For most homeowners, the hardest part of any outdoor living space project isn't the work itself – it's finding a competent and reliable hardscape company to do the job. Installing retaining walls, pavers, and roof structures are straightforward tasks compared with the struggle of hiring a quality contractor who will perform at a high level from start to finish.
Everyone knows stories of horrendous contractors who tore apart the back yard and never returned or projects that ended up costing three times the contractor's original estimate.
"Unfortunately we come across these stories more than we’d care to." says David Connors, President of CKC Landscaping.
Even with a good contractor, building your dream outdoor living space can be stressful, expensive and involve unpleasant surprises, such as buried cement or structures that are revealed when excavating.
Here are some tips to find the right contractor while still keeping your budget – and sanity – under control.
• Know the scope of work before you get estimates, this way all estimates are comparable.
• Interview at least three contractors.
• Be realistic about availability, good contractors are in high demand so a wait is likely worth it.
• Ask what work will be done by subcontractors.
• Check licenses, in PA it’s called a HIC (Home Improvement Contractor) license.
• Check references.
• Read online reviews.
• Sign a detailed contract.
• Don't pay more than 10% of the total before the job starts.
• Talk to the contractor frequently.
• Verify insurance coverage.
• Final payment should not be made until project is finished.
It takes a lot of time to thoroughly vet a hardscape contractor before you hire them. But it’s time well spent. You’ll have years to enjoy a well-installed outdoor living space, years to appreciate the quality and workmanship that you deserve.