9 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Landscaper in Calgary
When it comes to transforming your home’s landscaping, choosing the right company isn't just about finding someone who can plant trees or lay sod – it's about partnering with a professional who understands your wants and needs, in addition to any challenges created by local weather and soil conditions.
Before signing on the dotted line, it's crucial to vet potential landscaping companies thoroughly. The right questions can reveal their expertise, professionalism, and ability to bring your vision to life while navigating Calgary's challenging climate and specific municipal requirements.
Whether planning a complete yard overhaul, installing a new patio, or creating an outdoor living space, these nine essential questions will help you make an informed decision and ensure your landscaping project is in capable hands.
Q1. What specific landscaping services do you offer in Calgary?
Answer: Before hiring a landscaper, it's crucial to understand their full range of services and specialties. For example, if you’re getting hardscaping or natural stonework done, doesn’t it make sense to use a landscaping company that specializes in these types of construction?
At Calgary Dreamscapes, we offer comprehensive services including:
Hardscaping (patios, retaining walls, driveways)
Softscaping (sod, trees, shrubs)
Outdoor lighting
Fences, patios & firepits
Our team is experienced in dealing with Calgary's specific soil conditions and weather patterns, ensuring exceptional results for each project.
Q2. Are you licensed and insured to work in Calgary?
Answer: Understanding a company's credentials and insurance coverage is essential for protecting your property and investment. Any reputable Calgary landscaping company should carry:
Valid business license from the City of Calgary
Comprehensive liability insurance
Workers' compensation coverage (WCB Alberta)
Relevant certifications for specialized work (such as hardscaping or irrigation)
Ask any landscaping company for proof of any one or all of these before signing a contract with them, ensuring they are a professional company with all the insurance and licenses required.
Q3. How do you handle Calgary's unique climate challenges?
Answer: Calgary's weather can be unpredictable, with severe temperature fluctuations and varying precipitation levels. Professional landscapers should be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
Plant species that thrive in Calgary’s local climate and are adaptable to various weather conditions
Proper drainage solutions for spring melt and runoff
Winter-hardy materials for hardscaping and weather-resistant materials for softscaping
Design considerations for Calgary's rapid freeze-thaw cycles year-round
Showing understanding of Calgary’s unique climate will indicate a landscaper has extensive experience in the local landscaping business.
Q4. What is your project timeline and process?
Answer: Understanding the timeline helps set realistic expectations for your landscaping project. A professional Calgary landscaper should, upon request, be able to provide you with the following:
A detailed project schedule
Clear milestones and completion dates
Weather contingency plans depending on the season
Regular progress updates on timeline and completion
Specific start and end dates for each phase of the project
Want to know more about approximate timelines and our process for your upcoming landscaping project? Contact us today!
Q5. Can you provide local references and examples of similar projects?
Answer: Past performance in Calgary's specific conditions is a strong indicator of future success. Look for examples of:
Projects completed in your neighbourhood
Similar scope and style to your vision
Before and after photos
Client testimonials from Calgary homeowners
Projects that have endured over the seasons
If a landscaping company doesn’t have any similar work to show you, then you may want to think twice about using them for your next landscaping project.
Q6. What is your pricing structure and payment schedule?
Answer: Clear financial terms are crucial for project planning and budgeting. As a result, professional landscapers should provide:
Detailed written estimates
Clear payment milestones
Transparent pricing for materials and labor
Information about potential additional costs
Payment methods accepted
Request as much detail as possible when receiving quotes from landscaping companies. If there is anything missing from the quote that you want clarification on, don’t be afraid to ask about it.
Q7. Do you offer maintenance services after project completion?
Answer: Understanding post-project care is essential for maintaining your landscape investment. Look for companies that provide:
Maintenance packages
Seasonal care instructions
Plant care guidelines
Warranty information (if applicable)
Emergency service availability
Professional landscaping companies will almost always have aftercare services and provide some level of warranty if they stand by their work.
Q8. How do you manage project changes and unexpected issues?
Answer: Understanding how a company handles challenges can prevent future disagreements. Professional landscapers should have:
Clear change order processes
Written policies for addressing issues
Emergency contact procedures
Detailed documentation methods
Problem-resolution protocols
Perhaps the most important thing to understand is the payment arrangement; it must be suitable for both parties involved and discussed in detail before any landscaping work begins.
Q9. How do you handle permits and local regulations?
Answer: Understanding the legal requirements for landscaping projects in Calgary is crucial for avoiding future complications. Hence, a professional Calgary landscaping company should:
Know when permits are required
Handle all necessary paperwork with the City of Calgary
Understand local bylaws and restrictions
Be familiar with utility marking requirements
Have experience with neighborhood guidelines
The contractor should take responsibility for ensuring all work meets Calgary's municipal codes and obtaining necessary approvals before beginning any major landscape modifications.
What Do We Have to Offer? Call Us Today!
If you have any questions about landscaping, please don’t hesitate to call our team of professionals anytime!
At Calgary Dreamscapes, we have over a decade of experience in landscaping and have the knowledge and expertise to make your next project a huge success! Call us anytime at 403-471-7588 or email us direct at richie@calgarydreamscapes.ca and we will be happy to assist you!