Hiring the right landscape contractor can make the difference between a yard that looks great for one season and one that adds value to your home for years to come. Too many homeowners rush the process, only to find themselves frustrated with missed deadlines, ballooning costs, or work that doesn’t hold up. If you want to avoid costly mistakes, here are the essential questions you should be asking any landscape contractor before signing a contract.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
This should be the very first question. A reputable contractor will carry proper licensing for your state or municipality and have liability insurance as well as workers’ compensation coverage. If they can’t provide proof, move on. You don’t want to be left holding the bag if something goes wrong.
2. Can You Provide References and a Portfolio of Past Work?
A good contractor will have no problem pointing you to past clients or showing before-and-after photos of completed projects. Pay attention to projects similar in scale and style to what you want. Don’t just take their word for it—actually call the references and ask how the contractor handled communication, timelines, and cleanup.
3. What’s Included in the Estimate?
Not all quotes are created equal. Ask for a breakdown of materials, labor, design fees, and potential extras. Make sure you understand what’s covered and what isn’t. Some contractors cut corners by leaving out grading, soil prep, or irrigation, only to tack those costs on later.
4. Who Will Be On-Site Doing the Work?
Will the person you’re meeting with actually be managing the project, or will it be handed off to a crew you’ve never met? Know who will be on your property day to day and who’s ultimately responsible for overseeing the job.
5. How Do You Handle Project Changes or Unexpected Issues?
Things come up—hidden roots, drainage problems, or design tweaks. Ask how they document and approve changes, and how costs are handled. A solid contractor will have a clear process rather than a vague “we’ll figure it out.”
6. What’s the Timeline for Completion?
Get an honest estimate of how long the project will take, factoring in weather delays. Ask if they’re juggling multiple jobs at once. A contractor who over-promises on timing is setting you up for frustration.
7. Do You Offer a Warranty on Your Work?
A reputable landscaper should stand behind their work. Whether it’s hardscaping, irrigation, or plantings, ask about warranties and what they cover. This can save you headaches if plants fail to establish.
8. How Do You Handle Cleanup and Maintenance?
Will they haul away debris and leave your property clean each day? Do they offer ongoing maintenance once the project is complete? The answers here will tell you if they respect your property—or just see it as another job site.
9. Can You Provide a Written Contract?
Handshake deals don’t cut it. The contract should spell out scope, timeline, materials, payment schedule, and warranty. If they resist putting it in writing, that’s a red flag.
Final Thought
Don’t be afraid to interview multiple contractors and compare their answers. The cheapest bid isn’t always the best deal—it often comes with hidden costs. By asking the right questions upfront, you’ll find a contractor who not only delivers what you want but also protects your investment for the long haul.
B & C Fruit Trees and Landscape Has the Answers
At B & C Fruit Trees and Landscape, we check every box on this list. From proper licensing and insurance to detailed estimates, warranties, and a professional crew, we take pride in providing honest, reliable, and high-quality landscape services. When you hire us, you’ll never have to wonder if your contractor can deliver—we’ve been doing it right for years.
Phone: 239-558-4331
Address: 18621 Babcock Ranch Rd, North Fort Myers, FL 33917
Areas Covered: Serving Cape Coral, Sanibel, Lee County and the surrounding SWFL region.
Call Now to Schedule a Consultation