You have an upcoming land clearing project, but you’re unsure how to select a suitable company for your needs. You can find numerous candidates online, yet you aren’t sure what qualities signal a reputable one. Which contractor should make the cut?
We at Stewart’s Land Management want to help you out. We outlined several qualities to consider when shopping for Central Illinois land-clearing companies below.
What Qualities Will a Reputable Land Clearing Company Possess?
Some candidates specialize in specific services, such as brush removal or forestry mulching, while others can take on almost any task. The trick to finding the perfect one involves seeking contractors who, at the very least, are familiar with and regularly complete projects similar to yours. Check out the qualities that point toward a well-rounded, dependable land-clearing company below.
An Understanding of Local Permits
Every municipality has different permit requirements for projects involving the vegetation clearing or excavation. Some cities require no permits for specific property types, while others lean towards a permit-heavy approach. Your contractor should be able to inform you precisely what you need to ensure your project remains legal.
What types of permits might apply to your services?
- Tree or plant removal permits to protect native and/or endangered plant life
- Demolition permits if you want to get rid of an old structure
- Grading permits for excavation and other ground alterations
- Land disturbance permits to protect native wildlife that depends on that particular area
Your chosen land-clearing contractor should know all about these and other types of paperwork.
Plenty of Related Services
Services for clearing land come in many shapes and forms. It’s unlikely that a longstanding, reputable contractor will specialize in only one service type. For example, grubbing services are a catch-all provision for getting rid of unwanted plants, trees, shrubs, and debris. However, a company that highlights grubbing should also provide similar services, such as:
- Forestry mulching
- Bush hogging
- Tree and stump removal
These examples may differ in how the crew handles them and what they target. But they demonstrate expertise within a specific service area.
Experienced Crew Members
Complete lot preparation requires numerous land-clearing techniques, diverse machinery, and knowledge on how to quickly and efficiently get things done. The ideal company should have a full staff of experienced team members who:
- Know how to operate the equipment
- Possess the licensure to do so
- Have insurance coverage to protect themselves and their clients
- Can advise potential clients on the best seasons and approaches for a given service
Basic, general knowledge isn’t enough. Your candidate should get down to the gritty details.
Diverse Project Completions
Your candidate should easily back up their claims of experience and project successes with a varied portfolio. The portfolio should include photographs of previous client projects taken before, during, and after the projects. They may post it online or provide these examples upon request.
How Can You Identify Good Land Clearing Candidates in Central Illinois?
How might a reputable site-clearing service provider demonstrate the above-listed characteristics? You can find a few clues during your search. We listed some tell-tale signs that you’ve found a quality candidate below.
Online Reputation
One of the first things that many potential clients notice is how the company presents itself on online platforms. While this includes how the brand curates its website and social media platforms, you should pay special attention to:
- Customer review ratings
- How the company responds to positive and negative reviews
- The testimonials published on the website
- Their ranking on sites like the Better Business Bureau and Yelp
Longstanding, high-achieving companies will have fleshed-out profiles and the ability to handle all feedback with grace.
Referrals
When you have your shortlist picks, request referrals during the consultation phase. An experienced, customer-focused candidate will have former clients who are ready and willing to discuss their experiences with the company’s land-clearing services. This also allows you to ask questions about specific details, such as whether the crews arrived on time and how they interacted with the clients.
Consultations and Quote Requests
A trustworthy candidate values transparency above all else. They can provide a fairly accurate quote, along with a detailed explanation of the projected price. Some quote itemizations to look for include:
- Machinery use and rental if applicable
- Plot size and terrain complexity
- Services according to type and project phase
- Permit costs
- Additional fees like surveying the land, identifying ecological concerns, or removing particular obstacles like stumps and boulders
You should find these listed alongside general labor and time rates.
See If Stewart’s Land Management Fits the Bill for Your Land Clearing Needs in Central Illinois
Looking for a reputable land-clearing company in Central Illinois? You’ve found one with Stewart’s Land Management. Put our service to the test by requesting a free quote from our team. Let’s find out what your project needs.
