Three Crucial Tips To Consider When Working With A Landscaping Contractor
Landscaping industry in Australia makes over $6bn of revenue annually. There are different reasons people invest in landscaping. Some do it to improve the value of their home while others to reduce flooding. Many also perform landscaping for aesthetic purposes. Whatever your reasons, you need to hire a landscaping contractor for high-quality services. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a landscaping contractor.
Know Your Budget
The first step in finding a reliable contractor is comparing the rates and services of local landscapers. It would be best if you aimed for companies who offer different options valued at different prices. This way, you will be able to find an alternative that you can pay for. Look at the prospects' social media profiles, websites, and also review sites like Angie's List and Yelp.
One rule of thumb is to use at least 10% of your property's worth for landscaping. A well-designed garden will save you money. Make sure you discuss your budget and staging options with your landscaper throughout the design process to avoid hidden costs.
License
It's crucial to consider the team of professionals that will be working for you. You should ensure the team of professionals is experienced and licensed. Different states in Australia require professionals to have a special type of license if their job exceeds a certain budget.
For example, in New South Wales, landscapers who undertake work that's over $200 should have a license from the Office of Fair Trading. On the other hand, in the Northern Territory, no license is required for landscaping work. Determine the licensing requirements in your respective state when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Legal Issues
Another consideration you need to make when hiring a landscaper is whether you need to work on a contract basis or not. In many states, it's considered illegal if a contractor engages in a job that exceeds a certain value. In Queensland, work that's more than $3,300 should be based on a contract.
Other legal requirements for landscapers include business registration, BAS, OHS, and insurance. Additionally, ensure you work with a landscaper who's a member of Landscaping Australia and a renowned institute like the Australian Institute of Landscape Designers and Managers. Make sure you research on all the laws affecting landscapers and that you work with a contractor who meets all these standards.
Landscaping can be a worthwhile investment if done correctly. While you can perform simple landscaping tasks on your own, for complex projects and to get quality results, you should hire a landscaping contractor. To get the best contractor for your project research extensively and identify what you want. You should also review the team of experts you are working with and their equipment. Last but not least, make sure you work with an insured contractor.
For more information, reach out to a local landscaping contractor.