Working with Landscape Professionals

The sunny days of March and April could inspire you to do "something" to enhance your home's environment. Landscape projects can be as small as trimming a tree or installing a sprinkler system, or as large as building a swimming pool, garden pond, deck or patio. The largest projects could involve all of the above and more, as well as extensive plantings.

You might tackle such a project yourself, perhaps with the help of family, friends and casual workers, but if you prefer to employ the services of a landscape professional, a bit of preparation will help to make the project a successful and enjoyable experience.

If your goals include extensive construction or tricky issues such as retaining walls and drainage systems, you might seek the help of a landscape architect. In California, landscape architects are licensed by the Landscape Architects Technical Committee of the California Architects Board. Find a licensed landscape architect through the Yellow Pages or the web site of the American Society of Landscape Architects <www.asla.org>. If you're putting in an irrigation system see "Working With an Irrigation Contractor".

For less challenging projects, you might benefit from the advice of a landscape designer. A good one can bring fresh perspectives and ideas to even the most avid and expert gardener. An experienced designer also can provide drawings of decks and other structures that are sufficient to guide a contractor's work. The State of California does not license people who offer landscape design services, but The Association of Professional Landscape Designers certifies professionals in this field and lists them on the Association's web site, <www.apld.org>.

Once you have a design for your landscape project, you may well require the services of a landscape contractor. It's more important than ever to do your homework when working with a landscape contractor. Designs can be erased and redrawn easily, but once concrete has been poured, it's probably there to stay. See "Hiring A Licensed Landscape Contractor" on the web site of the California Landscaping Contractors Association <www.clca.org>.

Rely on referrals and references to locate either a landscape designer or a landscape contractor who is both skilled and attuned to your interests. If possible, visit a recent project of the designer or contractor, and to talk directly with the client.

In California, the Contractors State License Board, within the Department of Consumer Affairs, licenses landscape and general contractors. The Board also has excellent free publications for consumers, including, "What You Should Know Before You Hire a Contractor" and "Home Improvement Contracts: Putting the Pieces Together." Download these publications from the Board's web site www.cslb.ca.gov or request them by calling the Board at (800) 321-2752.

Read both publications to get the complete picture about hiring a contractor for a home/landscape improvement project. Meanwhile, here a few key points from the Board:

�	If the total cost of the project exceeds $500, the contract must be in writing.

�	The down payment for home/landscape improvements must not exceed $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less.

�	Payments to the contractor cannot exceed the value of the work actually performed to date, except for the initial down payment.

�	The building department's final inspection determines only if the work complies with various codes and regulations regarding safety. It's up to you to determine that the work meets appropriate standards of quality.

A well-planned landscape project should make both you and your contractor happy, and could add to the value of your property.