A new driveway, walkway, or patio can completely transform your home. According to Architectural Digest, you can even flatten sloping and uneven terrain with retaining walls and stone stairs. If you have a big project planned, then here's what you should look for to find the right hardscaping companies.

Experience

Experience is a huge factor when you're hiring any contractor. The more experience someone has, the more time they've had to learn how to do quality work and can handle a wide range of projects. You don't have to hire a decades-old hardscaping company, but you should look for one that's been in business for a while.

Licensing and Insurance

If you're looking for quality, then you should make sure you're hiring a company that's licensed and carries valid insurance. Even if landscapers don't need to be licensed in your area, hiring someone who takes the time to get a license and build a legitimate business is a good way to make sure you're getting great work.

Similar Previous Projects

You want to hire a company that can handle your project, so ask about previous work companies have done before you hire them. Legitimate hardscaping companies will be happy to tell you about the experience they have with different types of projects, and they may even have a portfolio online.

Pricing and Payment Options

Before you hire a contractor, you need to make sure you understand the pricing structure and payment options. You don't want to end up spending more than you had budgeted, and it's also important to find a company that offers payment plans and other flexible options if you can't make one lump-sum payment. Also, if they offer free estimates, then you can ensure their services fit within your budget.

Good Reviews

Last but not least, take a moment to check out reviews before you hire a hardscaping company. You don't need to find a hardscaping company with hundreds of five-star reviews, but you should definitely avoid companies that have lots of negative reviews and complaints about the quality of work or service.

When you have a big project all planned out, the last thing you want to do is hire the wrong contractor and waste your valuable time and money. Doing your research is an important first step in any hardscaping project. If you're tired of searching for the right hardscaping companies, then give Stone Oak Landscapes a call and let us take care of all your hardscaping needs.