Search ReviewGuider and the web:
Finding a contractor you work well with is much easier if you decide what is important to you. Here are some factors to consider:
For many landscaping jobs, a contractor can handle both design and installation. However, if you have a complex job, you may want to hire a landscape architect to create the plans and a landscape contractor to execute them. If you hire a landscape architect, consider using a contractor your architect recommends and has worked with in the past.
Make sure you get someone to do a quality job. An incompetent contractor can waste your time and money and, worst case, do work that you will have to have someone else redo at your own expense.
You want someone that has been working in the pool services business for at least 5 years. Ask how many times they have performed the type of work you are looking for.
Talk directly to at least 3 recent (last 2 years) customers. Make sure the customers had similar work done and ask to view one or two of the projects.
Make sure there are no complaints for your contractor. Having one or two resolved complaints may be acceptable.
You should have a clear budget for your project and make sure that the contractor can work within your budget.
It is best to hold back 20-50% of the total payment until the job is completed to your satisfaction and you should make sure the contractor will work with those terms.
Make sure they can complete the work by the time you need it done. If timing is important, build a financial performance incentive for finishing early and a penalty for finishing late.
Make sure they build in the style that you want and like. Ask each contractor how he communicates with his clients to insure they approve of the design. At what point will you get to review and sign off on plans? To what degree will he involve you in the selection of colors and materials?
The contractor and his staff are going to be around you and your family while operating equipment so make sure you feel comfortable with them. Ask each contractor you interview if he has safety procedures he uses during the construction process. You may want to ask specifically about safety procedures to protect your family, and procedures to protect his workers.
Some contractors will make a mess and some will clean up and you will never know they were there. If your job will take weeks or months, you want a contractor who will keep the job area organized. If cleanliness is important to you, pick a contractor that takes it seriously.
Try their cell phone number several times at different times of the day and see if/how fast they call you back. Hire someone that takes communications seriously if it is important to you.