While KEENKUT LANDSCAPING is certain of it's commitment to quality and unsurpassed workmanship, it is important that you do some research of your own. Here are some helpful tips on selecting the right contractor for you:
- Be sure to ask for at least three references. Can you contact these references and inspect these jobs?
- Ask to see examples of their work, do they have a portfolio of pictures and letters qualifying them to perform the scope and type of work you want completed?
- Not every contractor is going to have a retail-style place of business; many, in fact, work out of an office in their home. This doesn't make them any less qualified or less skilled. More important are their job references, years in business, and insurance status.
- Speaking of insurance: ask to see their liability coverage and workmen's compensation insurance certificates, Are they legitimate and current?
- Comparison shop: get at least two but preferably three estimates from different contractors. Shopping apples to apples with like materials, installation specifications, designs, and warranties.
- Get a thorough proposal in writing. Be sure to include a complete description of the work to be performed, specific products to be used, warranty length and coverage, payment terms, and any other pertinent issues such as start and completion dates, demolition and excavation, paving and base materials to be used.
- Do not allow the use of "substitute materials," and be cautious of any written stipulations or clauses that permit their use.
- Especially important for larger jobs is to have the contractor put in writing the stipulation that all code requirements will be met and denote who will be responsible for obtaining the necessary permits.
- If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be suspicious of bids that are unrealistically low, and don't jump on a "bargain basement" price for materials, either.
- You get what you pay for. The use of lesser-quality materials, no matter how insignificant it may seem, will only come back to haunt you in the end. Do not cut corners to save a buck; you will regret it.
- Never, ever, ever pay in full for work until it has been completed to your satisfaction.
- Do they guaranty their work for at least one year? Will they return to inspect it before the warranty period has expired?
- Have they been trained by a manufacturer or by ICPI for interlocking paver installation? Do they have a written certificate of completion?
- Have they been trained by a manufacturer or by NCMA for segmental retaining wall installation? Do they have a written certificate of completion?
- In the end, it is up to you to decide whether a contractor is suitable for your particular job. With answers to these questions and others you might have, plus answers on how to know when the installation is being done right, you should be able to select a competent contractor!
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