Beginning a landscaping project can be an exciting and rewarding experience, transforming your outdoor space into a beautiful, functional oasis. However, when it comes to structural landscaping, hiring a structural landscaper who understands the intricacies of working with different challenges, materials, and techniques is essential. In this quick guide, we will help you confidently hire a structural landscaper, ensuring you get the best value for your investment and a stunning result that enhances your property. So, let’s dive in and explore the key steps to finding the perfect structural landscaper for your project.
The Landscaper Essential Checklist
The following checklist will help you identify the essential qualities and skills to look for when hiring a structural landscaper.
Relevant experience: A seasoned professional will have more than one year of experience in the field. Moreover, they should be able to provide references from previous clients and examples of recent work on their website. Also, look for local professionals. Their knowledge of local suppliers, quarries, available machinery and soil conditions is invaluable.
Credentials: Ask about their qualifications, certifications and licenses. This includes having an accredited degree or diploma in landscape architecture or horticulture from an institution recognised by the Australian Government’s Tertiary Education Quality Standards Agency (TEQSA). They may also hold membership with professional associations. Plus, landscapers must be licensed in NSW to carry out work valued at over $5000.00.
Insurances: Before hiring a structural landscaper, ensure they have Public Liability insurance and Worker’s Compensation.
Hiring a Structural Landscaper – The Process
Once you’ve found a few candidates, schedule an initial consultation with each. First, you need to meet them in person and discuss their ideas for the job. During this meeting, ask direct questions about their business experience. So, questions such as:
- How long they’ve been in business?
- How many projects like yours they’ve completed before (and where)?
- What is their experience level working on homes like yours (or similar)?
- Do they have any references from previous clients who live nearby?
All these questions will help ensure that you’ll be comfortable working together. Finally, during your meeting, be clear with your goals and set a timeline that works for both parties.
