No one ever entered a landscape renovation expecting a disaster, but we all know someone with a contractor horror story. Since your contractor is central to the success of your project, hiring a good one can make all the difference.
Once you start looking for a contractor, you’ll find all levels of experience and ability. Look for these five qualities that the Professional Landcare Network says are a must for qualified Gainesville Landscape contractors.
Experience
No business will be around long if it has a reputation for poor service, and that goes for contractors as well. You’ll want your landscaper to have plenty of experience handling projects like yours. Even better if most of those projects are based in Alachua County and you can talk to past clients and suppliers your contractor works with. Ask for a list of references.
We have a list of testimonials and references a mile long and are more than happy to provide contact information for any of them you would like to speak with about our work.
Licenses and insurance
Not all states require lawn service organizations to be licensed, but Florida does require a few: A State of Florida Department of Agriculture landscape license, An irrigation certificate, and a City of Gainesville business license are the minimum requirements. There are also certifications from PLANET for different services, certifications and college degrees for landscape design, horticulture, entymology and landscape construction, and many other trainings that differentiate one landscape company from the rest.
Also make sure your contractor has worker’s compensation and liability insurance to protect you in the event of an accident on your property. Many small contractors have workman's compensation "exemption" but do not actually have a policy to ensure your protection. Verify that your Gainesville lawn service and landscape technician have both liability and workman's comp. insurance.
TMLC has a landscape and ornamental license through the State of Florida, Business License from Alachua County, and Irrigation Certification for the State of Florida. In addition, the company is a GRU Partnering Contractor, Hunter Irrigation Preferred Contractor, is a member of PLANET and Project Evergreen, and has on staff certified landscape designers, certified landscape management personel, and Rainbird certified irrigation Technicians. We also carry both Workmans Compensation and a $2.5 Million Liability Insurance Policy for our client's protection.
No bad rap
Some states maintain a registry of contractors to keep records of any complaints. You can check to see if your state provides this information at www.usa.gov/directory/stateconsumer/index. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, Google Plus, and Angie's List to find out if any previous clients have filed complaints against your contractor.
Please read over our online reviews on all of the above sites. They can be found on free sites such as Google Gainesville Lawn Service Reviews and Yelp! Gainesville Landscape Reviews. Although you have to be a paying member at Angie's List, we can advertise that we were nominated for the "Page of Happiness" and "Super Service Award".
Cheapest is not always best
Remodeling is expensive, but that doesn’t mean you should try to save by automatically choosing the contractor with the lowest bid. In fact, you should be suspicious of a bid that is significantly lower, since it often means inferior materials or insufficient labor are being quoted.
We do not strive to be the cheapest company in Gainesville. We're quite the opposite. Our company goal is "To constantly exceed each customer’s expectations while setting the industry example for quality craftsmanship and professionalism," and it is absolutely impossible to offer that high level of service while cutting corners. Using cheaper plant material, cheaper equipment, and most importantly, minimum wage labor will rarely result in a grade "A" job. We hire trained and qualified landscape technicians that understand how to use quality materials and machinery to provide an excellent service that is a great value to our client.
Superior service
When it comes to your money, Dave Ramsey always recommend working with a professional with the heart of a teacher. You should expect this same level of service from your landscaper as well. That means your contractor will be accessible, answer all your questions, and take the time to explain procedures or problems you’re unfamiliar with. Your contractor should listen to your needs as the homeowner and not try to push you into decisions you’re not comfortable with.
During your initial appointment to go over your job's details, feel free to ask questions and get to know the owner of the company, Rusty Thompson. You will be able to see that it's more than just a job to him. This is his passion and providing superior customer service is at the root of every decision he makes.