Land clearing is not a project for amateurs. Protect your investment by hiring a qualified contractor for the job. To help you narrow down your choices, we’ve compiled a list of questions to ask land clearing contractors.
Their answers will give you insight into their expertise and whether they can deliver the results you seek. With the right approach to researching companies, you’ll be able to hire one knowing they won’t disappoint.
Are You Licensed and Insured?
Any reputable land clearing company should be licensed to operate in that state. This industry has its risks, so you don’t want an unlicensed contractor overseeing your project. Ensuring that the team you hire has the proper licensing and certifications should give you peace of mind.
It’s also crucial to ask about their insurance coverage. Accidents may occur on the job if crews don’t properly operate machinery or strategically cut vegetation near homes. Will you be liable for any injuries or damage that occurs on your property?
Don’t hire a land clearing company in Smith, Texas, if the owner doesn’t carry insurance coverage. Once you establish that a business checks these boxes, you can move on to the remaining questions.
What Type of Equipment Do You Use?
One of the perks of hiring professional land clearing crews is that they have access to heavy-duty machinery. Rather than manually cutting trees, brush, and shrubs, experts typically rely on powerful equipment like:
- Bulldozers
- Cranes
- Stump grinders
- Mulchers
Always ask a contractor about the equipment they deploy. Having more options could mean they can handle large, complex jobs.
How Do You Ensure Safety During a Lot Clearing Service?
Safety is paramount during land clearing. Not only do crews have to protect themselves, but they also have to avoid damage to your property and nearby structures. A company’s safety measures may vary based on a site’s conditions.
No matter what hazards your site may present, experts should create safety plans to execute. Ask how they assess the safety of an area and what protective gear experts will wear when working. You should also ask about safety training and what they’d do in dangerous situations.
What Types of Projects Have You Completed?
If you’re wondering how to choose a land clearing service provider, you can’t underestimate their experience. Finding a reputable company usually boils down to how much industry experience they have. A good way to gauge this is to ask how long they’ve been in business and what types of projects they’ve completed.
Say you’re looking to create more open space on your residential lot by removing overgrown brush and shrubs. If you speak to a contractor who primarily clears trees for commercial developments, they might not be the best fit. Learning about a business’s experience and past projects will give you better insight into whether you should hire them.
What Will My Project Cost?
When customers ask land clearing contractors the questions mentioned above, the answers should always be consistent. When they ask about pricing, however, every customer may receive a different answer. Removing vegetation from a plot of land is no small investment, so you must learn how much professionals charge for this service.
Will you pay a set price per square foot? Are you charged by the hour? Request a detailed estimate that breaks down all of the expenses you can expect, such as:
- Labor costs
- Equipment rentals
- Permit fees
Get quotes from a few local companies to compare prices. There may be some differences in the estimates, but a major discrepancy could signal a red flag. For instance, if three companies charge similar rates but a fourth offers you something significantly lower, their work may not be as impressive.
How Do You Remove the Leftover Debris?
When many property owners inquire about land clearing, they only focus on how crews will cut down the trees and vegetation. Few think to ask about how specialists remove the debris from the property.
Some companies offer controlled burns, while others physically haul away the debris. Forestry mulching is an eco-friendly alternative that turns the vegetation into mulch for optimal soil nourishment.
Will You Grade the Land?
Many companies offer land grading in addition to lot clearing. You may require this service to prevent soil erosion. Ask about a contractor’s full services to see if they meet your needs.
Meet Smith’s Premier Lot Clearing Company
Now that you have all of the best tips for selecting land clearing experts, put them to the test. Contact Back 40 Land Services today to see what makes us the most trusted contractor serving Smith and the surrounding areas.
Are you ready to invest in professional lot clearing and vegetation removal? Submit our online contact form or call (903) 730-6992 to request a quote today.
