Although this is a gardening column, we can’t always keep stuffing our snoots into fragrant blooms and call that gardening. Not all fragrances are pleasant.

It is so easy to get caught up in the visioning that you forget to see some of the practicalities. Many folks, especially those of you who are legitimately capable when it comes to planning out a renovation, take on the mantle of general contractor, and hire various companies to handle the work as necessary. That is all well and good, but did you check with your home insurance provider? Oh, and did you remember to purchase General Liability Insurance and register with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)? Do you realize that if you hire ABK Landscaping (an uninsured fictitious company), you are responsible for all of their activities including their work, damages to others, and any health claims ABK’s employees might file against you?

Recently, it was my distinct pleasure to have spent some time as an instructor in the current Horticultural Apprenticeship Course.  A portion of the course covered some of the regulations, acts and by-laws by which their landscape businesses must operate.  There are reasons for these compliance requirements and all professional companies will be on board with them. The list is more than impressive, it is staggering. One business owner quipped that he needs two trucks at every job site; one for tools and workers and the second transports the paperwork.

However, that’s their problem not yours- unless you make it so, however unintentionally. GR, make sure you do your homework before you hire someone to work on your property, in whatever capacity.

Here are some considerations taken from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Fact Sheet- Hiring A Contractor.

You want to find out as much as you can, so ask a lot of questions, such as:

How long have you been in business?

What work are you, or your subcontractors, licensed to do, e.g., electrical, plumbing?

What kind of work do you specialize in? Have you done a similar job before?

Will you use your own crew for the work or will you subcontract all or part of the job?

By Dan Clost

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