Contractor Check

Country Landscapes has been providing quality gardening services since 1991 so whether you are a domestic customer with a small garden or a commercial client with expansive grounds we are able to provide a service that meets your needs.

Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten!

How can you find the right contractor for you?

Look out for the rouge trader!

Selling Point	What to check
Specialists	Evident by awards & trade accreditation by qualification & portfolio
Professionals	Evident by awards & trade accreditation by qualification
Specific qualifications	E.g. The only qualification for hand held sprayers are NPTC PA1 PA6.
Working nearby	The job may look good but its an easy way for the neighbourhood to get a rouges gallery of hidden problems. Do your homework!
Work done by women or men	Equality & diversity policy
National Franchise	A lot depends on the francisee -check the local operators qualifications etc.
All aspects	Do they have specialists staff within their firm?
Tradesmen	Qualifications - see below
Established x years	Many start ups vanish within the first 5 years
Fully insured	Get a copy for your file
Guarantees	Part of your service agreement
Portfolios of work	Recommendations - beware of recommendations from only recent clients - has the job stood the test of time?
Mobile phone numbers only	You can't get hold of them when things if things wrong
Highest Standards	See their Qualifications - they are only a starting point though!
Beautiful gardens	Visit their work
Complete service	Jack of all trades does not exist unless they have specialist staff
Friendly service	Good communication is vital e.g. calls returned promptly

Raising the standards

There are good professionals around who care enough about the industry to be registered with BALI. Qualifications are more accessible than ever now, and as Assessors can often do this on the job it doesn't cost much to get qualified. Everyone gains and there is less scope for cowboy operators to confuse the consumer.

Why risk having unqualified people on your property?

Our understanding of a specialist, professional or tradesman is one who has undertaken an apprenticeship. Modern and traditional apprenticeships have changed, but you can be pretty sure that someone who had successfully completed their apprenticeship has gained plenty of qualifications along the way. Horticultural qualifications you should expect are highlighted below:-

	NPTC Certificates are like driving licences - usually legally required or highly recommended for operators undertaking the task. You need PA1 PA6 for spraying, but Chainsaw, excavator operators should possess these.
	City & Guilds I II III IV
	N.V.Q. 1 2 3 4
	B.T.E.C NC
	RHS General Certificate

Higher qualification include:-

	B.T.E.C National Diploma
	Licentiateship
	Graduateship
	Master of Horticulture

More - Choosing a lawn care service

Free Contractor Comparison Matrix

The Low Bid!

If you have any question regarding our services or our customer web at w w w . c o u n t r y - l a n d s c a p e s . c o m please contact the L e e @ c o u n t r y - l a n d s c a p e s . c o m

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