Cheapest Is Not Always Best
When it comes to selecting your landscape gardener, it is not always the price that should be the defining factor in your decision.
Everyone wants the best service, high quality work at the lowest price. Most people realise this is simply not possible and that it is more realistic to expect two out of best service, highest quality, and lowest price rather than all three. Some people decide that it is best to work with the company that offers the best service and highest quality workmanship.
As a rule, most quotations are decided on cost, however we have won many projects where we have not given the lowest price.
When you receive your quote, there are several issues that you need to consider before choosing your contractor, you want the work to be done right first time, and not have to worry about it for years to come.
What To Consider
Although you may have received a low quotation, it does not mean that they are the right partner for you. They may not have the number of operatives to carry out the works by your specified deadline. Make sure they have skilled operatives to complete the works to the standards you want. We do not have this problem but if we cannot do something, we would tell you.
Does the contractor that you want to work with have the experience to carry out the works in question. It is always to recommended to check the website for the company you are considering and read their reviews.
All contractors whether they employ one person or forty should hold the appropriate levels of insurance so make sure you ask for a copy along with their accreditations. You need to make sure they have a waste carriers’ licence as they may want to leave the waste at your premises.
So, is the Cheapest Quote the Best?
In short, the answer is no – you really do get what you pay for.
Most people’s homes are their largest investment, so the cost of the work should not be the primary decision metric when looking at improving upon that investment. Many things must be taken into consideration when looking at quotes. Then you must wonder if the contractor you choose will be in business years down the road should you need their services for maintenance or other projects.
So, when you are comparing quotes for your project, dig deeper into the companies.
- Will the contractors working on your project be professional, capable, respectful, and knowledgeable, or are they simply labourers?
- Are the workers background checked?
- Are the workers legal citizens?
- What kind of workmanship warranty is offered?
- What is the warranty on the products being used?
- Are your best interests – both short and long term – addressed in the quote?
- Are they local?
- Find out what their story is and look at their portfolios.
- Are they diversified and stable?
- Is their work well documented and high quality?
- How are their online reviews?
The cheapest quote often comes with more risk!
You will find that the cheapest quote often comes with more risk. All home improvement projects are meant to be just that, an improvement. An upgrade. If a company comes in with a low quote, ask yourself if this is truly going to be a home upgrade, or a headache for you down the road.
We have had several potential clients work with other companies based on price rather than quality of service and workmanship. We often hear horror stories where homeowners are left with poor-quality work often with the work needing to be redone leading to extra expense, unnecessary stress, and sometimes even legal cases. We looked at a job last summer after been recommended by a builder who had renovated a family home in Harrogate. Another Landscaping company was hired to carry out the work based on price and the fact they could start straight away (never a good sign !!) This work was carried out to an extremely poor standard, the Landscapers would regularly leave site to carry out other work delaying the completion of the job. Damage was also caused to walls and a stone windowsill on the new extension with a mini digger. A lot of extras have been charged which should have been included in the original costings. The clients are now looking at taking legal action and calling in trading standards. All this could have been prevented if they had taken more care in choosing a Landscaper rather than just going for the cheapest quote.
When you work with us, we can assure you of great service from your initial inquiry to our team in the office to the completion of the project by our skilled landscaping team.
If you are ready to being your landscaping project, please give one of our friendly team a call on 01756 541313 and we would be happy to discuss how we can help you bring your ideas to life.
