Looking for Hardscaping Companies Near You? 5 Ways to Find the Perfect Fit…

What would I do if I were looking for hardscaping companies near me? 

After 20+ years working as a patio contractor in Northeastern Massachusetts, I get questions like this all the time. They usually come from someone who knows me, or my company’s portfolio, but doesn’t live nearby. Sometimes it’s friends who want to know what they should be looking for when designing an outdoor space. On other occasions it might be a relative who lives across the country and wants to install an outdoor kitchen.

I always tell them that finding patio contractors isn’t hard, but locating the perfect person for your project can be a challenge. That’s because every hardscaper is different, and you don’t just need someone who is “good.” You want someone who perfectly matches your patio design style and budget while also giving you access to good materials and after-installation care.

In this post I’m going to give you five tips for finding the perfect fit. But first a quick reminder: hardscaping refers to landscaping or patio design on a larger scale. Think of things that require stonework, foundations, and utilities. These are the kinds of jobs that require heavier machines.

In general, you’ll want to find hardscaping companies near you if you have to level unprepared property, or if you simply want to be sure your patio contractor can handle whatever you throw at them.

With that programming note out of the way, let’s get back to the insider tips…

 

#1 Conduct Your Search Online and Offline

You certainly could turn to Google and search a term like “best hardscaping companies near me.” You’re bound to get at least a few good results. Alternatively, you can start asking homeowners in your neighborhood whom they’ve used and get a few recommendations that way.

No matter which route you choose, I would advise you to cast a wide net. Ask around about any company you see online, and visit the website for any business that is referred to you.

As you follow this process, you’re looking for signs of quality, consistency, and experience. You want to know that your hardscaping companies near you has tackled project like yours before (preferably dozens of times). And, you want to know that you’ll be able to reach them after you’ve paid your money and work has concluded.

 

#2 Ask and Answer a Lot of Questions

Your job as a homeowner is to know what you want and what you can afford. You don’t have to be an expert in patio construction – that’s what you’re hiring a team for.

With that in mind, I would encourage you to ask and answer as many questions as you possibly can. Give any opinions or insights you might have about what you want your finished backyard to look like. Be sure to understand what your contractor can (or can’t) do to help you reach that goal. Don’t move on until you are sure you have been understood, and that you know what to expect if and when you hire the company in question.

A good patio contractor will discourage you from rushing this part of the process. Take your time to ensure that both parties are very clear on the outcome before anything moves forward.

 

#3 Work With Someone Who Matches Your Style

There are two types of style when it comes to patio design. The first has to do with actual aesthetics. Naturally, you’ll want to hire a contractor who shares your vision for the way things should look and feel.

The second type of style has to do with communication. Some patio contractors will work from simple napkin sketches. Others like to generate detailed CAD drawings with every feature and detail precisely placed. Either approach is fine, especially if you have a smaller patio design project. Larger jobs (like an outdoor kitchen installation) usually call for more precision.

Either way, choose a company that presents information the way you like to see it.

 

#4 Go for Experience and Adaptability

In the patio contracting business, experience and adaptability go hand-in-hand. When you work on enough hardscaping projects you learn that 2D models don’t actually exist in our 3D world. The ideas you put on paper need to be altered if they’re going to fit the very real outdoor space that exists behind your home. And so, you have to have plans and drawings that are adaptable.

So, while detail is imperative to the planning stage, you want your contracting team to have the flexibility to make changes when they are needed. With a little creative thinking you can even turn those little twists into a better finished product.

 

#5 Make Time Your Friend

Homeowners are sometimes in a rush to get their patio construction project finished. That’s understandable, but it isn’t wise.

I can empathize with anyone who has written a big check and wants to see a fast result. But at the same time things will go much more smoothly if you allow the time to find the right patio contractor near you, explain your ideas, and let them set things up properly. That might mean ordering premium appliances, or sourcing better materials to work with. It could mean arranging for utilities, or just waiting for them to have free space on their schedule to work in your property.

In the end, it isn’t usually time that’s a challenge but the homeowner’s patience. Make the most of both and you’ll get a backyard that better matches your vision and lifestyle.

 

Want to Work With the Best Hardscaping Company Near Me?

If you have a property in Northeast Massachusetts (i.e., near the Saugus area) then the best hardscaping company near you is also the best hardscaping company near me. I know because I’m the owner and we have been in business for 20+ years, with hundreds of satisfied homeowners who are willing to share their experiences.

So if you happen to be located close by, then I invite you to visit our website, check out our portfolio, and contact us to schedule a free design consultation. It won’t cost you anything, and could be the first step toward getting the outdoor space you’ve always dreamed of.