, a landscape designer, a concrete or paving contractor? If you are looking to re-model your yard, maintenance up-keep or fix a problem, you will have to seek out the appropriate contractor.
- Get it in writing. Written documentation will hold your landscaper accountable to agreements as well as provide clarity when it comes to billing and refund policies. Contracts should include start and completion dates, costs and payment plans and warranty information.
- Insist on an inspection before committing to a contractor. Ask the contractor to come out and inspect your property beforehand. That way they will have a clear picture as to what you are looking to accomplish and determine if they are capable of doing the work.
- Ask about liability insurance. By law, contractors are not required to carry liability insurance. But, if they don’t, you could end up liable for damage sustained to your property, or your neighbour’s property.
- Check licensing. Check for city/municipal and provincial licensing. Also ask if the contractor charges deposits. If so, they must have a Pre-paid Contractors License issued by Service Alberta.
For more information, visit bbb.org.
