Because of our mild climate, many Floridians are avid about their lawns. We tend to spend a lot of time and money maintaining them. Big demand equals big opportunities – especially for the unscrupulous landscapers out there. This is a largely unregulated industry.
Seniors vs. Crime wants to remind all Floridians to exercise special care and caution when choosing a landscaper. For most landscaping projects, contractors are not required to have a state license. The term “licensed and insured” may only mean they have license tags and insurance on their pick-up truck. Ask to see proof! To avoid scams as well as simple misunderstandings, there are a few basic things you can do to avoid or minimize problems with your landscaper. When selecting your landscaper, talk to several – get multiple estimates for your work. Check with the local Better Business Bureau, the Florida Division of Consumer Services, and with Seniors vs. Crime before signing a contract. Ask for references and check them out.
To ensure everyone understands what is to be done, be sure you have a clear definition of the job IN WRITING, including diagrams, pictures if possible, and a complete description of what you expect from the contractor. This is called a Written Contract. Next inquire about the guarantee or warranty. Ask for it in writing, but know that many guarantees are only as good as the contractor who stands behind it. Avoid paying in advance, even a little bit. Reliable contractors usually have existing lines of credit with suppliers, and do not need advance payments. Small or newer businesses may not have such lines of credit, and may not be financially stable enough to buy supplies on credit.
A big “red flag” is being asked to make your check payable to an individual rather than a company name. This often indicates there is no real company or work is being done “off the books.” If the work is protracted, it is reasonable to pay progress or milestone payments.
A representative payment schedule might look something like this:
• 10 percent up front deposit at contract signing;
• 15 percent the day the work starts and all necessary approval paperwork is presented;
• 25 percent after all new plants are put in ground;
• 25 percent after mulch / gravel is put in all flower beds ;
• 25 percent final payment after all cleanup is finished, the trash hauled away, your “punch list” is corrected, and you are completely satisfied.
Be sure to get receipts for all payments. When selecting a landscaper, be smart, be aware and be wary. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. When in doubt as to what else you can to do, you can always contact your nearest Seniors vs. Crime office for advice. You can learn more at www.seniorsvscrime.com.