Landscaping and decking jobs are highly variable — no two backyards are the same — which makes it harder to compare quotes than for something like a driveway. These questions help you compare contractors properly rather than just comparing a bottom-line number.
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Are you licensed and insured for this type of work? Ask to see it, not just take their word for it. Insurance protects you if something goes wrong on your property.
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What exactly is included in the quote? Landscaping quotes can vary hugely depending on whether they include site preparation, soil or turf disposal, retaining structures, plants, and irrigation. Get it broken down.
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Who is doing the work? Some contractors do everything themselves; others subcontract parts of the job. Neither is wrong, but you should know who will actually be on site.
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What is the timeline, and what could change it? Weather, material availability and other jobs can all push a timeline out. A contractor who gives you a realistic answer is generally more trustworthy than one who promises everything will be quick and easy.
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What happens if something is uncovered mid-job? Old concrete, tree roots, or drainage issues under a lawn are common surprises. Ask how they handle a change of scope and how it would be costed.
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Can I see examples of similar work? Photos of finished jobs similar in scale and style to yours tell you more than a general portfolio.
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What is the warranty on the work? Materials like pavers and decking timber usually carry a manufacturer's warranty, but ask specifically about the contractor's own workmanship warranty too.
None of these questions are unusual to ask, and a contractor who is confident in their work will have straightforward answers to all of them. Getting quotes from a few different local contractors is the easiest way to see how these answers compare.
