Choosing a landscaping company in Hamilton is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your property. A great contractor delivers a backyard that increases your home’s value and brings you joy for decades. A poor one leaves you with drainage problems, cracked stone, and a bill for repairs you didn’t expect.
Here are the eight questions every Hamilton homeowner should ask before signing a landscaping contract.
Are you licensed, insured, and WSIB-compliant in Ontario?
This is non-negotiable. Any contractor working on your property must carry general liability insurance (minimum $2 million) and WSIB coverage. Ask for certificates — a reputable company will provide them without hesitation. Without this, you could be personally liable for accidents on your property.
Can you show me completed projects similar to mine?
Photos on a website are a start, but ask to see projects in your neighbourhood or of similar scope. Even better — ask if you can speak with a past client. Companies confident in their work welcome this.
Who will be on-site managing my project day to day?
Many companies sell the project with a senior designer, then hand it off to a junior crew. Ask specifically who will be your point of contact during construction and how often a supervisor will be on-site. Direct owner involvement — like what we offer at Devine Image — means accountability at every stage.
Do you pull the required permits?
In Hamilton, pools, significant grading changes, retaining walls over 1 metre, and certain structures require building permits. If a contractor suggests skipping permits to save time or money, walk away. Unpermitted work can result in fines, forced removal, and problems when you sell your home.
What does your warranty cover?
Hardscaping should be warranted against settling and workmanship defects for a minimum of two years. Ask for warranty terms in writing, and understand exactly what voids coverage.
How do you handle project changes and cost overruns?
Scope changes happen. The question is how a contractor handles them. Reputable companies issue written change orders with costs before proceeding. If a contractor says “we’ll figure it out at the end,” that’s a recipe for invoice shock.
What’s your payment schedule?
A reasonable payment schedule is typically: 10–20% deposit, progress payments tied to milestones, and a holdback (10%) upon satisfactory completion. Never pay more than 30% upfront, and never pay in full before the work is done.
What happens if something goes wrong after the project is complete?
Ask directly: “If I have a problem six months after you’re done, what’s your process?” The answer tells you everything about how a company values long-term relationships versus one-time transactions. At Devine Image, we’re a phone call away — always.
Work With a Company That Answers All 8 Questions Confidently
Devine Image has been serving Hamilton, Burlington, and Oakville homeowners with transparent, owner-involved landscaping and outdoor living projects. We welcome every one of these questions.