2023 sEASON INTRO

The 2023 Season is upon us! With the days getting longer and the sun getting higher in the sky, a lot of things are changing. We are getting fragments of spring every week with warmer weather peeking through.  All of these things that are familiar signs of spring.
So with the changing of the environment and the optimism that has invoked us to realizing the ancient feelings of life and a new beginning. In just a few weeks there will be a frenzy of activity in our industry. Consisting of people wanting some sort of change so they can experience  their spaces in a new way. So from a Landscape Service Provider looking out, here is a bit of advice.
The first thing to do if I was a consumer and I had these ideas of change and a newness to my outdoor space at home I would first get a sense of my budget. Get realistic with how much you have to spend. Understanding one’s budget is most likely the best thing to get done first. 
Don't play the age-old game of ' I have a number.' You know the one where you have thought of a number and someone has to keep guessing until they get it out of you.  That is a tiresome game and it is a waste of everyone's time.
Many times have I had this happen to me in the world of sales. The clients who do this somehow think that if they are discreet with their 'number' that somehow, they will get some sort of deal. This is far from the truth; a lot of contractors will cut out margin or labor to meet monetary budgets and will often times find themselves upside down on a job.  They will do one of two things; ask for more money or stop showing up. I have heard horror stories, so be upfront with your budget.
The second thing I would do would be to secure a designer. Some form or fashion of commitment will most likely have to be made to get any contractor to sharpen their pencils.  This builds trust between the Designer and yourself.  A token of commitment means that something will happen, and if you are certain, you want the job done, why not.  For example, here at Hurr Vasa we/I ask customers who are certain they want to build something, but need my help, I ask them sign a design contract.  This contract is an estimation of how many hours I think it would take to produce a drawing and cost estimate based off of the size and scope of the project. The dollar amount of the contract is fully refundable toward the project's budget, since we are going to do the job.....right?!
I have only once had to invoice someone for the contracted design contract amount, it is 99.99% always taken off of the project.

Finally, make sure you trust the person and company with whom you are engaging with. Treat the initial consult as an interview. See if you have good mojo! I can say that From Education, being a laborer, and all of the landscape in my life for the last 25 years that I know the technical jargon, what the installers will take more or less time to do, and how to solve that problem that you have about 10 different ways, and the other ones that could be created from an unrealistic design.  So, trust your designer, and vet the business, as you know how to do.

By securing a designer/company, having a good rapport, being realistic with your budget, and following through, makes for a great install and everyone is happy. Have a great 2023 Landscaping Season!

Hurr Vasa Sprinkler and Landscape is always here to help!
-James L