When transforming your outdoor space, choosing the right hardscape contractor is crucial. A professional brings specialized tools and expertise to turn your yard into your dream outdoor oasis. Since your project’s quality depends on the contractor you select, consider these four essential qualities when making your choice:

1. Good Reputation
2. Proper Training and Experience
3. Sense of Professionalism
4. Guarantees Craftsmanship

Let’s dive a little deeper.

Good Reputation

First and foremost, the hardscape contractor you hire should have a terrific reputation among their clientele. Ask a prospective hardscape contractor for a few references from satisfied customers. Be sure to ask these references about their experiences to clarify your expectations for working with this contractor from the design to installation stages. Additionally, do your own research by searching for online reviews to find unbiased opinions from previous customers. To consolidate:

• Call past clients to hear about their actual project experiences
• Read online reviews that specifically mention reliability, cleanup practices, and how well they explain costs
• Check with Better Business Bureau or local contractor associations for complaints

Proper Training and Experience

Before hiring a hardscape contractor, you should ensure their knowledge and expertise match the kind of hardscaping project you’d like done. For proper installation, many hardscaping projects require certifications that call for hours of additional training. Ask a prospective contractor whether they have the correct certifications to install patio hardscaping along with retaining walls and other structures.

Another way to guarantee a contractor’s craftsmanship is to look at their latest finished hardscaping jobs. You’ll be able to judge their execution on other homes to determine whether their workmanship is worthy of your money. Checklist:

• Confirm they have ICPI or NCMA certifications for hardscape installation
• Ask to see photos of recently completed projects similar to yours
• Request addresses of local public installations you can view from the street

Sense of Professionalism

The sign of an experienced and successful contractor is that they handle business professionally. Contractors should have the licenses necessary to perform their jobs and insurance in case of an accident or mishap. Seasoned workers will also offer you a contract with an itemized breakdown of costs for complete trust and transparency.

A true professional will know local regulations and the best construction materials for your area’s climate. If the building material they use requires a permit, professional hardscape contractors will handle the task in a timely manner before starting installation. Your checklist:

• Verify they have proper business licenses and liability insurance
• Request a detailed written contract with clear itemized costs
• Ensure they’ll obtain all necessary permits before starting work

Guarantees Craftsmanship

We recommend looking for a hardscape contractor that offers a guarantee of a job well done. When you hire a hardscaping professional, you expect their work to withstand for several years to come. If a contractor doesn’t offer a warranty, it’s a sign they don’t expect their materials to last a long time. Look for any sort of guarantee before making an investment in your property.

If you live in the central Pennsylvania area, look no further for expert hardscape contractors than A Plus Landscaping. Our knowledgeable team of professional designers and install specialists are certified and professional and can guarantee a quality outcome for your dream outdoor space. Contact us today for more information or with any questions. Take note:

• Get a written guarantee covering materials and workmanship for at least 1-2 years
• Avoid contractors who won’t provide any warranty on their installation
• Ask specifically what’s covered in their guarantee and for how long