Eight Tips to Find Your Next Outdoor Living Contractor
Avg. Read Time: 4 min, 30 sec
Creating the perfect outdoor living space is an exciting venture that can transform your home’s exterior into an oasis. The key to ensuring your vision comes to life as you imagine is choosing the right hardscape contractor.
Hardscaping involves the incorporation of different hard goods elements into your landscape, such as patios, retaining walls, walkways, water and fire features, and other outdoor living elements. Since these features are integral to the functionality and aesthetics of your outdoor space, selecting a contractor with the right expertise, experience, and vision is crucial. Here are eight tips you can use to find the right hardscape contractor for your project:
The Hardscape Highlights
Short on time? Here are this article’s key takeaways…
Understand and define your vision and goals for your outdoor living space. This includes the activities you want to host there, the frequency of the gatherings, and how many guests you want to accommodate.
Don’t undervalue the importance of a contractor’s communication skills. Good contractors understand that timely and accurate communication with the project owner leads to everyone being happy in the end.
Confirm if your project will require the use of subcontractors and where in the process their involvement will occur. Subcontractor availability and scheduling can severely impact your project’s timeline if not managed proactively.
Trust your gut when making your final decision. You should feel confident in your choice, not hesitant or doubtful of your selection.
1. Define Your Vision
Before you start reaching out to contractors, have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Whether it’s a cozy fire pit area, an elegant outdoor kitchen, or serene garden paths, understanding your goals will help you communicate your needs effectively and assess whether a contractor is the right fit for your project. Ask yourself a couple of questions to better define what you really want in an outdoor space and how you’ll use it night after night.
2. Perform Research and Seek Recommendations
Independent research of contractors has been made a lot easier with the Internet, but it’s hard to beat honest feedback from friends and family you trust. A healthy blend of both can help you zero in on the types of contractors you want to work with.
Online Research Look for local hardscape contractors with positive reviews on platforms like Houzz, Angi (formerly Angie’s List), and HomeAdvisor. Pay close attention to the feedback regarding their professionalism, timeliness, and quality of work. Spend some time on their websites (if applicable) to get a feel for the quality of their work.
Recommendations and Referrals Consult friends, family, or neighbors who’ve had similar work done. Personal recommendations can provide honest insights into a contractor’s process and results. Inquire with local landscape yards about which contractors they would recommend or find “certified contractors” on your preferred hardscape products manufacturers' websites. This can help provide a prequalified list of contractors.
3. Confirm Qualifications and Experience
Experience and qualifications are paramount in hardscaping. Look for contractors with:
- Relevant Certifications. Certifications from recognized industry organizations, such as the Concrete Masonry and Hardscape Association (CMHA) or the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), can indicate a commitment to professionalism and quality.
- Portfolio of Work. A portfolio or gallery of past projects can give you an idea of their style, quality, and versatility.
- Experience. Consider how long they’ve been in business and their experience with projects similar size and scope to yours.
4. Evaluate Communication and Professionalism
Your contractor should be someone you can communicate with easily and who understands your vision. During initial consultations, assess their:
- Responsiveness. Are they prompt in returning calls or emails?
- Clarity. Do they clearly explain processes, timelines, and costs? Do they make you aware of any subcontractors that will be needed and where in the process their involvement will occur? Subcontractor availability and scheduling can severely impact your project’s timeline if not managed proactively.
- Professionalism. Are they courteous, respectful, and eager to help you realize your vision? Are their trucks clean in appearance?
5. Ask for Quotes and Compare
Once you’ve narrowed down your list, ask for detailed quotes from each contractor. Compare not only the costs but also the scope of work, materials proposed, and timeframes. Remember, the cheapest option may not always offer the best value in the long term. Overwhelmed by the thought of creating a budget for your project? Our Building a Budget for Your Outdoor Living Space article can help you navigate this important component of your patio project.
6. Verify Insurance and Warranties
Ensure that the contractor has liability insurance and worker’s compensation coverage to protect you from any accidents on your property. Also, ask about warranties on their workmanship and the materials they use.
7. Check References
A reputable contractor should be willing to provide references. Take the time to contact these references and, if possible, visit the completed projects to see the quality of work firsthand.
8. Trust Your Gut
Finally, trust your instincts. You should feel comfortable and confident in your choice. A good contractor will not only have the skills and experience necessary but will also show enthusiasm for making your dream outdoor space a reality.
Finding the right hardscape contractor is critical to creating your ideal outdoor living space. By doing your homework, asking the right questions, and following these tips, you can select a contractor who’ll deliver a high-quality project tailored to your vision. Remember, the goal is to embark on this creative journey with a professional contractor partner who shares your enthusiasm and is committed to creating the outdoor living space of your dreams.