What’s in Your Landscape Agreement? Five things to consider before signing on the dotted line
Whose document is it? In many cases, the landscape contractor generates the contract and specifications. While this may be convenient, the agreement typically favors the group who prepares the document. Having a clear set of landscape specifications that represent the specific needs of the community will pay dividends for the community when they are utilized in the agreement.
Is it performance based? In the past 30 years in the green industry, “body count” contracts have become more popular. In these cases, the association dictates labor to the bidding landscape contractor based on a myriad of assumptions and expectations. Be cautious of the “body count” method that requires the contractor employ a specific number of persons on site for a specific number of days, as this limits creativity and efficiency. A performancebased agreement, on the other hand, emphasizes performance rather than the number of workers on site. Contractors are incentivized to be more efficient and less labor is needed to perform the job at hand.
Is it measurable? What makes a landscaper successful in the eyes of the client? Believe it or not, most landscape contractors can't answer this question either. Providing measurable goals and expectations removes ambiguity and inserts results-oriented communication. Remember, the role of the contractor is not to make you happy – it’s to fulfill their contract.
Is water management considered? Landscape agreements should include clear language regarding water budgets, penalties and expectations. The landscape contractor’s role has changed over time. Green grass used to be a key indicator of a good landscaper. Today, a proficient contractor should maintain a green lawn with water conservation in mind. While the appropriate amount of water varies from zip code to plant type, creating a water budget and requiring the contractor meet or exceed that number should be universal.
Is it duly executed? This one should be easy. Contracts must be signed to be valid. Unfortunately, a signed agreement can be hard to locate after the fact. To better protect both the landscape contractor and the community, make sure that an executed contract is delivered and stored with your management records.
Contributed by Matt Davenport, President of Monarch Environmental in Laguna Niguel.
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Vision Summer 2014 | www.cacm.org
