“I always tell people, the first thing you should do is look out to the street at his trucks,” says owner Bill Healy. “Did he have a sign on his truck? Also, did he hand you a business card? Those are the two things you should consider first when a landscape contractor shows up at your house.”
Bill recommends that customers pay close attention to these outward signs of professionalism. They are strong indicators of competence and reliability. “Did he come prepared? Was he on time? Was he polite? These things all matter,” he says.
Of course, so does experience. The Bay Area is full of workers who bill themselves as “handymen”—supposed jacks of all trades who will turn down no project, whether they’re genuinely qualified or not.
“A professional contractor, a landscaper, will have that professionalism to get the job done correctly the first time,” says Healy. “And those guys are few and far between. If you hire a handyman to build a six-foot high retainer model or put in a waterfall, it's possible you’re going to have a disaster on your hands.”
He recommends steering clear of aggressive salespeople who push too hard to close a deal quickly. What you want is information, not pressure. Be leery of anyone who spends more time talking than listening.
“The first time they come to your house, they should be asking questions—what are you looking for, what is your dream? ” In other words, look for professionals who focus on your needs, not their own. And while most homeowners will need to work within a budget, Healy recommends against making decisions based on cost considerations alone. No amount of money can compensate for a job done poorly, he says.
When selecting a landscaping company, the single most important criterion is trust. You need to feel you’re hiring a professional you can rely upon; someone committed to dealing with you openly and in good faith. Respectful, two-way communication is vital. While price is obviously important, it can’t drive your ultimate decision. Above all, you need to feel comfortable with the landscape contractor choice you make.
