When it's time to invest in your outdoor space, choosing the right hardscaping contractor is just as important as the design itself. This sort of long-term addition to your home is something that needs to be built to last. But with so many general contractors in Delaware advertising their services, how do you know who to trust?
Asking the right questions before hiring ensures your project runs smoothly and protects your investment. Below, we’ll walk through the 9 most important questions to ask a contractor before you sign a contract.
Here's what we'll cover in this blog:
- What Should You Ask a Contractor?
- How Long Have You Been Hardscaping?
- What Are Your Credentials?
- Can Your Provide References and a Portfolio?
- Who Will Be Doing the Work?
- What Is Your Payment Schedule?
- What Kind of Warranty Do You Have?
- Can You Provide a Written Estimate?
- Is Hardscaping a Good Investment?
- What Are the Drawbacks of Hardscaping?
- Wilmington's Hardscaping Contractor
Just What Should You Ask a Contractor?
Before you commit to any outdoor hardscape contractors, make sure you feel confident in their experience, process, and professionalism. While price matters, it is only one factor. A contractor should also offer transparency, communication, and proof of quality work.
Here are the 9 questions every homeowner should ask when interviewing backyard landscaping and hardscaping contractors.
1. How Long Have You Been a Hardscaping Contractor?
Experience counts when it comes to the detailed work involved in hardscaping and landscaping in Delaware. Not all hardscaping contractors have the same skill set and years of experience in the industry.
Asking about experience ensures your contractor has handled projects similar to yours. A landscaping and hardscaping company with over a decade of experience in Wilmington and the surrounding areas will understand local soil conditions, drainage requirements, and the permits necessary for larger builds.
2. What Are Your Credentials?
This is one of the most critical questions to ask. Any reputable Delaware contractors should be licensed and insured. Licensing ensures they meet state requirements, while insurance protects you from liability if an accident occurs on your property.
You can ask for proof and check out their website to see if they've been in business for some time. A professional hardscaping contractor will have no problem sending over documentation. If a contractor hesitates, that is a red flag. There is a lot that goes into choosing the right contractor for your outdoor project, so don't be afraid to press for details.
3. Can You Provide References and a Portfolio?
Quality craftsmanship speaks for itself. The best hardscaping contractors near you will happily share a portfolio of completed work, including patios and walkways, outdoor kitchens, and outdoor fireplaces.
Even better, ask for references. Talking directly with past clients allows you to learn how the contractor handled communication, timelines, and unexpected challenges. This gives you confidence that your chosen contractor can deliver on their promises.
4. Who Will Be Doing The Work?
Do you have direct employees or hire out subcontractors? This question is often overlooked, but it matters. Some outdoor hardscape contractors use their own in-house teams, while others subcontract most of the labor. There is nothing wrong with subcontractors, but you will want to know who will be on your property every day.
A contractor who uses trained employees usually offers more consistent quality and accountability. If they do subcontract, ask how they vet workers and manage the project. This ensures you are not left wondering who is really building your outdoor living space.
5. What Is Your Payment Schedule?
Payment schedules vary, but clarity is essential. A reputable hardscaping contractor will not demand full payment up front. Instead, you can expect to pay a deposit at the beginning, progress payments as milestones are reached, and the balance upon completion.
Having a clear payment schedule protects both you and the contractor. It also prevents misunderstandings down the road. Always get it in writing before the work begins. How much hardscaping costs varies, but it's helpful to have an idea before you get your contract.
6. What Kind Of Warranty Do You Have?
The best hardscaping contractors in Delaware stand behind their work with warranties. A well-built patio or retaining wall should last for decades, but craftsmanship issues sometimes surface after installation. A strong warranty shows that the contractor is confident in their work and willing to resolve problems if they arise.
Ask about material warranties as well. For example, pavers, porcelain slabs, and stone often come with manufacturer guarantees, and your contractor should explain these to you.
7. Can You Provide A Detailed Written Estimate?
Beyond labor and materials, a written estimate shows exactly what is included in your project. Transparent hardscape contractors outline design, site preparation, drainage, materials, and finishing work. This ensures you are comparing apples to apples when reviewing bids from multiple Delaware contractors.
A clear estimate also prevents hidden costs and sets expectations upfront.
8. Is Hardscaping A Good Investment?
Go ahead and ask about the investment angle. Hardscaping is absolutely a good investment. Well-designed hardscaping not only upgrades your lifestyle but also adds measurable value to your home. A patio, outdoor kitchen, or fire feature turns your backyard into an extension of your living space, ideal for entertaining or relaxing.
In fact, many homeowners see a significant return when selling their home because hardscaping creates curb appeal and functionality. Partnering with a skilled backyard landscaping contractor ensures your investment holds up for decades. Your chosen contractor should be able to make this same argument for your project.
9. What Are The Drawbacks Of Hardscaping?
Don't be afraid to ask about any cons of your intended plans. While hardscaping has many benefits, it is important to be aware of potential drawbacks:
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Upfront Cost: Quality hardscaping can be more expensive than basic landscaping.
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Permanence: Unlike plants, hardscaping is not easily changed. That's why it's important to hire the right hardscaping contractor.
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Drainage Issues: Poorly planned projects can create water problems. Experienced hardscape contractors prevent this through grading and proper installation.
You might be wondering if hardscaping includes concrete. This material is considered part of hardscaping. Hardscaping involves any non-living elements, such as patios, walkways, driveways, retaining walls, and fire pits. Concrete, pavers, stone, and porcelain all fall under this category.
If you are searching for outdoor hardscape contractors, be sure to ask which materials they specialize in. For example, modern designs may use porcelain slabs or natural bluestone rather than poured concrete.
Wilmington's Hardscaping Contractor
If you live in our service area, finding the right hardscaping contractor in Wilmington is essential. At First Class Lawncare LLC, we have specialized in patios, walkways, outdoor kitchens, retaining walls, and more for over a decade. Our design-build process lets us set you up for success and allows you to skip the coordination of different teams. We have a masonry specialist on staff, which lets us give your project the extra customization and expertise it needs.
We are proud to be one of the most trusted hardscape contractors in the region, offering modern materials like bluestone and porcelain along with timeless stonework. Whether you are looking for questions to ask a landscaper or want a guide to outdoor living, our team is here to help.
Contact Us
Contact us to schedule your consultation and see why we are considered one of the best hardscaping contractors in the area.
