(NUI) - According to a Clemson University study, landscaping around your home
can provide 100 percent or more return on investment. The Clemson study reports
that the initial cost for landscaping is about 10 percent of the home's value,
while a quality landscaped yard will provide a 13 percent to 17 percent increase
in resale value.
However, a homeowner's ability to ensure this kind of return on investment
depends heavily on selecting the right landscape contractor and using quality
materials like interlocking concrete pavements or segmental retaining walls.
Homeowners should consider several factors when selecting their landscape
contractor.
* Determine the scope of the project. Work closely with the contractor to
ensure your vision is understood and implemented. You can also ask the
contractor to design landscaping. Many landscape contractors have in-house
landscape design services.
* Make sure your contractor is properly licensed, bonded and insured for the
work proposed. Many regions require special licenses to conduct the earthwork
and grading operations necessary for retaining wall construction or to perform
the plumbing operations necessary for irrigation and water features. The
landscape contractor should also have proper insurance for both liability and
worker's compensation and should provide proof upon request.
* Research your landscape contractor. Follow up on all references provided.
Make sure the contractor has sufficient experience on projects of similar size
and scope. Make sure the contractor has experience with the products being
installed. Ask if the contractor has been certified or trained by the product
supplier and if the contractor has achieved recognition from a local or national
trade association for demonstrating professionalism and quality. Such
credentials are provided by the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute for
paver installation and by the National Concrete Masonry Association for
segmental retaining wall installation.
* Seek guarantees from the landscape contractor. Many landscape contractors
or nurseries will guarantee plant materials for periods up to one year and will
guarantee hardscape installations, like interlocking concrete pavements and
segmental retaining walls, for periods up to or exceeding one year. It is also
important to find out what is covered under the guarantee. For instance, it may
not cover poor performance resulting from misuse or lack of basic
maintenance.
Taking these few simple steps ensures that time in your new landscaped yard
is spent relaxing and not worrying about your investment. For more information
about landscaping, visit www.ncma.org.
