Once you’ve decided on the best landscape designer for your project, make sure that you sign a comprehensive contract that details every step of the project. This should include:
- The payment schedule, which will detail the deposit, each payment installation and the final payment when the project is completed. Tie the payments to project milestones instead of dates, which will help prevent the project from running over budget and over time.
- The start and projected completion dates. There is an inherent leeway to the completion date, but good contractors will make sure that they don’t run months over schedule.
- The materials and products to be used in the project.
- Proof of liability insurance and worker’s compensation payments.
- A provision that the contractor has to obtain lien licenses from all suppliers and subcontractors, which means that you are not liable for paying his bills and protect you from mechanic’s liens.
Most landscaping firms will have their own contract templates that they use, but if you find that they’re not detailed enough and don’t cover all of the aspects above, don’t hesitate to draw up your own or add addendums to theirs. Having a clear contract isn’t about trust, it’s about ensuring that the project is successful and that everybody understands what is required of them at all times, resulting in a successful landscaping project.
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