Citiscapes, LLC
A backyard project is a real investment. The wrong contractor can turn a $10,000 job into a $15,000 problem. Before you sign anything, here are the questions that actually matter.
Are you licensed with the Arizona ROC? Ask for their license number and look it up yourself at azroc.gov. Takes five minutes. Confirms they're active, tells you what they're licensed for, and shows any complaint history.
Can you send over your certificate of insurance? General liability and workers' comp. If someone gets hurt on your property during the job and they're not covered, you could be liable. A legitimate contractor sends this without hesitation.
What does your base prep process look like? This is the most telling question for turf or paver work. A good contractor will explain compaction depth, drainage slope, and weed barrier. A vague answer here usually means a vague install.
Do you pull permits when required? Some landscaping projects in Phoenix require permits — particularly anything involving grading, drainage, or structural elements. Ask the question. If they say nothing they do requires a permit but the scope seems significant, push back.
What's the payment schedule? A reasonable deposit is normal — usually 10–30% upfront. Be cautious of anyone asking for 50% or more before work starts. Tie payments to project milestones, not arbitrary dates.
How do you handle problems during the job? Weather delays, material issues, surprises under the soil — things come up. How a contractor answers this question tells you a lot about how they communicate.
Can you give me two or three references from recent jobs nearby? Not a list of reviews — actual people you can call. Recent and local means they're working in your area and comfortable with you verifying their work.
You're not being difficult by asking these questions. You're being smart. The right contractor will respect it.