Finding a landscaping company in Calgary is easy enough. You can go online, check the yellow pages or ask friends and family who they reccommend.  But even with the greatest references, it's wise to find out a few things before you sign a contract for a big project. You can avoid major headaches by getting the answers to these questions first:

1. Can I have at least three references?
Drive by the locations and/or look at photographs of their work. It also wouldn't hurt to speak to past clients. If the landscaper is a professional, they won't have a problem with this. Also ask past clients if the company performed the work in a timely manner and delivered what they promised.

2. How many employees do you have and how many will be working on my project?

3. What licenses and certifications do you and your employees have?
Though hands-on experience is invaluable, there are some great landscape trades programs in and around Calgary. Certification is available in a number of areas including Journeyman Landscape Gardener and Certified Horticultural Technician. Appropriate certification will usually indicate a high level of professionalism and QUALITY of work.

4. Are you insured?
This is important as they may be using heavy machinery and you could be liable for accidents that happen on your property.  It also won't hurt to take note of the policy number and call the insurance company to ensure the policy is valid.

5. How long have you been in business?
Such a simple question but an important one for gauging level of experience.

6. What services do you provide and what are your specialties?
You wouldn't take your sick child to the vet or your broken dishwasher to the mechanic. Not all doctors or repairmen are the same and neither are all landscapers. Knowing what the company specializes is essential; if you have your heart set on a new stone path and the company doesn't do stonework, better find out now.

7. What professional organizations do you belong to?
Alberta Assiciation of Landscape Architects, and Landscape Alberta (LANTA) are two of the top industry associations for landscapers in Calgary

8. Are you accredited by the BBB (Better Business Bureau)?
Not every well run business has gone through the process of getting accredited by the BBB but those that have are more accountable.

9. Will you provide a written estimate with the details of my project clearly laid out with prices?
If you can get a detailed graphical layout of the work to be done, do this as well.

10. What guarantees do you offer, what's covered and what's the length of the guarantee?
Get this in writing! If not, I'd be hesitant to hire them. I'll touch base on this later in this blog.

It's a good idea to interview at least three landscaping companies and get three estimates before you make your final decision. A good landscaper can literally transform your property so finding a good one will make all the difference. Have you had any luck with landscapers, good or bad? Let me know.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

If you're looking to relocate to Alberta, be sure to visit Justin Havre, your number one Calgary real estate agent. Search JustinHavre.com for the latest news on Calgary Real Estate.