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Choosing A San Antonio Hardscape Contractor

By Jennifer Wallace


During summer or spring, people organize parties outdoors while others take most meals like breakfast outside. Your outdoor room or space must, therefore, be safe and aesthetically appealing. Elements of the landscape like the spa, paving stones, decks and walls must be repaired or installed by someone who is knowledgeable. The following is a guide on how to choose a San Antonio Hardscape Contractor.

One of the things to consider is the additional training of the landscaping expert. A lot of homeowners assume that landscape designers can handle all outdoor projects including hardscaping. However, this is a different industry that requires specialization. So, ask for documents proving additional training and education in this type of project. If the person is certified, it is a sign they are knowledgeable and have what it takes to deliver.

Projects involving the use of concrete and other hard materials are risky because employees can be injured at any time. The homeowner is the person held liable when such things happen which makes it important for the company to be responsible for all liabilities. If employees are insured, you will have no legal cases nor compensate injured workers. Check if liability indemnity is available too so that they can cover damages in the event they occur.

The other step is checking the communication skills of you provider. If their communication is poor you can tell by checking if how the company responds to phone calls and texts. Get people who are prompt and with workers whose verbal skills are good so that they can update you or explain the process of the project. In future, such people will be good because you will be involved in the project due to constant contact.

Also, consider the upfront amount the contractor is requesting. Work cannot just commence without paying a certain amount to the contractor. The amount should, however, be reasonable. Fraudsters often ask for half the total amount of the project so that they can walk away. Others with financial constraints will also request large deposits because they cannot fund the project on their own. Avoid such people and select those who request for fair deposit amounts.

Additionally, request pictures showing previous jobs of the contractor you want to hire. Certification, insurance, and deposit are not enough to measure the performance of hardscape contractors. The best way to measure performance is by going through images of their past work. If you want a patio, ask for images of projects like those they have completed. It will be easy to get new ideas of the project or know what to expect from the contractor.

Another step after finding the right companies is checking those among them that offer a warranty. Even though you have seen good images of some previous jobs, it is good that they be willing to stand behind their work. Workmanship errors and the use of faulty materials are common and instead of carrying the burden of repairs that come later, with a warranty, the contractor will offer free repairs.

Finally, request for a written contract that contains the cost estimates of your project, the person to be held responsible for liabilities and the period the work will take to complete. With these written, it will be difficult to change the agreement. Trust your feelings to spot the right company for the task.




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