There are several things to scrutinise when selecting a landscape contractor to construct your dream garden and believe it or not, price should not be you’re first and foremost consideration. That's not to say price isn't important because obviously it is, especially with our current economic conditions. You must remember the old saying you ‘get what you pay for’.

After having arranged for a number of different contractors to quote for your landscape project, take your time to sit down and compare the quotes like for like. If you have given each contractor a copy of your design then this process should be relatively straight or so you would imagine. However, while you are comparing the quotations you may see huge variations in price of some elements of the works. This should set an alarm off for you to seek clarification from the contractor that supplied you the quote to ensure that it is correct. It may turn out to be a genuine price, however it may also turn out to be a quote for something you didn’t want or ask for such as a change in the paving material or different plants or trees.

Comparing quotations for projects where you have not given a design to each contractor is a different situation as it up to you to see which contactors is giving you better value for money while at the same time giving you a garden you will be proud of. Even if you have given each contractor the same instructions about what you would like to see, they will have their own individual ideas to add to it so it is important that you get them it write down exactly what works they propose to do. Ensure that the written quotations contain key measurements such as areas of paving and numbers of specimen trees and plants. This will ensure that both parties know what works are involved in the project and will minimise the risk of conflict with your contractor.           

As I said earlier, the lowest price is not always the best. Reputation, experience and references from other satisfied clients, are vital and extremely valuable in your selection process, and should all be investigate prior to making your decision. Go and look at the completed project if possible and talk to the people they worked for.

There are a number of questions you need to ask the contractor prior to giving them the ok to start your project.

Qualifications & Experience

How long have you being in business?

Have you any relevant qualifications?

Are you a member of any trade association?

Have they complete any similar pervious projects in the past

How many projects do you currently work on?

Insurance

 Have to adequate insurance to carry out the job?

What exactly are they covered for?

Health & Safety

Have they a valid health and safety plan?

Have they a current safe pass?

Are they trained in first aid?

What is their health and safety record?

Project specific questions

What timescale will you complete the works in?

Do you plan to subcontract any part of the job?

Who are the key staff that you will have on site for the build ?

Contact others who have used the contractor and seek their opinions on them. Also determine whether your project is similar in size and quality. Some contractor specialise in larger scale projects while others in smaller, more complex ones so this is important to remember too. While everybody will have different things to look for my main criteria would be dependability, ability to carry out the works to a high standard, attitude towards customers and efficiency when the projects starts.