I can’t stress enough the importance of hiring the right interlocking & landscaping contractor. While what makes the “right” contractor might be subjective, there are key characteristics and skills that are not up for debate.
Too often, I’m out walking with my family or driving in neighbourhoods around the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and spot some of the most poorly installed landscaping projects. Grading that isn’t according to slope, interlocking pavers not being installed correctly, or pavers being used as copings. These projects are completed by contractors who don’t know the industry or trade, and have limited training and knowledge.
If you are looking to transform your outdoor space into a stunning oasis, hiring the right interlocking and landscaping contractor is crucial. With so many options available, finding the perfect contractor can seem like a daunting task. But fear not!
In this post, we will suggest everything you need to know to make the best choice for your project.
Why is Hiring the Right Interlocking & Landscaping Contractor Important?
Before we dive into the specifics of finding the right interlocking and landscaping contractor, let’s first understand why it is so important. The contractor you choose will have a significant impact on the outcome of your project. A skilled and experienced contractor bring your vision to life and ensure that the work is done efficiently, effectively, and within budget. On the other hand, hiring the wrong contractor can lead to delays, cost overruns, and subpar workmanship.
There are so many jobs where we are fixing another contractors work. The homeowner thought they were saving thousands of dollars by hiring a sub-par contractor, only to spend thousands more to fix it.
Let us provide a real-life example of why hiring the right interlocking & landscaping contractor is so important:
In 2020, we were hired to complete a driveway interlocking project. The homeowner was extremely happy with our work, and decided to call us the following spring to quote on their backyard. We provided them a quote, which was significantly higher than other quotes they received. The homeowner regretfully decided to go with the other contractor to complete their project solely due to budget.
Unfortunately, this homeowner didn’t do their research, and the contractor they hired did a horrible job. Within one year, stones were sinking, a wall was falling, and the contractor didn’t even finish the job properly and stopped responding to the homeowner.
The homeowner called us to come back and take a look, and see if we could fix it. Upon visiting the project site, we were shocked to see the horrible quality workmanship that was completed. In order to complete the project, we needed to tear up the entire job and start from the beginning, as the previous contractor did not use proper base materials nor did they dig to an appropriate depth.
Our cost to fix this project was more than our original quote as it required additional labour to tear it up, dispose of aggregates and restart completely. The homeowner hired us and was thrilled with the finished project. Despite spending TWICE as much as he would have if he chose the right contractor to begin with.
5 Important Tips for Finding the Right Contractor
1. Do Your Research
Start by researching local interlocking and landscaping contractors in your area. Check online reviews, ask for recommendations from friends and family, and look at portfolios of past projects. Narrow down your list to a few potential contractors who have the skills and experience to meet your needs.
Homestars is a great, free resource to help homeowners find verified and community-reviewed potential contractors to complete projects. They are a Canadian company that publishes reviews written by homeowners about home improvement professionals. Homeowners can also view contractor profiles and request quotes directly. The site makes hiring the right interlocking & landscaping contractor easy and user-friendly.
2. Check Credentials
The contractors you are considering should be licensed, insured, and bonded. This will protect you in case of any accidents or damages during the project. Additionally, check if they are members of any professional associations or have certifications in interlocking and landscaping. In our opinion, when hiring the right interlocking & landscaping contractor, they must meet these basic requirements.
3. Get Multiple Quotes
It’s essential to get quotes from multiple contractors to compare prices and services. Be wary of any quotes that are significantly lower than the others. We understand that budgets are important, but it is equally as important to do your research. Ensuring you are hiring a contractor that knows what they are doing.
4. Ask Questions
It’s important to ask questions when hiring the right interlocking & landscaping contractor. Ask about base materials, digging depth, pavers and finishing products like finishing sand, edging. A contractor that gives such a lower price means that they are probably using sub-par materials… materials that won’t last longer than a few seasons. If a project is completed properly, it will last a long time before you need to make any repairs. That doesn’t mean that you won’t need to maintain it by using sealing or other special paver treatments, but it means that you won’t need any costly repairs.
When comparing quotes, make sure that both contractors are using the same materials. This will ensure you are comparing apples to apples, you’re comparing apples to oranges. We are always amazed when we ask what pavers the other contractor quoted on, homeowners don’t even know. They aren’t sure which brand, which product or which colour is being installed. Beyond those details, certain pavers/slabs are only suited for vehicular traffic or pedestrian traffic. I can’t tell you the number of times I pass a project where a driveway is being installed using pavers that are meant for pedestrian traffic, and not suitable for a heavy vehicle. This means that the driveway will sink… and fast!
5. Visit Your Local Stone Supplier/Yard
If searching online for a contractor isn’t your cup of tea, then we recommend visiting your local stone yard/supplier to help point you in the right direction of selecting a professional contractor. Contractors build relationships with local stone suppliers and distributors. They will be able to refer you to a contractor that is trusted, experienced, and reliable. In the Greater Toronto Area, we recommend visiting the following stone yards for product availability, knowledge and design ideas:
- Beaver Valley Stone (Markham/Thornhill, ON)
- 404 Stone (Newmarket & Stouffville, ON)
- Rock Valley Natural Stone (Woodbridge, ON)
- Stonemen’s Valley (King, ON)
Why Hire Us
Over the years, we have diligently honed our skills and expertise, continuing our education and training within the industry, earning a reputation for excellence. Our commitment to continuous improvement and passion to mastering our craft have enabled us to establish strong relationships with our vendors and earn the trust of our clients. Through ongoing training, staying updated on the latest industry trends, and embracing innovative techniques, we ensure that we deliver the highest quality of service with every project we undertake. Our credentials speak volumes about our unwavering commitment to professionalism, integrity, and superior craftsmanship, making us the trusted choice for all your contracting needs.
We are proudly a certified pre-screened pro landscape contractor by Techo-Bloc. This prestigious certification reflects our commitment to excellence and our dedication to providing top-quality landscaping services. With this certification, our clients can trust that they are working with a highly qualified and reputable contractor who meets the rigorous standards set by Techo-Bloc. Whether it’s designing stunning outdoor spaces or installing durable and beautiful hardscape features, we are fully equipped to bring our clients’ landscaping visions to life.
We are also honoured to be recognized as a Master of Outdoor Lighting by In-Lite, a testament to expertise and proficiency in creating stunning outdoor lighting solutions that enhance the beauty and functionality of outdoor spaces.
Make hiring the right interlocking & landscaping contractor easy and seamless. Get in touch with us today!
