As the seasons shift to warmer weather, thinking of your dream outdoor patio can be an exciting yet taunting process.
Whether you have an existing outdoor patio to renovate or you are considering investing in a new one, choosing the right contractor is crucial to make sure your investment is adequately spent.
This guide will help you:
• Choose a trustworthy landscape construction contractor.
• Align your project’s goal with the contractors work style.
• Use key metrics to determine trust with the contractor.
• Ensure they have a good industry reputation and digital presence.
Let’s get started!
Choosing the right outdoor patio contractor
Choosing the right outdoor patio contractor is the most important step in this process.
In Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire there is a plethora of contractors to choose from, which can be overwhelming if this is your first outdoor living project.
However, here are six tips to help you find the right contractor for your needs.
Set your project goals
First, it is important to give yourself a clear vision of your outdoor patio as it will provide a foundation to match with the right contractor. For example, are you looking for a concrete patio? or custom design with interlocking pavers? Do you like round patio designs or more symmetric?
Writing down your goals and ideas will not only help you enhance your creativity, but also narrow down your research with contractors that match your vision and style of your patio project.
Look for your potential match
Once you have your outdoor patio envisioned, start looking for potential contractors. A good rule of thumb is to begin talking with people you trust and ask for recommendations, especially if they already had a contractor do work on their outdoor living space and are satisfied with their results.
Here are several points to consider when identifying the right contractor for you:
Make sure they have experience doing projects like your vision.
Ensure their costs are aligned with your estimated budget.
Look for their trustworthiness and good communication skills.
Determine how creative they are, especially if you are considering a custom design outdoor patio.
Review and research their qualifications
Next, you want to make sure you do your due diligence and research them thoroughly. Even if you are considering a small outdoor patio, it’s still an investment and you want to make sure your project is installed properly and to the highest standards.
If you’re not sure where and how to begin, here are the main categories you should consider prior hiring the proper contractor.
Check the contractors’ certifications and affiliations
Prior choosing the right contractor for your outdoor patio it can't hurt to check their affiliations and certifications with the industry and how long they have been in business.
Hiring someone who is current with industry trends, innovation, and education ensures you that the contractor has significant trade knowledge and support from reputable organizations.
Here are some examples of industry affiliations that you can investigate:
Certified Techo – Pros are contractors affiliated with Techo-Bloc who is one of the leading manufacturers of concrete pavers used for various applications including installation of outdoor patios.
Unilock Authorized Contractors (UACs) are also a trusted industry giant that verifies pro contractors with all aspects of outdoor living project installations.
National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) has a directory of certified and trained contractors in your area or across the country.
Ensure they are insured and licensed
You should absolutely stay away from contractors who don’t have sufficient liability insurance or bonding needs. Outdoor construction projects such as a patio can be risky, particularly with heavy equipment around your home.
How do you determine what is sufficient insurance liability? To put it in simple terms, their insurance should be able to cover the cost of your house.
Imagine if during the process of creating your dream outdoor patio, the contractor’s equipment accidentally knocks down a tree, hitting your house and causing significant damage.
It’s better to be safe than sorry, so researching the right contractor with adequate insurance can save you a big headache if you encounter an accident during the construction process.
Review the contractors’ digital presence
Finally, choose the contractor that has a solid and reputable digital presence. Find out if they invest well in their digital marketing strategies and if they feature current outdoor patio construction projects on social media.
Explore their website! Is it customer friendly? Does it have a seamless process to obtain a free consultation? Does it feature images of their own work? These are some great indications of their trustworthiness and position in the local market.
Check their business ratings and reviews. One great place you can start looking for is checking the Better Business Bureau to see if they have any positive or negative ratings. You should also Google the contractor to see how many reviews they have and what other homeowners say about their work ethic.
Talking to their past clients will be beneficial in your selection process. Whether it’s a neighbor, a friend, or co-worker who has used them before, their feedback will further narrow down the process and establish trust with the right contractor.
Ready to begin your outdoor patio process?
Follow this guide and you’ll be on the right path to find the best landscape contractor who will create your dream outdoor patio.
