BBB Tip: Finding the right lawn care pro can save you time and money
(WHNT) — Spring is in full bloom, which means a lot of people are starting to work on their yards.
If you’re thinking of leaving it to the professionals by hiring a lawn care or landscaping company, there are some things to look out for to make sure you get the best bang for your buck and keep from falling for a scam.
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So, whether you’re focusing on landscaping, lawn maintenance or a sprinkler system (or all three), what’s the best place to start in the process of finding the best professional for your lawn care needs?
After deciding on your needs and your budget, Karen Reeves, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Serving North Alabama, says to start with researching and gathering information.
The best way to do that is by asking friends and neighbors who have lawns you admire.
The BBB’s website has profiles of businesses, including customer reviews and complaints, along with a list of BBB Accredited lawn maintenance companies.
Once you’ve found a few lawn care companies you’re interested in, there are several things to keep in mind.
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Before getting a quote, you should have a clear idea of what exactly you want to be done and define the area you want them to work on. When getting a quote, ask the company to do a lawn inspection.
According to Reeves, a company can’t know exactly what your lawn needs without seeing it in person.
Some companies offer free estimates, but others may charge a fee. The BBB said a fee can protect the company from customers who want to get the expert’s ideas and then implement them themselves.
When comparing quotes from different companies, it can be easy to just compare the numbers.
Remember that each company could be offering different services, and their quote may be broken down differently (per visit, per month, per year, etc.).
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This is a good time to also clarify exactly what services the company offers. These are some questions to ask:
Are you paying for a specific project or ongoing maintenance?
How and when is payment required (at the time of service, annually or monthly)?
What happens if it rains the day someone is supposed to come to mow your lawn?
Does mowing include edging?
Who bags and disposes of the clippings and other refuse?
What happens if you have a problem between contracts? Will the service calls be free, or is there a charge?
If you plan on maintaining the lawn or landscaping yourself after the company completes its work, it’s good to get detailed instructions from the professional.
One important step is to ask the company for references (previous clients) and photos of other jobs the company has done.
It’s also beneficial to inquire about the professionals’ training, qualifications and possible certifications.
When it comes to licensing, it’s important to find out if the lawn care provider needs a license to work in your area. This protects you and the landscaper in case of accidents, injuries, or damage during the project.
You should also ask for a certificate of insurance from the business’s insurance agent.
Once you’ve decided on a company, make sure you get everything in writing and read all contracts and agreements carefully. Make sure the paperwork includes all topics discussed, promises made, discounts offered, refund policies, how the contract works and cancellation policies.
Also, the BBB suggests asking about timing and safety:
Will the work be done while you are home or away?
Are there safety precautions you need to take during or after work?
If pesticides are used, do you need to protect your family or pets?
Is the timing of the application good for the weather conditions?
Finally, it suggests you discuss payments (deposit, payment schedule, accepted payment methods), warranties and guarantees.
Reeves said that all of these steps to find the right lawn care professional can help you save time and money.
For more tips, visit the BBB’s website. If you have any consumer questions or concerns, call the Better Business Bureau of North Alabama at (256) 533-1640.
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