Elk Grove looking Concrete / Landscape contractor (Sacramento: insurance, house, construction) - City-Data Forum

quang · 02-28-2011, 02:12 PM

I just moved into Elk Grove area and the backyard needed to be re-done. Need to find a good contractor. Any recommendation?

Thanks,

Quang

Bulldogdad · 03-01-2011, 10:30 AM

Whom ever you choose make sure you do the following.

Choose at least three CLCA member Landscape Contractors to give you competing bids.

Run their contractors License numbers through the California State Contractors Board web site to ensure their are no current or past problems.

Work Comp and General liability insured. If they are a CLCA member they probably have their insurance through them. Which is a very good thing. Ask for a certificate of current insurance coverage. Call insurance carrier to verify coverage once you select the contractor.

Ask for job references that you can go and look at. If the Landscape contractor is good at what they do they will have many proud homeowners to sing their praises and show off the work they completed.

If any of the Contractors balks at any of the above processes or tries to get out of providing the info toss them to the curb immediately.

Oh and you get what you pay for. Just remember that. There are a ton of out of work Landscape foreman that can promise you the world for very cheap. However unless you are self insured for millions and want to stand and over see the job 8 hours a day hire a professional licensed insured contractor.

quang · 03-01-2011, 09:00 PM

Thanks, got down to a few now. Propably tring to get estimate this weekend.

quang · 03-03-2011, 11:00 PM

Narrow down to these two contractor. Their price are similar but one is specialized in border so I haven't seen his landscape project yet. Any one had experience with any of these 2?

delta concrete and landscape
custom landscape border

Not sure if links are allow. Mod please remove if violate the rule.

Bulldogdad · 03-05-2011, 01:05 PM

The first link average. Second link does not work.

Based on their portfolio I'd say your getting an average contractor with some basic experience. Honestly with 15 years experience the pictures of their jobs don't impress me at all.

I would want to know if the license holder is active in the construction part of the job or just the administrator with another job. You find that alot in this industry.

Do not pay any more than 10% of the total project cost up front. If the Contractor wants progress payments and the job is under $20,000 in materials cost go with someone else. They are not adequately capitalized and might not be around for the warranty period. Also make sure the bid breaks out materials and labor expense. Make sure the contract spells out the start and finish dates. Put in any penalties for not finishing on time. Like 10% off bill for every week late. Also ensure to get a lien release from the contractor and his suppliers for the materials before you give final payment. Make sure this is stipulated in the contract. Here is the link from the CLSB.

Conditional and Unconditional Waiver and Release Forms - Contractors State License Board

quang · 03-09-2011, 09:42 PM

Got the backyard done with this guys delta concrete and landscape. Look very decent for good price. Thanks for all your input.

shulamith · 03-10-2011, 06:48 PM

Sacramento Valley Landscape 916-966-6421, they just did a gorgeous demonstration garden at Landscape Expo at Cal Expo about a month ago. Free Estimates.

Bulldogdad · 03-11-2011, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quang

Got the backyard done with this guys delta concrete and landscape. Look very decent for good price. Thanks for all your input.

What all that and no pictures? Sheesh

Congrats.

quang · 03-11-2011, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bulldogdad

What all that and no pictures? Sheesh

Congrats.

Thanks,

The wife took my camera and left it at my parents house on our last trip there. Going to pick it up on the next trip. All I got is the lousy camera phone. Cannot take picture with this phone at all.

webdev · 04-02-2011, 12:15 AM

Good topic. Its that time of year. I'm also looking for Concrete / Landscape contractor recommendations.

Quang it sounds like you liked delta concrete and landscape. Anyone have good experience with some other companies? I'd like to get a few quotes. I mostly need to redo my back patio and add walkways to the side of my house. Not necessarily looking for the cheapest. I'll pay for quality work.