How to select the right landscape Contractor for your project
Choosing the right landscape contractor makes the difference between a finished outdoor space you enjoy and a project that drags on, costs more than expected, or looks unfinished. Focus your decision on three clear areas: reputation, skill level, and clear expectations. Below are practical tips for each (and how Terra Dura Landscapes checks all these boxes.)
Reputation: look for a real track record (not just star ratings)
Terra Dura Landscapes- Online reviews with real clients.
What to check: a strong, consistent online presence (website with project galleries, business listings, and social media) shows a contractor is established and accountable. Photographs of completed projects in your climate and neighborhood are especially useful.
Watch for fake signals: beware of profiles with only glowing five-star reviews posted at once or generic comments that don’t mention specifics. Fake reviews and staged portfolios can be misleading.
Ask for references and see projects in person: request recent jobsite visits or ask homeowners if you can view completed work. A personal recommendation is valuable—but always verify that the contractor has a visible online footprint and documented projects too.
Why it matters: reputation reflects reliability, workmanship, and client service. Contractors with visible, verifiable bodies of work are less likely to disappear mid-project or cut corners.
2. Skill level: match the crew’s expertise to the work you need
Define the scope up front: simple planting or lawn work requires different capabilities than structural elements like steel edging, custom planters, retaining walls, or irrigation systems.
Ask specific skill questions: for metalwork, do they have a welder on staff or reliable subcontractors? For patios and retaining walls, who handles engineering and proper drainage? For irrigation, do they program controllers and test zones?
Look at portfolio and team qualifications: photo evidence of similar completed work, crew experience, trade certifications, or licensed specialists matter. If your project uses modern elements, like steel planters, custom pergolas, or built-in lighting, verify they’ve executed those features well before.
Why it matters: hiring a generalist for specialized work often leads to poor fit, rework, and extra costs. You want a contractor who has demonstrable experience in the exact systems and materials you plan to use.
3. Clear expectations: design and detailed estimate prevent project creep
Require a design or plan: even a simple sketch with planting zones, hardscape layouts, grades, and drainage notes reduces uncertainty. For larger jobs, a formal design ensures the contractor and homeowner share the same vision.
Get a detailed estimate: itemize labor, materials, allowances, unit costs, and payment schedule. Note exclusions and responsibilities (e.g., who obtains permits, removes debris, or relocates irrigation).
Watch for project creep: without a design and line-item estimate, small changes add up scope expands, timelines slip, and costs balloon. A signed design and clear change-order process keep expectations aligned and make any necessary changes intentional and documented.
Why it matters: clear plans and estimates protect your budget, timeline, and final outcome. They also make it easier to compare bids from multiple contractors.
How Terra Dura Landscapes meets these standards
Reputation: We maintain a clear online presence with up-to-date project galleries and client testimonials, and we welcome in-person or virtual walkthroughs of completed Austin-area projects. Personal referrals are encouraged and always verifiable with project photos and references.
Skill level: Our team specializes in modern, low-maintenance landscapes that use native plants, steel planters, custom steel edging, retaining walls, pergolas, irrigation, pools, and landscape lighting. We have in-house welding capabilities for steel features and experienced crews for hardscapes and water elements, so specialty work stays under one roof for quality and accountability.
Clear expectations: We provide design-driven proposals with detailed line-item estimates and a defined change-order process. That keeps project creep under control and ensures the finished space matches the approved design, timeline, and budget.
Final checklist before you sign
Verify online portfolio and recent reviews; ask for references and jobsite visits.
Confirm the contractor has proven experience with the specific materials and systems your project requires.
Require a design and a detailed, itemized estimate with a written change-order policy.
Selecting the right contractor is an investment in your home’s long-term enjoyment and value. If you’re planning a modern, low-maintenance outdoor project in Austin and want a team that emphasizes native plants, durable steel work, and clear design-driven proposals, contact Terra Dura Landscapes to discuss your vision and see examples of our work.
