“It’s unwise to pay too much, but it’s worse to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little money – that’s all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do.”– John Ruskin
In the world of landscaping and swimming pool construction, the old adage holds true: “You get what you pay for.” Choosing the cheapest option may seem tempting upfront, but it often leads to costly errors and headaches down the line. Let’s delve into why investing in an experienced, reputable contractor like The Green Scene Landscaping and Pools is the best decision you can make for your home.
Longevity Matters
When you’re investing a significant amount of money into a home improvement project, you want to ensure the contractor will be around for the long haul. Established companies (The Green Scene Inc. established 1972) that have been in the business for decades are likely to have honed their craft, mastered customer service, and can service any warranty claims you might have in the future. Will that low-bid, inexperienced contractor still be around in a couple of years? It’s a gamble you might not want to take.
Recently, in my expert witness practice, I have heard from many homeowners that have lost large deposits paid to a “crafty” company that does a lot of Instagram promotion. Their 3d concepts looked great on tik-tok, but they failed to deliver completed projects and have left multiple homeowners with incomplete projects and owed thousands of dollars.
In Westlake and Thousand Oaks, Tim Ahern Pools just went belly up this year and filed bankruptcy, leaving a half dozen projects incomplete. Locally, we lost another unnamed contractor who just filed bankruptcy to avoid paying out in a lawsuit with the leader of the Westcliffe homeowners association. Still, he continues to sign up clients on new contracts and collect deposits. All of these failed contractors have the same thing in common; “they were less expensive than The Green Scene.” In the end, were they really? Ask those homeowners with unfinished yards, non-permitted jobs, or projects that have gone on for years and still are not completed.
A Tight Ship on Tight Margins
I have heard the rumors, but the notion that The Green Scene is expensive is a misconception. Yes, we offer high-end services, but we do so while operating on very tight margins. Aiming for a modest 10% profit margin by year-end, we price our projects accordingly. What you’re paying for is exceptional quality, superior craftsmanship, and a project that adds substantial value to your home.
The Hidden Costs of Cheap Contractors
Contractors offering seemingly too-good-to-be-true rates are often cutting corners in ways that aren’t immediately visible. They might sidestep the permit process or pay their staff under the table. They can easily cut corners on structural reinforcement or concrete strength without any homeowner being aware. These shortcuts not only put you at risk legally, but also compromise the integrity and longevity of the project. What is the real cost when resale value is considered?
The Value of Peace of Mind
When you invest in a well-designed project using quality materials, installed by artisans who take pride in their work, you’re buying more than just a physical product; you’re buying peace of mind. With a full-time office staff overseeing the project, you can rest easy knowing that every detail is being managed meticulously.
The Digital Footprint: Trust the Reviews
In today’s digital age, reviews and online presence are more important than ever. If a contractor doesn’t have a website or a Yelp page, consider it a red flag. Why don’t they have lots of photos of completed projects? Why did they request their Yelp page be shut down? Likely because it wasn’t doing them any favors. On the other hand, reputable contractors like The Green Scene have positive reviews and a strong online presence that can provide you with the assurance you need to make an informed decision.
The Bottom Line
With the rise in material and labor costs over the past three years, not to mention high interest rates on home improvement loans, home projects have become more expensive than ever. Don’t risk your hard-earned money on just anybody.
Established over 50 years ago, you can select The Green Scene Landscaping and Pools for your next project with complete confidence. After all, we’re not just another design/build company; we’re the “Wow Factor Contractor.”
By choosing us, you’re opting for the best value, unparalleled expertise, and a project that will bring joy to your family for years to come.
Scott Cohen, Garden Artisan
President, The Green Scene Inc.
