The Connection Warren-Watchung Edition Feb/Mar 2019

PAGE 10 THE WARREN-WATCHUNG CONNECTION FEB/MARCH 2019 It's your home . It's your life . Make it better with Jaeger Kitchens ! Madison 133 Main Street (973) 377-1000 Middlesex 500 Bound Brook Road (732) 968-3555 Stirling 1238 Valley Road (908) 647-1239 Union 2322 Morris Avenue (908) 686-0070 www.JaegerKitchens.com There are a lot of “landscapers” or “masonry con- tractors” in the central New Jersey area, but they may have very different skills and professional quali- fications than a Landscape Design/Build firm. When choosing the “right” company for your home, it's essential to hire a professional that provides the serv- ices and experience you need. Here are three impor- tant things to look for. TYPE OF COMPANY The type of landscape company you choose to work with can have a tremendous impact on the overall construction experience you encounter. While “land- scapers” and “masonry contractors” may be skilled in the individual services they offer, a landscape design/build firm is used to designing, as well as con- structing both landscape and hardscape work. A few advantages that a true Landscape Design/Build firm will offer over others are: • Design experience to help a customer visualize the “master plan” for their entire property • More experience integrating both landscape and hardscape into a plan to provide better aesthetics, functionality and prevent construction oversights • Turnkey solutions where only one company is needed to implement all facets of design and construction • Less chance of errors/construction problems – same company that designed the project is also installing the project LANDSCAPE AND HARDSCAPE EXPERIENCE Before you hire a landscape company for your home, make sure they have significant landscape and hard- scape experience. Many landscape and hardscape problems only begin to show in subsequent years. You do not want to have to hire other contractors post-construction to remedy construction flaws, improper planting, or incorrect plant selection. This can be very costly and is obviously very frustrating and stressful. Here are some helpful tips to find an experienced professional: Research Their Website With computers in every household today, most rep- utable companies have professional websites that will provide a lot of valuable information on the com- pany, the services they offer, and show a portfolio of their work. To find out important information, research the company's website to review profes- sional qualifications, experience, photos of previous projects and awards won for any of their work. Get Referrals Get referrals from neighbors, friends and relatives who live in your area. When a company provides high-quality work and service, their reputation gets around quickly, especially in the areas where their business is concentrated. You may find numerous people you know using the same landscape and hardscape company. Look at Their Time in Business and Professional Qualifications The company’s years in business reflects how experi- enced they are in all facets of design and construc- tion. It is quite important for staff to have extensive training and experience in hardscape, drainage and plant knowledge, including growth habits, light and shade tolerance, hardiness, and resistance to animals. SERVICES OFFERED When you’re looking for a landscape and hardscape contractor for your home, pay attention to the design/build services that they provide. A company that designs and builds a variety of custom outdoor features offers valuable benefits for your landscape. Imagine the landscape design possibilities with beau- tiful outdoor features including: • Outdoor Walkways and Driveways • Steps and Patios • Outdoor Kitchens • Outdoor Fireplaces or Fire Pits • Pool and Water Features • Retaining and Seating Walls • Drainage Work • Landscape Design and Construction • Landscape Lighting Adding outdoor features to your landscape will cre- ate unique appeal and a comfortable atmosphere for backyard activities with family and friends. They will also enhance the beauty of your home, create an inviting entrance, boost your home's curb appeal and increase your home's property value. Choosing the “right” company to work is essential to ensure that you reap the many benefits that improving your “outdoor living space” can offer. Don’t fall victim to the many homeowners that have construction nightmares! Scott Parker is the owner of Parker Homescape, a design/build landscape firm that has been recognized as one of the Top Landscape Design/Build Firms in the United States, and has been recognized locally by Design NJ Magazine, New York Spaces Magazine, The Suburban News and many other prestigious publications. In 2012, Parker Homescape’s award winning work was chosen to be published in a book that is currently being distributed worldwide and they are also a five time recipient of the prestigious “Best of Houzz” award. For more information on Parker Homescape, visit their web- site and design portfolio at: www.parkerhomescape.com or call (908) 626-1100 HOW TO CHOOSE A LANDSCAPE & HARDSCAPE CONTRACTOR By: Scott Parker, Parker Homescape, LLC www.theconnectionsnj.com