Your commercial property is a significant investment, and you want it to look even better with great landscaping. You may even have a landscape contractor in mind already. How do you ensure that you are hiring the right commercial landscape contractor? You may have a lot of questions, and that’s a good thing. Before you commit to hiring, do your homework and ask the important questions. Consider these questions and listen to the answers given before any contract is signed.
How Long Have You Been In Operation?
This is a question that aims to find out the landscape contracting company’s experience. It’s important to hire a company that has experience working with similar-sized companies as yours and is knowledgeable and equipped to handle the specifics of maintaining a commercial property. Avoid new landscape companies who may use your business as a practice run. Opt for a landscape contracting company that has, at minimum, five years of experience.
What Type of Insurance Coverage Do You Possess?
It’s crucial that the contracting landscape company have the proper coverage to limit liability on your part. You don’t want to be responsible for any injury that may happen on your property. Ensure that the company has workers’ compensation coverage and liability insurance and that the coverage information is included in the contract. Don’t hesitate to request proof of insurance, such as a certificate of insurance (COI).
Do You Work With Subcontractors?
Knowing who ventures on your property and who to hold responsible for a botched job is important. It’s not uncommon for landscape companies to use different subcontractors, making it a challenge to know who should be held accountable. Don’t expect prompt or reliable answers from subcontractors when you have concerns or questions. Do you really want to spend time tracking different workers? Be sure that they employ the potential contracting landscape company’s crew, invests, and hold themselves accountable for their work.
Is Communication Prioritized?
How and how often your commercial landscape contractor communicates is crucial. You have a business to run and, thus, a tight schedule, which means you hardly have time for anything else. It’s key that the landscape company keep you informed of the services performed and the date and time. Plus, the company should respond promptly to any questions or concerns that you may have. They should be there for you, and that could take the form of an assigned and reliable account manager who will make site visits to you and regular phone calls and ensure top-notch service by working with the landscaping crew.
Can You Provide References?
The answer to this question should be something like, “absolutely”. Any reputable landscaping company that is known for its excellent work and service will gladly give the references. They should have no problem with you talking to their current clients. You want to know what they think about your prospective commercial landscaper. Ask these clients questions related to reliability, communication, and dependability.
Do You Offer Full Service Or Maintenance Only?
The needs of your commercial property are likely plentiful, including essential services like lawn care and landscape maintenance. You may find that later down the road you that other needs may emerge. Maybe you want to enhance the property with some hardscape features, or during the winter months, you may require ice and snow management. You want to hear the prospective contractor say they offer complete service.
How Are You Different From Other Companies?
This is where you dig to find out what sets the prospective commercial landscape contractor apart from all the other companies out there. This is a question of “why are you the best option?” The company should have a list of things that answer this question. This is the final sell on their part, and they should make you a believer. Look for answers about communication, technology, the best equipment, quality and friendly service, competitive rate, etc.
Looking for a contracting landscape company that will efficiently handle all your landscaping maintenance needs? GCS Outdoors is here to render top-notch service that you can depend on; all year round, we can ensure that your commercial property is well maintained and beautiful.