If you are planning an overhaul of your garden and plan to hire a landscape designer or architect, you will presumably want to be certain that they are capable of completing the project. Where many people struggle at this point because hiring landscaping professionals is not an everyday occurrence; they are unsure how to go about vetting potential candidates.
There are several ways this can be done, but the simplest, and in many cases, the most effective, is to ask a series of questions to those you are considering. From their answers, you should be able to assess their suitability and possibly even get a feel for which one you think is going to be most suited to the landscaping design you want. Here are 10 questions that you can use for this purpose. Note that some questions will follow on from answers to previous ones.
Question #1: What Services Do You Provide?
You first want to know that any landscape designer you employ offers the range of services you need. Specifics can include designing, architecture, planning, materials sourcing, building the design and project oversight. In most cases, it is better to deal with one landscaping company than several.
Question #2: Do You Offer A Consultation Before Confirmation Of Hiring You?
Before you commit, some landscape design companies will allow for a paid consultation so that you get the chance to hear their ideas and get a feel as to whether they are right. The fee you pay is worth it if it means you choose the right one.
Question #3: Can I See Any Of Your Previous Projects?
The only reason the answer to this should ever be ‘No’ is client confidentiality, and even then they should have images. If they say, “Yes”, it allows you to see and assess their previous work – many landscape architects will have their best work on show on their website.
Question #4: Do You Have Testimonials And Professional Accreditation?
Many of the top landscape designers and architects belong to professional bodies and may even be members of the local chambers of commerce. Testimonials from previous clients can provide reassurance that they provide an excellent service.
Question #5: What Ideas And Suggestions Do Have For My Garden?
This will give you an indication as to how imaginative they are which bodes well for a unique and eye-catching landscape design. It may also give you a choice of designs if they have more than one idea.
Question #6: Can You Outline Your Process From Initial Consult To Completion?
It is always reassuring when a landscape designer can give you an outline of the process they follow. This shows that they plan and follow a proper process, rather than a haphazard one that can lead to delays and unexpected issues.
Question #7: What Is Your Price Quotation For The Project?
Any professional landscaping designer will always be able and willing to provide you with a written price quotation. You want this to be itemised so that you can assess each element of the plan and the work that is to follow.
Question #8: Are There Ways I Can Reduce The Cost?
With an itemised quotation you can now ask whether any elements can be excluded or adjusted to reduce the cost, which is especially important when working to a tight budget.
Question #9: What Is The Estimated Timescale For Completion?
You should always expect to have a timescale within which the landscape design company expects the project to be completed. Allow for some flexibility, as unexpected delays can happen, but normally you should expect this to be reasonably accurate.
Question #10: What Level Of Maintenance Will I Need To Undertake?
Finally, you will want some guidance as to the maintenance of your landscaped garden. This should include specific maintenance, timescales, and which tools and additional resources will be needed.