So, you have a land clearing project you aim to begin shortly. Where should you start with your endeavors? Before you solidify your blueprints, timelines, and visions, make sure you know what not to do.
For example, hiring the wrong land clearing company not only gets you off to a weak start, but it could sour the finished project’s existence. B&B Land Clearing in Hernando, Mississippi, outlines qualities that should make you turn tail and run when vetting local candidates.
#1 Focusing Only on Price
Numerous property owners break ground on their projects looking to save money. They might hire the wrong type of contractor or attempt to handle clearing work themselves. You want to avoid this money-saving or DIY mindset at all costs.
While you want fair, affordable pricing, you shouldn’t sacrifice quality clearing work for cheap rates. What you save on clearing the site you might eventually spend on fines, repairs, and other significant consequences of improper clearing services.
#2 Forgetting to Check for Proper Insurance and Licensing
Do your candidates possess the insurance and licenses needed to complete your project? Clearing land involves heavy machinery, physical labor, and sometimes intrusive techniques to complete the job. The company’s team must also understand how the lay of the land will affect future construction.
A licensed contractor has no problem providing copies of their licenses and proof of insurance. You can keep these documents in a folder. Ideally, you won’t need them since skilled workers effectively avoid mistakes. However, if problems do arise, you know your contractor’s insurance will cover the costs. You don’t have to dig into your financial resources to repair any damage, injuries, or equipment repairs.
#3 Overlooking Equipment Used
Speaking of equipment, you need the correct machinery to tackle different types of land-clearing jobs. For example, bush hogging is less invasive than pushover techniques. Pushover jobs might require earthmovers and excavators, which disrupt the soil and intricate root systems beneath the ground’s surface.
Meanwhile, bush hogging involves large tractors with trailing attachments that simply remove bush, sapling, and grass overgrowth. It leaves the soil and roots intact. Using the wrong equipment under either circumstance will lead to unsatisfactory or even needlessly destructive results.
Consider the land-clearing technique needed to help you accomplish your property goals. Then, make sure your potential service providers possess the machines needed for that particular method.
#4 Failing to Get a Clear, Written Contract
Never let a contractor begin work until you have a well-organized contract to refer to throughout the job. A professional contract should contain several project details, including:
Legalities
The contract should outline which laws and regulations it follows and how the project will adhere to them. This helps with obtaining permits.
Project scope
The document should contain a detailed outline of the project, its milestones, and how the company will handle planning and assessment throughout the job.
Your specific requests
If you have any particular desires for your property, make sure your contract lists them, especially if the contractor can meet your specifics.
Potential liabilities
Clearing land comes with countless hazards and variables, including injuries and property damage. The company should list their responsibilities and how it will compensate them if they fail to complete the project for any reason.
Project timeframe
You need to know when your contractor will meet specific milestones and what they will do if they fail. Sometimes, weather and other uncontrollable factors will derail the project timeline. A skilled service provider should list backup plans.
Payment details
How much money will the service cost? What payment methods should you use? Can you pay in installments? The contract section detailing service compensation should answer those questions.
Guarantees
Did your contractor make any reasonable promises about their services? If so, ensure they include those guarantees in the contract.
Termination information
Sometimes, services don’t go as planned. Disputes or events can thwart project completion. Your contractor should list the reasons why they might terminate a contract.
Dispute solutions
Skilled land clearers will avoid contract termination at all costs, choosing instead to resolve any disputes. Your candidate should elaborate on common disputes and how they solve them.
#5 Not Checking for Experience in Similar Projects
Finally, you should notice your contractor’s experience and expertise reflected in all business aspects. They should interact with you and their crew in a courteous, professional manner. You should find stellar online reviews demonstrating client satisfaction and project experience.
Remember to request a portfolio or references for previous projects that resemble yours. A candidate with diverse projects under their belt can readily supply proof that they can handle yours.
Start With B&B Land Clearing for Your Next Project
Land clearing is essential for property management and building construction. B&B Land Clearing is the right contractor for your project in Hernando, Mississippi, and surrounding communities. Call 662-715-3931 for a free estimate and learn more.
