Whether you enjoy doing landscaping and home improvement projects yourself or not, there are times when it’s useful to hire contractors instead, particularly if your projects involve construction and installation. Here are three useful tips for hiring outdoor contractors.

1. Check the Contractor’s Available Services

Before choosing a contractor, you need to know what your project involves. Then, you can check a contractor’s available services to see whether he or she can accept your project. For example, if you want to construct a fence on your property, check whether any contractors in your area are also fence installers. Depending on your project, you may hire a general contractor or you may require a specialist. Available services may also vary depending on your geographic location.

2. Get All Estimates and Agreements in Writing

Make sure all agreements you make with your contractor are recorded in writing. Discuss estimates for the budget and total costs, the schedule and timeline and the project’s scope. Review the entire contract and make sure all terms and conditions, agreements, warranty information, contact information and specifications are included. This will help ensure there are no disagreements or disputes during the project. It will also help you stick to your budget and schedule.

3. Interview Prospective Contractors

You should always interview prospective contractors to determine whether you’re a good fit for each other. Save interviews for the final stage of the hiring process, after you’ve narrowed down your options to two or three choices. Go to the interviews prepared with clarifying questions, such as whether the contractor has worked on similar projects before and whether any aspects of the project may be challenging.

It’s best to hire contractors that operate in your area. These contractors will be better acquainted with the land and construction or landscaping laws and regulations in your jurisdiction.