What to Know Before You Hire
Having work done on your home or garden should be exciting — a chance to improve the way you live, enjoy your space, or increase the value of your property. But for many, that excitement is quickly replaced by stress when the wrong person is brought in for the job.
At Miles Stone, we’ve heard more than a few horror stories: patios laid poorly and already shifting after one season, builders who disappear halfway through a project, and customers left picking up the pieces (and the extra cost). Finding the right landscaper or builder is one of the most important parts of any outdoor project — and we’re here to help you make a confident, informed choice.
A Good Place to Start
One of the most common ways people find landscapers is through recommendations from friends, neighbors, or family. And in many cases, it’s a great place to start. If someone you trust had a good experience, you can often see the finished work in person and get an honest review of how the project went.
However, there can be pitfalls too. Sometimes these tradespeople operate without much online presence, and while that’s not necessarily a red flag, it does make it harder to check references or see other examples of their work. So while a personal recommendation carries weight, it’s worth doing a bit of your own digging too.
Proceed with Caution
The internet is another route many people take — and while it opens up more options, it also comes with more risk. A polished website doesn’t always mean professional workmanship, and unfortunately, not every builder advertising online is reliable or experienced.
That’s where third-party review sites like Checkatrade, TrustATrader, or Rated People come in. These platforms offer several key benefits:
- Verified Reviews: Customers can only leave feedback if they’ve had actual work done.
- Photo Galleries: Many tradespeople post before-and-after images of their work.
- Insurance and Accreditations: You can check whether they’re insured and whether they belong to relevant trade bodies.
- Transparency: You’ll often see their response rate, availability, and even how long they’ve been on the platform.
While these sites aren’t foolproof, they add a layer of accountability that you simply don’t get with a random online listing.
What to Ask Before Hiring a Landscaper or Builder
Once you’ve found a few potential contractors, here are some things to ask before making your final decision:
- Can I see recent examples of your work? Ideally, in person — or at least a well-documented portfolio.
- Do you have public liability insurance? This protects you and them if something goes wrong.
- Will you provide a written quote and breakdown? Clarity up front helps avoid misunderstandings later.
- Do you offer a contract or formal agreement? This should outline timelines, payment schedules, and what happens if things change.
- Who will be carrying out the work? Are they doing it themselves, or subcontracting? Will the same team be on-site each day?
- How do you handle changes or additional requests? Flexibility and communication are key in any project.
Trust your gut during this stage — if someone is vague, avoids answering, or seems difficult to pin down, that’s usually a sign to keep looking.
Getting Multiple Quotes — And What to Watch Out For
It’s always smart to get a few quotes for the same job. This gives you a feel for average pricing and helps you spot any red flags. Naturally, it’s tempting to go for the cheapest quote — especially when budgets are tight — but if a price is significantly lower than the others, ask yourself why.
Are they cutting corners on materials? Rushing the job? Lacking experience? A too-good-to-be-true price often leads to problems down the line, whether in the form of poor workmanship or hidden extra costs that crop up midway through the project.
A good quote isn’t just about price — it should come with clear communication, realistic timelines, and confidence in the person you’re hiring.
Let Us Help You Get It Right
At Miles Stone, we work closely with a wide network of experienced landscapers, builders, designers, and gardeners. From small garden makeovers to large-scale landscape transformations, we’ve built relationships with trusted professionals who we know will deliver high-quality results.
Once we know more about your project — its size, scope, and style — we’re happy to recommend the right person or team to suit your needs. Whether you’re redoing a patio, building a retaining wall, or starting from scratch with a blank slate, we’ll help you get the job done properly, with less stress and more confidence.
Final Thoughts
The right landscaper or builder can make all the difference — not just in the finished result, but in the whole experience of getting there. Take your time, ask the right questions, and don’t be afraid to get a second opinion.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or just want a trusted recommendation, we’re always here to help.
Your dream outdoor space deserves the right hands to bring it to life.
Thinking of Starting Your Own Project?
If you’re dreaming of a new garden, driveway, or outdoor space, we’re here to help. From material advice to trusted landscaper recommendations, our team can guide you from first idea to final result.
Making Dream Landscapes Possible for Over 50 Years
At Miles Stone, we’ve been helping homeowners, landscapers, and designers bring their visions to life for more than five decades. Whether you’re at the first spark of an idea or putting the final touches on a finished project, our team is here to guide you every step of the way — from product selection and expert advice to aftercare and long-term maintenance.
As specialists in natural stone and premium landscaping materials, we understand how to match the right products to your style, needs, and budget. No matter the scale or complexity, we’re proud to have supported hundreds of successful transformations.
