Investing in structural outdoor upgrades like patios, garden walls, or artificial grass is a financial commitment. Therefore, finding a trustworthy hard landscaping company is crucial if you want to protect your money and get the results you expect. Unfortunately, the industry has its fair share of rogue traders, which is why we strongly advise homeowners across Newton Abbot and Exeter to vet potential contractors before handing over any money.
To help you avoid costly mistakes, poor workmanship and unnecessary stress, we have compiled this guide on choosing a reputable contractor.
For advice regarding other aspects of landscaping, please explore our other blogs.
Hard landscaping requires technical expertise; a poorly constructed retaining wall could collapse, while an improperly laid patio may sink and pool with water, for example. When you hire a professional hard landscaping company, you are paying for their knowledge of load-bearing structures, proper sub-base depths and materials, and effective drainage solutions.
Asking the right questions upfront ensures you hire a team capable of delivering safe, long-lasting results.
We recommend asking any prospective landscaper the following questions:
A reputable contractor should proudly show you photos of their work. As well as giving you an idea of quality, this also helps you see if they can work in your preferred style. For example, if you’re set on sandstone garden paving, you’ll ideally want to see examples of sandstone patios. If possible, try to see some of their work in person and talk to local people in Exeter or Newton Abbot who have hired them in the past. At the very least, read online reviews.
Checking insurance coverage gives you peace of mind about a hard landscaping company's legitimacy; they should have public liability insurance as a minimum to protect your property and their staff in the event of an unexpected accident.
Another important question that often gets overlooked is whether waste removal and associated costs, such as skip hire, are included in the quote.
Never accept a verbal estimate as a final price. A genuine professional will always provide a detailed, itemised, written quote that clearly breaks down the costs of materials, labour and VAT. Furthermore, you should always ask what guarantees they offer on their workmanship. A confident team will gladly back up their installations with a solid warranty, giving you complete peace of mind.
Taking the time to properly interview potential contractors might feel tedious, but it is the only way to guarantee a premium finish. By choosing an established, highly reviewed hard landscaping company, you safeguard your hard-earned investment.
Homeowners in Newton Abbot and Exeter who follow these simple vetting steps consistently enjoy smoother projects, better communication and stunning outdoor spaces that stand the test of time and add value to their properties.
If you’re on the hunt for a reliable landscaper, consider Surface-it Solutions. We offer a range of specialist services, including:
Our promise
Surface-it Solutions prides itself on its reputation on providing a first class service from initial consultation to the final product and all of our work is guaranteed.
