When it comes to choosing a landscape professional, the task can be rather confusing... so we've put together a page on what to ask and how to go about the process.
A beautiful well-kept landscape adds value to your home as well as your immediate neighbor's homes. Well designed landscaping can increase the value of your home dramatically. When it comes to selling your home, your front yard landscape is at the core of what "curb appeal" is all about - it's the first impression people will have when they see your home.
A landscaping service or landscape contractor can provide a variety of services. Some may just do monthly maintenance, others may do installation of sprinkler systems, walkways and decks, and others may strictly do landscape design or landscape architecture (design/build companies). And many companies provide some combination of these services.
Key Factors in Your Research Include...
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How long has the company been in business?
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How many employees do they have and how many of them will be working on your job?
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What languages do they speak (very important that you are able to communicate clearly with the lead contractor and/or employees)?
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What services do they provide and what are their specialties?
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Find out their contact information, hours of business and the best time to reach them.
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What professional affiliations they belong to (i.e. BBB, national or state landscaping associations, etc)?
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Are they licensed. Being certified by the state will mean that the service is accountable to you and operating legally. And it normally implies that the employees have passed tests which prove a higher level of education, professionalism, and quality of work.
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Are they insured. VERY important. If not insured properly, you could be liable for accidents or injuries during their time on your property. Make sure you check for proof of insurance (make a photo copy if need be). Make sure the company's name is on the policy, make note of what the policy number is, expiration date, insurance company's phone number, etc. It is wise to call the insurance company ahead of time and verify that the policy is valid.
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What guarantees do they have, what specifically is covered and the length of the guarantee?
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Get at least three references from them. Drive by the locations if at all possible and/or look at photographs of their work. Take notes if necessary. If you feel comfortable, contact the people they did work for and ask questions regarding their overall satisfaction, quality, and if they did what they agreed to do and in a timely manner.
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Make sure the company provides a written contract with details of your project clearly laid out and prices for each detail. If you can get a detailed graphical layout of the work as well, do so. Also get a quote on changes or possible problems or unseen factors that may arise during the job.
Our response to these factors
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How long has the company been in business? Since 1982
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How many employees do they have and how many of them will be working on your job? Cornerstone Employees over 250 employees, each job is evaluated as to how many employees are needed to do the job right.
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What languages do they speak (very important that you are able to communicate clearly with the lead contractor and/or employees)? We have both English and Spanish speaking employees both in the field and in the office.
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What services do they provide and what are their specialties? See our Services page, if you dont find what you need, please contact us. We are always able to help!
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Find out their contact information, hours of business and the best time to reach them. We have offices in Tampa, Dade City, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Sarasota. Our corporate office address is 14620 Bellamy Brothers Blvd Dade City, FL 33525. There is someone in the office from 6:30am till 6:00pm Monday though Friday. Our clients are also given an afterhours emergency contact.
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What professional affiliations they belong to (i.e. BBB, national or state landscaping associations, etc)? Please see our affliiations page.
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Are they licensed. Being certified by the state will mean that the service is accountable to you and operating legally. And it normally implies that the employees have passed tests which prove a higher level of education, professionalism, and quality of work. Please see our license page.
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Are they insured. VERY important. If not insured properly, you could be liable for accidents or injuries during their time on your property. Make sure you check for proof of insurance (make a photo copy if need be). Make sure the company's name is on the policy, make note of what the policy number is, expiration date, insurance company's phone number, etc. It is wise to call the insurance company ahead of time and verify that the policy is valid. Yes, we are fully insured. We will provide information upon request.
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What guarantees do they have, what specifically is covered and the length of the guarantee? Our guarantee depends on the type of work that is completed. We can provide more information upon request.
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Get at least three references from them. Drive by the locations if at all possible and/or look at photographs of their work. Take notes if necessary. If you feel comfortable, contact the people they did work for and ask questions regarding their overall satisfaction, quality, and if they did what they agreed to do and in a timely manner. We can provide information upon request.
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Make sure the company provides a written contract with details of your project clearly laid out and prices for each detail. If you can get a detailed graphical layout of the work as well, do so. Also get a quote on changes or possible problems or unseen factors that may arise during the job. We will provide you with a typed contract including details of your project clearly laid out with prices for each detail.
