[4seasons]

I was at a low voltage lighting seminar yesterday, and the speaker brought up an interesting suggestion.
A contractor he knows has decided to change the rules of the game--
When he meets with future prospects, he will give them a sheet that says "questions you should be asking your contractor"

the questions he went on to mention pertained to lighting, but I think landscaping questionaire could easily be made up.
anyone ever do anything like this before?

[GLAN]

Funny.......I was thinking that, this morning

[RHayden]

Double funny...........we were talking about this kind of thing earlier in the week. I'm thinking it might be a good thing to put up on the website. Haven't given much thought to the content just yet.

[4seasons]

maybe we could organize the questions per category?
hardscaping
waterfeatures
lighting
planting
snowplowing?

[GLAN]

Originally Posted by 4seasons

maybe we could organize the questions per category?
hardscaping
waterfeatures
lighting
planting
snowplowing?

Don't forget maintenance

[RHayden]

I think I'm envisioning a more generalized list. More like a reverse pre-qualifying list like a lot of us use when a new customer calls.

[johnkeegan]

We don't do an actual list. But that's a good idea. What we do stress with customers is stuff like, "No matter who you do have do this make sure they do XYZ....." And we follow it by telling them all the little tricks fly-by-nighters attempt to use to cut corners. At least then we hope to be playing on a level playing field.

[sandim]

Good topic, good idea. Not only does it show the potential client how straightforward you are, but it also does level the playing field. I always hear and see G.C. horror stories.
I'll be interested to see what everyone comes up with.

[4seasons]

some of the questions for low voltage were:

what is UL
what is a GFCI
how many volts do your lights get
what size wire do you use?
why?
what is your warranty on the install?

there were somebetter ones but I couldn't write fast enough.

hardscapes-

what do you use for base?
how much base (minimum for walk or patio)?
why and what's geo fabric?
do you use edge restraint?
what's ICPI?

What's minimum depth of base on a small 2ft high wall?
what's geogrid?
what type of drainage field do you install?
whats NCMA?

[sandim]

great help Bruce, thanks! Gives me some ideas for the other aspects of our business.
Will brain storm on this over the next few days. Thanks for sharing!

[4seasons]

John that's usually what I tell customers also

[Sonnenblumen]

Interesting Post but how far has it stalled or what? I'm new around here so forgive me if this thread has been superceeded elsewher?

A couple of openers I would suggest prospective clients might need to know:

- proof of employer and public liability insurances
- professional indemnity (essential for designers and also product vendors).
Garden lights would be an excellent example of potential risks.
- registered company and tax compliant

Other relevant points the landscaper might wish to convey/highlight relate to bona fides
-qualifications (formal education/training/experience)
-track record
-reference clients to verify professionalism, punctuality, project execution methodology.

Obviously link to visual references/website are assumed.

Technical criteria could be developed once design has been scoped/defined.