Local landscaping companies: Don’t get the cowboys in!

In December of last year the Peterborough Telegraph newspaper carried the story of a jailed landscape gardener from Wisbech St Mary. The man had carried out a number of very poor quality pieces of landscaping work for vulnerable victims, before going to charge them double his original quote. With that in mind what sort of things should you look for when considering hiring a local landscaping company to carry out work in your garden?

The British Association of Landscape Industries offers the following pointers:

• Always ask for and thoroughly inspect a written contract that highlights the exact cost of the entire project. This should include:
  • The contractors name, address and phone number
  • Your name and address
  • The address where the work will be carried out
  • General description of the work
  • Estimate for completion
  • Description of guarantee
  • Signatures from both parties
• Pay in installments or upon completion
• Keep good written records
• Keep a log of conversations, correspondence, the contract, orders and receipts

On top of these points we would also recommend customers do their research. Ask your chosen contractor for details of their accreditations, references and examples of their previous work. Sites such as Norfolk Trusted Trader, of which Knights Paving and Landscaping are members, can help to ensure that you are only dealing with reliable, trusted tradespeople.

If you would like help and advice with plans for your garden landscaping, to arrange a pressure free quotation, or to see examples of our previous work, do not hesitate to contact us on 01603 360548 or enquiries@knightslandscaping.co.uk. We will be only too happy to help!

Source: Peterborough Telegraph (December 2013)