What Should I Ask Before Hiring a Landscaper or Outdoor Contractor?

Ask what is actually included

Start with the scope. What work is included, what is excluded, what site preparation is assumed and which materials or allowances are being used? A clear written scope is more useful than a vague promise of a “complete job”.

Ask who is responsible for each part of the work

Multi-service projects can involve different specialists. Understand which person or business is providing each service and who you should contact about design decisions, scheduling, site access and changes.

Ask about licences, insurance and approvals where relevant

Different work can have different regulatory requirements. Where a licence, insurance, certification, engineering or approval is relevant, ask for the applicable details and confirm them before work begins.

Ask how changes are handled

Outdoor projects can uncover site conditions or design changes. Ask how variations will be described, priced and approved so there is a clear process if the scope changes.

Ask about materials and substitutions

Confirm the actual products or allowances and what happens if a selected product is unavailable. A substitution should not quietly change the performance, appearance or value of the quoted scope.

Ask about timing, access and site protection

Clarify start timing, expected sequence, access hours, material storage, protection of existing surfaces and what happens if weather or another provider delays the programme.

Ask what warranty or aftercare applies

Understand any workmanship warranty, product warranty and maintenance obligations. Some materials require specific cleaning, sealing, watering or maintenance to perform as intended.

Common questions

Is the cheapest quote a warning sign?

Not necessarily, but a large price difference should be explained by scope, preparation, materials, access or exclusions before you decide.

Should everything be in writing?

Important scope, price, materials, assumptions, exclusions and agreed changes are much easier to manage when they are documented.

What if my project needs several trades?

Describe the complete scope at the start and make sure the sequence and interfaces between services are understood before each part begins.