Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Landscaper
Seven questions worth asking a landscaping contractor before you sign anything or put down a deposit.
Are you licensed and insured?
Start here. A licensed contractor has met the basic requirements to work in your area. Insurance covers you if someone gets hurt on your property or if equipment hits the house. General liability covers property damage. Workers compensation covers the crew. If they cannot show proof of both, do not hire them. You could be on the hook for an accident in your yard.
In Iowa, licensing requirements vary by city and county. Contractors who carry proper insurance and licensing tend to run tighter jobs. Ask for certificates and verify them if you want to be sure.
How long have you been serving Cedar Falls, Waterloo, and Black Hawk County?
Experience in a specific region matters. A contractor who has worked in Cedar Falls, Waterloo, and Black Hawk County for years understands the local soil conditions, climate patterns, and common challenges that come with Iowa landscapes. They know how clay soil behaves, what freeze-thaw cycles do to hardscape, and which plants thrive in Black Hawk County. That local knowledge translates to better recommendations and longer-lasting results.
A newer company may still do excellent work, but you want to confirm they have experience with projects similar to yours. Ask for examples of work they have completed in the area, not just photos from other regions.
Who will be on site managing the work?
Many homeowners sign a contract with a salesperson or owner, then never see them again after the project starts. The actual work may be handed off to a crew with less experience. Ask specifically who will be on site each day and who you should talk to if you have questions or concerns during the project.
A dedicated project manager or lead foreman who is present daily makes a significant difference in communication and quality control. You want someone on site who has the authority to make decisions and address issues as they come up, not someone who has to call the office and wait for instructions.
Can you provide references from recent projects?
A reputable contractor should be able to provide references from clients with similar projects. Ideally, you want to talk to someone whose work was completed in the last year so you can ask about the experience, timeline, and how the work is holding up. Online reviews are helpful, but a direct conversation with a past client gives you a fuller picture.
If possible, ask if you can visit a completed project in person. Seeing the quality of the workmanship up close tells you more than any photo can. Pay attention to details like clean cuts, consistent joints, and proper grading around the finished area.
How do you handle changes or unexpected issues?
No landscaping project goes perfectly according to plan. Buried debris, utility lines, tree roots, or unexpected soil conditions can require adjustments. Ask how the contractor communicates changes and how they handle additional costs. A good contractor will discuss changes with you before proceeding and provide a clear explanation of any cost adjustments.
Avoid contractors who give a vague answer like "we will figure it out as we go." You want a defined process for change orders that includes written documentation and your approval before any extra work begins.
What does the warranty cover?
Warranties vary widely between contractors. Some offer a one-year warranty on workmanship. Others stand behind their installations for longer. Ask specifically what is covered, what is not, and how the warranty process works if something needs attention. Material warranties from manufacturers are separate from workmanship warranties provided by the contractor, so understand both.
A contractor who offers a strong warranty is confident in their work. Make sure the warranty is documented in writing as part of your contract.
What is the payment schedule?
Payment terms should be clearly defined in your contract. A typical schedule for larger projects involves a deposit upfront, progress payments at defined milestones, and a final payment upon completion and your satisfaction. Be wary of contractors who demand a large percentage upfront before any work has started. That is a common red flag.
A reasonable deposit is usually 10 to 30 percent of the total project cost, depending on the scope. The balance should be tied to completed work, not to material delivery. Make sure the payment schedule aligns with actual progress you can verify.
