LANDSCAPER ADVICE FROM SENIORS VS CRIME

Seniors Vs Crime, a special project of the Florida Attorney General's Office, warns Villagers to take special care when hiring a Landscaper to spruce up your property.  Seniors Vs Crime is dedicated to assisting senior Floridians in avoiding or resolving problems involving any business, including landscapers.

Many of us are considering upgrading our property by a landscaping project. When planning your landscaping project, there are a few things you should be aware of to ensure a smooth and successful project.

For most landscaping projects, contractors are not required to have a state license.  The exception is for those landscapers who apply fertilizers or pesticides to your yard, they must have a license issued by the Department of Agriculture.  Any landscaper should have insurance to cover their workers and should be willing to provide proof of insurance to you.

To avoid scams as well as simple misunderstandings, there are a few simple things you can do to avoid or minimize problems.

First, to insure everyone understands what is to be done, be sure you have a clear definition of the task 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.

Check with the local Better Business Bureau and with Seniors Vs Crime before signing a contract.-Note any recent changes in company ownership as this could be a red flag.

Avoid paying in advance, even a little bit.  Often the contractor will explain that he needs the money to buy supplies or equipment.  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.  If you must pay in advance, ask to pay the supplier not the contractor, and have the contractor pick up the material when the job is begun.  Then if the contractor "goes south", you will at least have the material, and not a lien on your property.

If the work is protracted, it is reasonable to pay progress payments.  A representative payment schedule might look something like this.

10% up front deposit at contract signing

15% the day the work starts

25% after all new plants are put in ground

25% after mulch / gravel is put in place
25% final payment after all cleanup, your "punch list" is corrected, and you are satisfied.

Be sure to get receipts for all payments.  Make checks payable to the company (not the individual - this is a red flag).

In summary, be smart, be aware and be wary. If you have any doubts, or need other assistance, call either of our Seniors vs. Crime offices in The Villages at (352) 753-7775 or (352) 753-2799, Extension 4253.