After getting an estimate, most homeowners ask about price — understandably. But price comparison without understanding what's behind each quote leads to the wrong contractor for the wrong reasons. These questions reveal scope, experience, and business practices that price comparison alone misses.
The Questions That Actually Matter
We're happy to answer all of these — free site visit throughout Lake Norman, 704-460-2019.
- Are you licensed as a landscape contractor in North Carolina? NC Chapter 89D requires a license to use the title "landscape contractor" or to advertise landscaping construction services. Ask for the license number and verify it at nclclb.com.
- Can you provide proof of general liability and workers compensation insurance? Ask for a certificate of insurance naming you as additionally insured. If a worker is injured on your property without workers comp, you may be liable.
- Will your own crew do the work, or do you use subcontractors? Subcontracted work isn't inherently bad, but you should know who's showing up and who's accountable if something goes wrong.
- Will you assess drainage and grade before proposing plants or hardscape? A contractor who goes straight to plant selection without evaluating site conditions is setting the project up for problems.
- How long have you been operating in the Lake Norman area? Local experience with Lake Norman's clay soils, drainage patterns, and HOA requirements matters.
- Can you provide references from projects similar to mine? Request references for projects in your specific service type — drainage, retaining walls, planting — not just general landscaping.
- What does your quote include and what does it exclude? Ask specifically about debris removal, soil amendment, base preparation (for hardscape), and drainage provisions. Low quotes often exclude these.
- What is your process when unexpected site conditions are discovered? Buried debris, rock, or old drainage infrastructure are common surprises on Lake Norman properties. How a contractor communicates and prices these situations matters.
- What's the payment schedule? Avoid contractors who require full payment before work begins. A deposit at signing, progress payments tied to milestones, and a final payment at completion is the standard structure for larger projects.
- Do you provide a written warranty on your work? Ask what's covered, for how long, and what conditions would void the warranty.
Want this looked at on your property?
We give free, no-pressure on-site estimates across Denver, Mooresville, Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville and Troutman.
