If you are looking to hire a professional landscaping company for your commercial property or HOA landscape needs, it’s important to ask the right questions upfront during the interview process to ensure you hire the right team for the job. Here are seven key questions to ask before making a hiring decision:
1. What experience do you have with commercial and HOA landscaping projects?
Hiring a professional landscaper can make a world of difference in the appearance of your community and commercial property. However, it is important to choose a reliable and experienced landscape company to ensure quality work. One key factor to consider is the number of years the company has been in business. A contractor with a decade of experience serving large commercial properties and HOA communities is likely to be more reliable than a new business owner. This is because an established company has a proven track record with clients and has experience working with different types of landscape projects. Therefore, be sure to ask about their experience and choose someone with a solid reputation in the industry.
2. Can you provide references from similar projects you have completed?
When it comes to maintaining your HOA or commercial property, choosing the right professional landscaper is crucial. To ensure that you hire a reliable and trustworthy company, it is essential to ask for references during the interview process. Take the time to visit these properties, evaluate how they are maintained, and speak directly to the provided references.
By asking for references you can be sure you are selecting a professional landscape company that meets your needs and expectations, avoiding unpleasant surprises.
3. What services do you offer and what is included in your contracts?
As a commercial property owner, you need more than just lawn maintenance. You should consider other services such as hardscaping, commercial construction, maintenance, seasonal enhancements, irrigation, and tree care. These services not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your property but also ensure its functionality and longevity. When seeking bids from a commercial landscape company, the contractor should provide a comprehensive contract offering turnkey services, such as the ones listed, giving you peace of mind that your property is in good hands.
4. What is your pricing structure and how do you handle unexpected costs or changes in the project?
Once you have created your landscape maintenance budget, your landscape service provider needs to be clear on their pricing structure and how they handle unexpected costs or projects. It’s also important to make sure that any estimate provided is in writing and given after a thorough walk-through of your property.
An experienced landscape provider should take the time to listen to your needs and answer any questions you may have, while also making personalized suggestions for your property. This way, you can be sure that the estimate provided is completely tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
5. How do you handle communication and updates throughout the project?
In commercial landscaping, communication is crucial for building long-lasting relationships. A reliable commercial landscape company recognizes that understanding the client’s needs and concerns is just as important as the physical labor they perform. When interviewing a commercial landscape company, ask how they plan to keep an open line of communication. Will they schedule weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly meetings with you to discuss upcoming projects, review progress on existing ones, and address any concerns or issues? Will you have one main point of contact to ask questions, alert of a problem or address additional projects and estimate requests to? Open communication can ensure that your property always looks its best and that you receive the service you expect.
6. What is your process for ensuring timely and reliable service?
One key area to focus on is the company’s scheduling process. Ask the company how they prioritize their clients and ensure timely service. Additionally, inquire about their availability during peak seasons and how they handle unexpected delays or emergencies. By asking these important questions, you can be confident that you’re selecting a reliable and efficient landscape company that has experience working with a multitude of clients, has a solid scheduling process, and can even prioritize your needs in the event of an emergency.
7. What is your approach to sustainability and environmentally friendly practices?
As property managers become increasingly aware of the importance of eco-friendly practices, it is best to partner with a professional landscape company that shares the same vision. When interviewing potential companies, make sure to inquire about their sustainability practices and how they prioritize minimizing their impact on the environment. A reputable landscaper should be able to explain how they incorporate environmentally-friendly techniques, including recommending native plants, using green lawn equipment, and creating resilient landscapes that conserve water. By selecting a landscape company that prioritizes sustainability, property managers can ensure they are doing their part to protect the planet while maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces.
By asking these questions, you can ensure that you hire a professional landscape company that is experienced, reliable, fits your specific needs, and budgetary requirements. Don’t hesitate to do your research and ask for references and examples of previous work to ensure that you hire a team that you can trust to deliver high-quality results.
If you are ready to see what Terry’s Landscape can do for your HOA community, commercial, industrial, municipal, or retail landscape, start the conversation today. Fill out this quick form, or call us at 713.574.0058