You’ve made a decision to re-vamp your garden, or you have built your new home and the next phase is the garden, now what? Source out your Landscaper in Melbourne right? If it was only that easy, with hundreds of Landscaping companies to choose from in google, another selection in magazines such as Outdoor Design and Living and of course recommendations from your mother in law or the local butcher! But this is your garden, and your money, so you need to know that who you are using, and the end result of your fabulous new garden, will match your dollar investment!
I could write an essay about things to look out for when choosing a landscaper, right down to the finest detail of the millimetre distance between each paver in their garden edging. You can study in their portfolio of past jobs, but who has the time? Instead, here’s some vital points to stick to when choosing you Landscaper to ensure you will get what you pay for.
1. Is the Landscaper a registered builder?
For any hard landscape works over $5000, it is a legal requirement in Victoria that the works have to be undertaken by a registered builder. The License for a Landscape builder is a DB-L (domestic building- limited). Hard landscapes include pergolas, paving, retaining walls and even decks! So make sure your Landscaper has this building license as they would have undergone a strict interview and in depth application of building rules and regulations to attain, so you know their knowledge is industry standard and that your finished Landscape won’t be falling to pieces in a few years time!
Look for the logo on their website.
2. Is the Landscaping company registered with Landscaping Victoria?
Landscape Victoria or LIAV is the governing body for the Landscape industry in Victoria. If your Landscaper is a member, they are enforced to keep up to date with education and industry standards. Look for the logo on their website.
3. Do they provide a contract or terms of trade?
A contract will protect you and your investment, as well as the Landscaper, and is vital when an agreement is made. For small jobs or larger softscapes work, a simple terms of trade should be provided by the Landscaping company which outlines the works to be done and the payment plan. You also need to keep in mind that if the hardscapes are over $5000 then it is law to enter under a ‘domestic building contract’ which will be provided by the Landscaper if they are a legitimate licensed landscaper with the correct building registration.
4. After your initial meeting, how do you feel about the person?
Once you know the landscaper is registered and all the right paperwork can be provided, turn inwards to your gut feeling. Did you like the person? And more so, can you trust them? They will be entering your home, your space. Another key characteristic Bayon Gardens thinks is extremely important; how well are they listening? Sure the Landscaping company will be designing and building the garden, but once complete, the only one living and looking at it every day is you! Make sure you feel confident you can communicate and get your own ideas implemented into the professional design.
5. Ask to see their portfolio
Getting back to the edging spacing, checkout their portfolio. Have a look at the finishes, really have a look. Can you see the finishes of the corner of the deck, can you see continuity in the paving style. Attention to detail is something you want from your Landscaper, especially at a space you will be looking at every day!
Hopefully you have learnt something here to help you make that descision. Landscaping your home will not only add value to your property but also adds value to your lifestyle. It’s a worthy investment so make sure you choose a worthy Landscaper!