Whether you are selling your home or just trying to enjoy some time outdoors, a beautiful facade will always increase the value of your property. That’s why hiring an experienced landscaper is an investment every homeowner should take. A well planned exterior is not only easy to maintain, it will also make your home have a desirable image.
If you are considering of hiring a professional landscaper or doing it on your own, here are some tips on how to get the most out of budget. (This post is sponsored by Sabba’s Landscaping)
Decide ahead of time what you want to be done.
Just like any home improvement project, a good plan for your home’s exterior look is a must. It will not only save you time, it will also prevent unnecessary expenses caused by miscalculation of materials or labor.
Get inspiration from magazines, gardening websites, Pinterest or even Instagram. Try to be as detailed as possible. What look am I aiming for? How will I use the space? What plants do I want in the space?
Remember, each component can affect the whole outcome of the project. The choice of plants for instance will determine what type of soil or gravel you will need. You will also have to consider the weather, location and topography.
The more you know what you want, the easier for the landscapers to do their job.
Ask for a quote not just an estimate.
This may seem like a play with words but it really does make a difference when it comes to the price. An estimate usually gives a rough idea on how much a certain work costs. More often contractors will give you a lower price to “lock in” the job. Once the project starts, additional expenses can pop up here and there.
A quote on the other hand is more specific. It will show what type of work to be done, how much materials are needed, the size of the property and even the time frame for the project. Usually a quote will say the exact labor costs and materials (if the landscaper is providing it too).
Here’s a extra tip. When asking for a quote, the contactor must visit the location. Also, show them your inspiration pictures. A local and experienced company like Sabba’s landscaping here in New Jersey will let you know if your ideas will be suitable for your location and local weather.
Check what other “perks” the contractor can offer.
One of the advantages of hiring local companies like Monmouth County Pavers is that they can provide several types of services to cater to your specific needs. Aside from landscape design and planting, they also provide pavers for walkways, mansonry and fencing.
Also, local businesses work with other local businesses. Ask if they know where to get more affordable plants, furnishings etc. Chances are you will get extra discounts from referrals.
Get at least three quotes from different companies and see if there’s a possibility for a price match.
Price match is not only limited to grocery or appliance stores. Most businesses including landscapers can try to match other company’s quote or add other services at a lower rate. For instance, a company may add lawn care and maintenance for half the price to its landscaping project. Some may provide the seedlings if you have a garden.
Having at least three quotes will let your contractor know that you do have an idea of the project’s current costs and you want value for your money. This will also help you decide which companies take pride in the quality of their work.
See if there are other projects that you can do yourself.
Do you like to take care of plants? Do you like to maintain a vegetable garden? Are you into carpentry? Don’t underestimate your hobbies.
It is easy to get carried away when making your project’s vision board and include everything in the contractor’s package. Sometimes you can save money (a lot!) if you’ll do some of the labor yourself. For example, you can ask your landscaper to just plant the bigger trees and leave room for you to add the smaller plants.
If you like to grow you own herbs from seeds, you can definitely use what plants you already have instead of buying new ones.
To sum up, updating your home is always an investment. Always remember to choose quality as it will pay off in the long run.
Hugs,
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