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Get To Know Your Contractor

Take Your Time

The best thing to do before you start interviewing contractors is educate yourself. While you do not have to be an expert on backyard renovations, you should have a general idea of what your needs and wants are. Make a wish list and a budget. This will give you an idea of what you can get for the money you’re willing to spend.

Talk To Friends And Neighbors

Referrals are a great source for finding a good contractor. Does your neighbor have a backyard to die for? Ask for the name of the contractor and how the entire process was. Read reviews and look at project photos. When you find a contractor you love, tell everyone!

Look For Someone Who Specializes In Your Project

Interview contractors who do the type of work you need. You wouldn’t hire a hair stylist to clean your teeth, so why would you hire someone who isn’t a landscape contractor to do your backyard? Inquire why they chose this field of specialty; the best person will be passionate and knowledgeable.

Trust Your Gut

You want to get to know the person who will be doing a major project on your home. Ask about his or her experience and what work he or she really loves to do. You can’t ask enough questions and a great contractor will have an answer for everything. If you aren’t getting a good feeling during your interview, walk away. There are plenty of great contractors out there and you should never settle just because the price is right.

Ask About A Deposit

After coming to a final price for the project, discuss deposits. Most contractors require a deposit before starting a project. If a contractor wants the amount in full, run away as fast as you can. This is not how things are done. Schedule your final payment date after the final walkthrough is done and you are completely satisfied with the work done.

Check For Proper Licensing And Insurance

Validate that your contractor has the right documents before ever breaking ground on a project. This includes all necessary permits, as well as insurance that protects all parties involved. You do not want to be held liable for any accidents on the job site as well as any work issues that may arise.

Follow this simple guide and find the best contractor that suits all of your needs. If you have any questions or want to talk through a project, feel free to contact us here.

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A Guide To Landscaping

If you are thinking about adding curb appeal to your home, there are so many possibilities. At Great Oaks Landscaping we can help give you a landscape design that will complement your home and add the curb appeal potential homebuyers look for if you choose to sell. Choosing the right landscape projects to invest in can give you up to four times your money back if you sell your home. If you are not planning on selling, these upgrades will be enjoyable for many years to come.

Seed Your Lawn

An easy project to start with is seeding your lawn. A lush green lawn shows that your home is well cared for and is also the perfect backdrop for outdoor family activities. Routine lawn maintenance goes a long way in making your home inviting and attractive.

New Walkways

A stone paver walkway draws guests into your home. Updated walkways are a great way to create an inviting space, especially when lit with custom landscape lighting. A meandering pathway can lead to a backyard retreat or a pool area.

Plant Trees & Shrubs

An easy way to give your home a makeover is to add plants in the front and backyard. Plants customized to your climate and ideal maintenance level can really liven up a tired lawn. Pops of color from annual flowers brighten up your landscaping and smell amazing. Planting trees provide shade during the harsh summer months and can frame your house perfectly.

Install A Fireplace/Fire Pit

A new fireplace will make your outdoor space usable during the chilly months. This is a great spot for adding personality to your backyard as there are so many customizable features. Think custom stones, lighting features and patio furniture. This spot is guaranteed to be the ultimate gathering space for your family throughout the seasons. You can roast marshmallows or simply relax fireside.

At Great Oaks Landscaping we want you to love the space we create. Each design is completely customizable to your lifestyle and customer satisfaction is guaranteed.

See more of our projects here.

 

 

 

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Investing In Your Backyard

Many people own homes and as they own them longer, they look to add features and make upgrades, sometimes for their own enjoyment and other times to be the “fun house” that their kids’ friends always want to visit. In this snippet, we’ll tell you how making these upgrades can bring a great return on investment. After all, can you really put a price tag on fun?

One thing that homeowners like to have is an outdoor space. Many people with a backyard tend to invest in a patio area or a deck, which is not only great for dining al fresco or having drinks under the stars, but also when it comes to selling a home. Prices can vary greatly based on materials and the project size, but according to the American Society of Landscape Architects, decks average a 75% return on investment and can offer much more exclusivity than the country club. A deck can also become the focal point of a backyard and can attract the right buyer if or when the time comes.

If your yard needs a little sprucing up, professional landscaping is a wonderful way to accomplish that goal. There are reasons beyond appearance to have professional landscaping done; landscape architects are knowledgeable about soil, irrigation, property grading and more. Landscaping also provides curb appeal and boasts arguably the best return on investment of any home upgrade you can make. Let’s also keep in mind that the outside is the first part of a home a potential buyer sees. If you’re not looking to sell, landscaping is the perfect backdrop for a game of hide and seek.

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