Top 5 Tips for Hiring a Reliable Hardscape Contractor

From St. Louis to Ballwin, properties come in all shapes and sizes. Some homeowners have lived for years with an outdoor space that just doesn’t bring them joy anymore. Others have recently moved into a new home and inherited a backyard that needs serious work.

Whether you’re looking to create a space for family gatherings or you want a backyard that truly reflects your style, finding the right company to bring your vision to life can be challenging.

Take Susan and her husband, for example. They were excited about their brand-new pool and couldn’t wait to host family and friends. But there was a problem. The small deck and a large grassy area made it impossible to get to the pool without dragging grass and dirt into the water. Plus, they wanted a larger space for dining and entertaining. A new patio and matching walkway were exactly what they needed to complete the backyard of their dreams.

So, what’s the best way to find the right contractor for your project? Here are five key tips that will guide you through the process.

1) Know Your Vision

Start by dreaming big! It’s totally okay to channel your inner designer and create a vision board using magazine clippings, Pinterest pins, or vacation photos. The clearer your vision, the easier it will be to communicate your ideas to a contractor.

Susan spent hours browsing ideas online, watching YouTube videos, and scrolling through Pinterest for inspiration. Her husband had some input, but as Susan put it, her ideas were far superior. (Sound familiar?)

Knowing what you want—and what you don’t want—will help you have more productive conversations with potential hardscapers. It also ensures that the contractor understands your style and expectations from the start.

2) Do Your Research

Finding a reputable contractor is a crucial step. A good place to start is by asking friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations. Susan, for instance, asked an employee at her local farm supply store for advice. Word of mouth from trusted sources is always a great start.

Check online reviews, but don’t just take their word for it—look for photos of completed projects. A five-star review is great, but it’s even better if you can see real results.

Be cautious of companies that:

·        They've only been around for a little while.

·        Don’t have consistent branding.

·        They offer deals that feel too good to be true.

·        Use high-pressure sales tactics.

Also, consider what matters to you. Do you want to support a local business that gives back to the community? Are you looking for a company known for high-quality, long-term results? These details can make all the difference in your final decision.

3) Check Their Resources

A good contractor should provide you with helpful information that answers your questions before you even ask them. That includes blogs, videos, guides, and portfolios showcasing their past projects.

Susan and her husband felt confident in their choice because they received plenty of resources explaining every step of the process. This transparency gave them peace of mind and made them feel like they were in good hands.

You’re investing a significant amount of money in your outdoor space, so it’s important to get it right. A reputable company should make you feel informed and comfortable every step of the way.

4) Communication is Key

A good contractor doesn’t just do the job—they keep you in the loop. Ask how they will communicate with you throughout the process. Will they provide regular updates? Will they be available to answer questions quickly?

Robert Molinet, owner of GreenScapeSTL Landscape Management, makes it a priority to keep homeowners informed every step of the way.

Susan and her husband received updates on:

·        When permits were filed and approved.

·        When materials would be arriving.

·        Any progress or delays.

Even after the project was completed, they received follow-ups to ensure everything met their expectations. That level of communication is what separates a great contractor from the rest.

5) Go With Your Gut

Ultimately, you should trust your instincts. Do you feel confident in the contractor’s abilities? Do they seem genuinely interested in your vision? Are they answering your questions clearly?

Susan and her husband chose a contractor who had already invested time and effort into making them feel valued. The detailed information they received gave them confidence in their decision.

When you find a company that understands your vision and communicates well, you’ll know you’ve made the right choice.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right "Hardscaping Near Me in Ballwin MO" doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little research, a clear vision, and good communication, you can transform your outdoor space into something truly special.

There are many great landscapers in St. Louis, but not all of them will be the right fit for your project. If you’re ready to create your dream outdoor space, reach out to a trusted hardscape contractor today!

For more guidance, check out our Buyer’s Guide to help you set a budget. And don’t forget to browse our portfolio for even more inspiration!