Land clearing might seem like an easy ask – it’s just knocking down some trees and pulling out the large rocks, right? Not exactly. There’s a long list of considerations when preparing a site for construction or some other project that requires access and cleared space.
If you don’t want to hire the wrong company for the job, you’ll want them to have extensive vegetation removal and site preparation experience. Take the time to research any people you’re thinking about hiring. If you’d like to whittle down the list of potential land clearers, here are five critical questions to ask before signing a contract.
#1 “Can You Give Me a Clear Estimate?”
When it comes to land clearing, any legitimate company will provide you with a detailed, upfront estimate before taking on the job. Every project is different, and the costs can vary considerably depending on the property size, the type of vegetation you’re removing, and the preferred disposal process.
Many land-clearing contractors will charge by the square foot, but be crystal clear about what those charges include when reviewing their estimates. For example, the last thing you want is to find out that the company charges extra for stump removal or burning the debris. If you’re seeking additional services like land leveling, does the estimate reflect that?
Insist upon estimates in writing, and be sure they include the payment terms so that you don’t get a shock with unexpected charges after the fact.
#2 “Can You Provide Proof of Your Credentials?”
Are you hiring a company for construction site preparation? Perhaps you’re looking at forestry mulching to add nature trails to an existing property. Either way, it’s imperative that the company you hire has the proper training, license, and insurance to do that kind of work.
Hiring an unauthorized or inexperienced contractor for vegetation removal can potentially cost you thousands in damages, not to mention the liability of injuries related to the project.
Insist upon seeing proof of the company’s credentials, including:
- Insurance policies
- Licenses
- Certifications
- Required permits
#3 “Can You Share Your Approach to Safety On the Job?”
Make no mistake; land clearing is dangerous work. Reputable companies will take the safety responsibilities seriously on your property. If you ask about the safety precautions they take on every project, the information might include:
- Who is in charge of safety on site?
- What is the company’s emergency response plan if something goes wrong?
In addition to protecting its workers, the company should also have a concrete plan for securing the site. How do they ensure it is safe, even when they aren’t actively clearing land?
#4 “Have You Ever Done a Job Like This One Before?”
Not all companies have the equipment or skills to take on all types of land clearing jobs. Ask whether the company you’re talking to can accomplish what you need them to. This means a site visit is imperative.
You shouldn’t hesitate to ask about their experience with similar projects, too. When they’ve completed jobs similar to yours in the past, they’ll have a better idea of how long the work will take and the right (or wrong) approach. Then, if the contractor claims to have experience in these areas, ask some follow-up questions like:
- How will they approach the job step by step?
- What equipment do they plan to use?
- Do they expect any obstacles? What will they do to overcome these challenges?
This should reveal whether you’ll be working with a knowledgeable company and ensure more reliable results.
#5 “Can You Provide References?”
If you’re thinking of going ahead with the hire, be sure to ask for customer references as a follow-up to all your questions about the crew’s experience. A reputable company will be able to connect you with its previous customers who had similar land clearing and can give you an honest appraisal.
When talking to references, ask what they liked and didn’t like about the company. Were there any issues? Could they share before-and-after photos with you to see the results of the clearing and grading services for yourself?
Get Answers To Your Questions From Local Land Clearing Experts
Your property is too important to leave in the hands of just any contractor, and it’s your responsibility to make sure anyone you hire is well-equipped to meet your property’s needs. Don’t be shy when it comes to interviewing prospects; any company worth its salt won’t hesitate to answer your questions and provide the information you need to make a decision.
Sanctuary Forest Mulching is proud to provide high quality land clearing services in Lexington, Kentucky and the surrounding areas. Get in touch with us today at (859) 800-2979 to schedule a consultation and get a quote for your next project.
