A landscaping project is an investment that can pay off not only in a home’s value but in the homeowners’ quality of life. To ensure the potential of your landscaping investment, it is important to work only with landscaping companies that anticipate the type of logistical issues that can affect any Macomb, MI, landscape project.
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Project Scope
The first logistical issue a landscaping company may address is the project scope, especially when challenges such as drainage or poor soil are present. Landscaping companies rarely view any project as “just another patio install” because every property is different. Failing to understand the scope of the project, its constraints, and site challenges can be disastrous. If an inexperienced contractor can’t handle the scope of the project but agrees to do the project anyway, the homeowner could face the risk of unnecessary added costs, shoddy workmanship, or even job abandonment. Even for the most experienced of landscaping companies, unexpected delays and issues can occur when outdoor work is involved.
Landscape contracts tend to include materials, labor, overhead, contingencies, and provisions to protect the client and the contractor. Many contracts are fixed (or “lump sum”), but that can present potential risk to the company itself if proper planning for the unique challenges of the project did not occur. At the same time, fixed/variable format contracts, where certain parts cover fixed costs and other parts are subject to change, can create financial surprises to the homeowner later on in a project.
As much as possible, the landscaping company needs to determine the availability of labor, materials, as well as rental of specialized equipment (and/or hiring subcontractors) before the work begins. Reputable landscapers may leverage the expertise of specialized professionals who can accurately estimate potential hidden costs.
Utilities
The placement of existing utilities can present a logistical challenge especially with older homes that were built before stricter regulations were put in place. Good landscape companies never assume that utilities are placed where they “should” be placed. A call to the utility companies may be required to determine their precise placement.
Equipment Needs
It can be extraordinarily difficult to try to rent heavy equipment at the height of the busy season. You may want to inquire with the landscaping companies you evaluate whether they own their equipment outright or have long-term leasing agreements.
Zoning and Permits
Not all landscape projects require permits or zoning modifications, but those that do should be addressed well before breaking ground to prevent delays, which can have a domino effect on the landscaping company’s other clients. Experienced landscaping companies that service Macomb, MI, homes are well attuned to the latest requirements when constructing landscape features like walkways and patios.
Most logistical challenges can be prevented or addressed early in the process. Only work with a landscape company that asks questions and conducts a thorough site visit before bidding on your project. At Decra-Scape, we listen to your needs, and we also ask the questions that help us understand your project and its unique challenges; and we are committed to delivering exceptionally high-quality landscapes within your timeline. Give us a call today!
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