What’s in Your Landscape Agreement?

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 w ater 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.

achieving professional excellence

Congratulations Managers

It is with pride that we recognize managers who have taken the next step in their professional career by pursuing advanced educational opportunities. Congratulations to our newest Certified Community Association Manager (CCAM) and Specialty Certificate recipients for the first quarter of 2014.

New CCAMs

Douglas J. Alves, CCAM Christie Alviso, CCAM Deena Arvizu, CCAM Aaron L. Atnip, CCAM Kizzy Bell, CCAM Taylor R. Benson, CCAM Juanita A. Cabriales, CCAM Karen Cherry, CCAM Leah M. Craghead, CCAM Lisa M. Cupersmith, CCAM Janelle Dockham, CCAM RosaLea O. Dodson, CCAM Tad Dodson, CCAM Ryan Figley, CCAM Christina N. Forrest-Painter, CCAM Noel A. Gimbel, CCAM Gina Gorman, CCAM Monica D. Heredia, CCAM Andrew J. Hertel, CCAM Jill Kelley-Farrell, CCAM Clora C. Leraul, CCAM Patrick J. Magee, CCAM Peter Marino, CCAM Lynne Mast, CCAM Devon Miller, CCAM Betty Morris, CCAM Sharon O'Connell, CCAM Linda Oum, CCAM Katrina M. Tanjuakio, CCAM Chris Thierry, CCAM Juli Tilton-Traylor, CCAM Douglas A. Ward, CCAM Sandie Wheeler, CCAM Julie Wood, CCAM Debra Wolf, CCAM Specialty Certificates

High Rise Community Management Hamlet Vasquez, CCAM

Large Scale Community Management Jessica Williams, CCAM

Portfolio Management Jan Weiler, CCAM

CACM Certification Programs

Want to enhance your career and display a competitive edge? CACM offers three credentialing programs for community managers:

• Certified Community Association Manager (CCAM) certification • Specialty Certificate Programs • Master of Community Association Management (MCAM) certification

Learn more about these programs at www.cacm.org.