As winter starts to melt away, it is only natural for homeowners to turn their thoughts toward improvement projects that will help them to better enjoy their backyards during the warmer months. While the start of your landscaping or construction installation project may yet be a few months off, it is never too early to begin the planning process. Proper planning with your contractor lays the foundation to help ensure that you are happy with the finished product!
Here are five tips to help you through the planning process for your next construction installation project:
- Find a contractor early
Once the real spring weather hits, homeowners start to scramble to find the right contractor for their project. But if you begin shopping around now, you’ll find this part of the process much easier. Only work with contractors that are licensed and insured – and if the project is a landscaping one, be sure that they are members of Landscape Ontario.
Any contractor worth hiring should be able to provide you with a written estimate, photographs of their work and references or testimonials from satisfied clients.
- Have a thorough consultation
After choosing your contractor, a consultation to discuss and plan your project is vital. This is your best opportunity to discuss exactly what your vision is and ask any questions you may have. Remember to be open minded though, as your contractor may be able to offer some ideas that could work better with the space that you have available.
- Set a base and a maximum budget
It is very important that your contractor understands what kind of budget they have to work within. It is possible that your dream project may not be achievable with your budget, but an experienced contractor should be able to propose another plan that you may like just as well without breaking your bank. Setting aside some “extra” budget is recommended in case any unexpected costs arise during the installation.
- Have realistic expectations about the timeframe
Your contractor should be able to give you a time estimate on when the project should be completed but some things like supply and delivery of materials or weather may extend the estimated timeframe. If, for example, you are planning something like a wedding reception in your backyard, you need to make sure that your contractor is aware of this, and let them inform you as to whether they can guarantee the completion of the project by your deadline.
- Avoid mid-project changes
One sure way to increase the cost and the timeframe of a landscaping or construction project is to make changes to the scope of the project once work is already underway. While a good contractor will do their best to accommodate such requests, it is in the best interests of all concerned, to set a plan and stick to it.
Like most things in life, the key to a successful landscaping or construction installation project is good planning. If you are ready to start the planning process for you next backyard project, then contact Envision Landscapes today.