Trade association for landscape contractors

Hi everyone - I am intending to lay a patio using indian sandstone; I have witnessed the horror stories of some friends recently and want to use a contractor who is a member of a professional trade association.

Can anyone tell me what trade association I should look for/is respected?

Cheers,
jtp

 

The vast majority of contractors (myself included) do not belong to any organisation, this does not say anything other than we find enough work by recoomendation without spending �£300 on a bit of paper.

Most asociations do not vet members, the intrest is making money by subscribimg contractors, not the quality of work. Any organistaion worth its salt will have an indemnity clause anyway.

your best bet is personal recomendation or to phone three or four local firms and ask to see photos or even completed jobs. Any reputable contractor will have a portfolio of work photos.

Worth asking if the person quoting will be supervising or carrying out the work. The worst patios Ive seen have been were an unn supervised labourer has been let lose on the pointing.

 

Hi Jtp I agree with Pro Gard word of mouth is far better than any little bits of paper and to actually see work done by the contractor and speak to the person who had the work done is a great bonus as they will tell you the best and worst things about the person they paid to do the work for them.

Since we have moved we have been 'burnt' far too many times with dodgy contractors that hubbie Bob now refuses to pay for work to be done if he can do it himself.... I must say he does a great done too much better than the contractors we paid before and it's far cheaper too!

If you are unable to do the work yourself I do wish you all the best finding the right person to do the work for you and that you are happy with the end result.
Helen.xxx.

 

I think you should offer AndyK �£20 to put in your patio. I offered him �£10 to do mine and he said 'Not for any amount of money'. But I think �£20, 6 yorkshire puddings and a couple of pints should sway him. :D

 

I agree John....Andy does a lovely job!
Helen.xxx.

 

Hi jtp, I too agree with what Pro Gard says. When you do find someone you're confident in, be prepared to wait a while as good 'ns are usually busy.

 

I agree with Pro Gard, most of us in the game professionally don`t belong to any association. But those of us who are any good don`t mind people checking up on our work with others. I personally don`t. David.