Landscaping businesses can be structured as either a sole proprietorship or a corporation. Corporations offer the most protection from legal liability, but they also have strict reporting requirements and can be expensive.
Choosing the right commercial landscaping services can boost curb appeal, attract customers and employees, and raise property values. To help you find the best fit, consider the following six questions to ask potential service providers:
Experience
When choosing a commercial landscaping service, consider their experience. Look for a company that has been in business for at least ten years. It’s also important to ask about their insurance and licensing. You don’t want to work with a fly-by-night contractor that may not be properly insured or licensed.
In addition, you should ask about their safety protocol. Please find out how often they inspect their equipment, how regularly they hold training sessions for their employees and what their other safety standards are.
Finally, it would help if you also asked for references from long-term customers. A company with loyal clients is a good sign that they are satisfied with their services and will be able to meet your expectations. Moreover, it would help if you looked for a company that is open about the projects, including backyard landscaping they have done in the past. For example, you should be able to see pictures of properties they have worked on. It will give you an idea of their style and quality of work.
Reputation
The right commercial landscaping company can enhance your business’s image and increase property value. A well-maintained landscape gives customers and clients the impression that you take pride in your business, which entices them to spend more on products and services.
When choosing a commercial landscaping service, look for a company that is open about their previous projects and willing to provide references. Check their website to see before and after pictures of their work and to learn what other services they offer.
Be sure to ask about the company’s worker policies. You want to ensure they use only reputable employees, not illegal labor. Also, find out whether they employ people through the H2B program or other immigrant worker temporary visa programs and if they E-verify and perform background checks on their workers. Ask if they assign a single account manager to each project. This prevents you from getting the runaround when communicating with your contractor and helps them stay familiar with your property’s needs.
Pricing
When commercial properties hire a landscaper, it’s important to understand the costs involved. The right pricing model can help ensure the company stays profitable without sacrificing quality or service levels.
Landscaping prices depend on several factors, including overhead costs and the type of work being done. For example, a company might charge more for labor if the project involves hardscaping because of additional materials and tools required. Overhead expenses include vehicle expenses, advertising, office rent, repair and maintenance, cell phones, devices, uniforms, accountants, and business insurance.
A good way to understand the pricing models of different commercial landscaping companies is to ask questions during informational interviews. For example, you should know if they’re charging for travel time or if there are other charges for specific services. In addition, you should find out how much they charge for subcontractors or other labor and if these additional costs are folded into the landscape contract quote.
Customer Service
A clean and beautiful business landscape creates a good first impression for customers. It shows that you care about the appearance of your property, and customers will take your company more seriously.
If you decide to hire a landscaping company, it’s important that they can answer any questions you may have about their services and pricing. They should also provide examples of previous projects and references from other clients.
Another factor to consider is whether or not the company has insurance. Ask for proof of liability, worker’s compensation insurance, and automobile and umbrella policies.
It’s also worth asking about the experience of working with the company. A single point of contact is best, and you want to avoid getting stuck in a phone tag game between different account managers.
