1. Are you insured?
Ask for proof of liability insurance, and whether the crew is covered by WSIB, Ontario's workplace insurance. If someone gets hurt on your property, you don't want that to be your problem.
2. Will I get a written quote?
A verbal number isn't a quote. You want it in writing, listing what's included, so you can compare apples to apples.
3. What exactly is included?
Removal of the old lawn or beds, hauling it away, grading, new soil, the materials themselves and cleanup. The cheapest quote often leaves one of these out.
4. How will you prepare the ground?
Prep is where the money goes and where lawns, patios and turf succeed or fail. Ask how they level and slope the ground, what base goes under turf or concrete, and what they do about Windsor's heavy clay.
5. Who actually does the work?
Their own crew, or subcontractors? Will the person who quoted the job be around while it's done?
6. Who calls for utility locates?
In Ontario, underground lines have to be located before anyone digs. Locates are free through Ontario One Call. Make sure someone has requested them before the excavator shows up.
7. When can you start, and how long will it take?
Get a realistic start date and a rough length for the job, so you can plan around it.
8. How does payment work?
Know the deposit, when the rest is due and what form of payment they take. Be careful with anyone who wants the full amount before the work is done.
9. Can I see your work and your reviews?
Look at photos of recent jobs and read their Google reviews, especially reviews that mention the same kind of job you want. How they answer reviews says a lot too.
10. What if something settles or doesn't take?
Ask what happens if a low spot appears or part of the new lawn doesn't root. A good contractor will tell you plainly.
Red flags
No written quote, pressure to sign today, no proof of insurance, and no recent work they can show you.
Our answers
We're owner-run and fully insured, with a 15-person full-time crew. Every job starts with a free on-site estimate and a written quote the same day, and we clean up as we go. Call or text and ask us anything on this list.
Want to ask us these questions?
Free on-site estimate anywhere in Windsor-Essex, with a written quote the same day. Call or text 519-567-4724.
