Choosing the right landscape designer for your outdoor garden project is a vital decision. You want to do your due diligence to get the best company for your specific needs, so you know your landscape project will stand the test of time and be a worthwhile investment.
But it can also be an overwhelming process… which is why in this blog post, we’re sharing 9 key things to look for in a landscaping company so you can decide confidently.
9 key things to look for in a landscaping company
Here are the main things you should check before hiring a landscape designer:
1. Location of their landscaping services
Do they work in your local area? This might seem like an obvious one, but it’s essential you check where the landscape designer operates before you get your heart set on them!
For example, at Ralston Contracts, we’re a landscape company based in Ayr and we cover all of South, East, and North Ayrshire. If someone really wanted to choose us but they were based 2 hours away from us, it simply wouldn’t be feasible.
A caveat to this is sometimes a landscape designer might consider travelling further afield if you have a large-scale or long-term project, but that’s not a given. So it’s always best to check where they usually work and contact them if you’re unsure.
2. Experience in the landscaping service you need
Are they experienced in the landscaping service you need? Some landscapers have particular skill sets and areas of expertise, so you must check if they have relevant experience.
For example, if you’re looking for a new driveway, you want to choose someone who has completed previous driveway projects to a high standard.
Hard landscaping vs. soft landscaping
It’s also important to understand that there are hard landscape designers and soft landscape designers – both offering completely different services.
Soft landscapers offer garden design services considering the planting and other natural elements.
Hard landscapers offer the structural aspects of your garden such as patios, fencing, decking, and so on.
And you sometimes get companies that offer a mixture of both.
It’s a good idea to understand which type of landscaper you need and check they can carry out the service you are looking for before you reach out to people.
3. Level of landscape design service
Do you know what you want and the materials you need? If not, having landscape design services can make a huge difference, as you have someone to consult and advise you on the best decisions.
Some companies will offer build-only services, so if you have a clear idea of what you want, this might work for you. But if you need any input on what to put where, which materials to use, and an all-around consideration of what will work best in your outdoor space, choose a company that offers landscape design services.
At Ralston Contracts, we offer this as a standard practice for people who need support and guidance on making the most of their gardens and outdoor spaces. We offer a complementary initial consultation so you know you’re getting not only what you want, but also what will be the best for lifestyle.
4. Reputation and reviews
Do they have a good reputation? If you’ve found out about a landscaping company through a personal recommendation, it’s always a good sign.
Look out for good customer reviews and testimonials online, such as on a Google Review page – like our Ralston Contracts reviews here. These are great as you can see who posted the reviews and often showcase customer images.
Another thing to check is if they’re associated with any schemes such as the South Ayrshire Council Trusted Trader Scheme, like we are. This gives you even more peace of mind, as the local council has vetted them.
5. Professional communication from the initial enquiry
When you first reach out, is it easy to get hold of them and do they respond quickly? Good communication is essential from the beginning for a good, professional relationship. If they visit your home, make sure they act professionally and treat you with respect.
It’s important to look for landscaping companies that are willing to take the time to explain their process, answer any questions, and ensure they fully understand what you are aiming for. You don’t want to be hurried into a decision without enough information!
6. Budget and landscape design fees
Does the landscape project cost fit your budget? People are often surprised when they receive quotes for professional landscape design services, especially as building material costs have increased by a whopping 38% since July 2020.
We speak to many people who had landscaping work done a couple of years ago but chose the cheapest option at the time – and they already need to replace it. This means it was either completed to a low standard or they opted for the budget materials, reminding us of the popular phrase, if you buy cheap, you buy twice.
Good landscaping is an investment – when you pay for quality, you receive quality.
But we understand that not everyone has the budget to achieve the absolute best results, and sometimes you need to compromise. At Ralston Contracts, where possible, we do our best to give you alternative solutions that suit your needs.
For example, if you want a new patio and you have your heart set on porcelain tiles but it’s over your budget, there might be ways we can reduce the scope and change the materials to still create a professional finish.
We share our most common landscape design costs to be transparent from the start – download the pricing guide.
7. Availability and timeline
Is the landscaping company available when you need them? Be aware that many good landscape designers are booked up months in advance, so don’t be disappointed if a landscaper can’t fit your new patio ready for the summer if you’re only contacting them in April.
It’s useful to get your quote and start the process as early as possible, and if you have a specific timeframe in mind, tell the landscape designer upfront. This might save you time getting quotes and meeting with people who can’t meet your deadline.
8. Understand their landscape design process
It’s important to have clear expectations about the process before you give someone the go-ahead. Details such as their expected timeframe, how you contract them, how you pay, and so on make a big difference to your customer experience.
Look for information about their process on their website or when you get in touch. Find out if they take care of any technical things to consider such as permits for dropping a kerb, or how they work with other contractors’ timescales if required.
9. Style and finish
Although landscapers carry out projects to suit their clients, they should still have a style and quality of their work that you like. So do you like their design style? Check out their photos of previously completed landscape design projects to see.
Trusted landscape designer in Ayrshire
We hope that’s helped you to choose the right landscape designer for your project! Ultimately, it comes down to trusting their abilities – if you’ve done your checks and everything seems right, go for it.
At Ralston Contracts, we love helping homeowners transform their garden spaces with dream spaces that bring them and their families joy by improving their daily lives.
If you’re based in Ayrshire and want a professional landscape designer to bring your dream project to life, get in touch!