How to Hire a Hardscape Contractor
It doesn’t have to be hard to get your hardscape in order
Hardscaping and softscaping both play a major role in your home’s overall curb appeal, but hardscaping is more permanent, which means it’s crucial that it’s done properly and professionally. In this guide, we’ll explain how to hire a hardscape contractor to ensure you get a good deal on truly professional services and expert input to maximize your home’s look and feel for years to come.
How to Find a Hardscape Contractor
Finding hardscape contractors should be simple, as there’s usually no shortage of providers you can find online. However, we recommend you look for a contractor that comes recommended.
You can ask family and friends for recommendations or even scope out properties with appealing landscaping in your neighborhood and ask if they hired a contractor they’d recommend or search online for hardscape contractors near you.
Before Hiring a Hardscape Contractor
Before you go ahead and hire the first hardscape contractor whose work you love, do a bit more planning and research to make sure they’re the best fit for your project.
Plan Your Hardscaping Project for Accurate Quotes
As is the case with all home improvement projects, we recommend getting at least three quotes to compare and find the best value. In order to get quotes that you can compare apples-to-apples, you need to plan out your project and get as detailed as possible. Consider the following in your planning:
Make sure to include the dimensions of walkways, patios, benches, lighting, retaining walls, and other hardscaping projects so that your contractors can all bid on the same items.
If possible, request specific materials down to the color and brand for your hardscape contractor to include in their estimate. Get specific about things like the types of landscaping rocks and the color of any pavers.
If you’re installing stone, brick, or concrete features, have your contractor include finish options and the cost to apply the sealant.
If your plans include a wood deck or walkway, specify wood species, thickness, and finish for a more accurate comparison.
Make sure your quotes include any necessary excavation and backfilling, as well as hauling away any excess dirt or materials.
Check You Hardscape Contractor’s Qualifications and References
Most municipalities won’t require any specific license for hardscape contractors, but you should still check their qualifications and references. Check to see how long the individual has been in business, and look online for customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot.
We also recommend asking each contractor for a list of references or past clients. Call each of them and ask what working with the pro was like. Ask specifically about promptness, the accuracy of their quote compared to the final price, and the timeframe for the project. Check to see how pleased each reference was with the final work and follow-up.
Questions to Ask Your Hardscape Contractor
We recommend asking some preliminary questions when you first speak with your hardscape contractor to ensure you understand the process and what’s expected from them and you at each step. Below is a list to get you started in the right direction:
Is all work included in your estimate, including excavation, materials, delivery of materials, labor, and cleanup?
What’s the timeline for the project from start to finish?
How will we settle disputes if any should arise?
Are you also available for ongoing maintenance of the hardscape materials?
Do you specialize in the type of hardscape I’m looking for?
Do you have examples of past work I can review?
Hiring Your Hardscape Contractor
Once you choose a hardscape contractor you think will be a good fit, there are a few things we recommend doing before signing the contract for service.
Interview With Your Hardscape Contractor
We suggest sitting down with your hardscape contractor—or, better yet, walking your property with them—to discuss your project in person. Ask them to make recommendations about materials and design. Having their input can help you develop the best plan possible, but feel free to go with what you originally envisioned.
Ask them any remaining questions you have, and get an idea of a start date and project timeline.
Get a Contract and Arrange Payments With Your Hardscape Contractor
Once you’ve found the contractor for you, get everything in writing in a contract. Double-check that the contract includes materials—including brand, color, and quantity—labor charges, an estimated timeline for project completion, and a clear statement of the total and when money is due.
Next, set up payments based on the contract. Most professionals accept cash, credit cards, or checks, but in all cases, make sure you get receipts for payments made.
Keep Records of Your Hardscape Project
It’s a good idea to keep records—including estimates, invoices, and receipts—for your hardscape project. You usually won’t need these for taxes, but having information on the brand, color, or type of product installed can help you down the line if you ever need replacements or repairs.
Look for Red Flags and Prepare to Troubleshoot
You should always be on the lookout for contractor red flags to protect yourself from issues. These include price estimates well below comparative quotes from other contractors, bids missing details like a timeframe or specifics on materials used, and more than 50% payment due upfront before work begins.
If you do notice these red flags or anything else that doesn’t seem right, we recommend going with another of the estimates you got.
After Your Hardscape Contractor Has Finished
Once the work is done and you’ve signed off on the final results, you can schedule the final payment—usually the last 25% of the total due on completion. If you’re pleased with the work, ask your contractor where you can leave a positive review and agree to be a reference for future projects.