Land clearing requires tool expertise, permit knowledge, and disposal methods unknown to the general layperson. Moreover, working with a contractor has more benefits, like licensing and insurance. Still, not every contractor claiming to be the best will be the leading expert in their area.
How do you weed through the best land clearing companies in Tennessee to find the right one for you?
Four Steps to Finding The One
When learning how to choose a land clearing contractor, it’s helpful to follow these four steps.
#1. Set Your Expectations
The job you want the contractors to finish is specific to your property. For example, you may want to clear and level a one-acre plot of land.
Does the area have any water features that the contractors must work around? How dense is the underbrush? Do you think you may need land leveling or grading?
Compile a list of details about your plot and write down what you want it to become. Some projects call for a complete clearing, while others only clear portions of the property.
Once you know what you want, it’s time for the next step.
#2. Make a List of Potential Contractors
Look through newspapers and online directories to find a few land clearing contractors that seem to meet your general criteria. We would suggest starting with five companies before beginning to review them.
Positive land clearing company reviews and ratings are a green flag. Too many negative ones could indicate a problem with the employees or the quality of their work.
With the pre-investigative part done, it’s time to dig deeper.
#3. Check Their Credentials
Check if their website or directory page provides additional information about their company.
Many contractors will have About Us pages with more details on how the company began and which services they provide. Some offer landscape design or irrigation, while others focus purely on land clearing methods, like forestry mulching.
Take some time to review photo galleries and before-and-after comparisons. If any of the projects appear similar to yours, and you like what you see, move that company to the top of your list.
If they don’t have photos, that doesn’t mean they’re not the right fit. They may have answers in the next step.
#4. Make Contact
Call each company and ask them various questions to confirm their legitimacy.
Consider the following when communicating with prospective contractors:
- How do they sound when they speak to you?
- Do they answer your questions clearly?
- If they need to call you back, how long does it take?
- Is it difficult to get in touch with them?
- Do they provide a free quote?
- Is the quote detailed?
- Do you feel comfortable communicating with them?
Eliminate any companies that don’t meet your basic standards. As much as they may benefit someone else, they likely aren’t the right fit for you.
If you find yourself back at square one, start from the first step and try again. There are plenty of fantastic Tennessee land clearing companies, like our own. We’re sure you’ll find the right contractors for you.
Questions To Ask Before Hiring a Land Clearing Company
While phone communication can be beneficial here, you can also use their email if they provide one. Emailing the company may also help you keep records of their responses.
You should get the following details from every company you try:
- How long they have been in the business
- License and insurance information
- Whether they can provide copies of their license and insurance
- Whether they have worked on projects like yours
- Whether they have examples of said projects
- Which tools they use, depending on the job
- Whether they own their tools or rent them
- Whether they acquire the necessary permits, or whether you need to
- What their safety protocols are in case of danger
Red Flag Answer Examples
Avoid them if they do not have any license or insurance information. Licensed and insured land clearing protects you, your land, and your funds. Without a license, they may not be able to work legally.
Moreover, without insurance, the contractors could hold you accountable for any injuries on the job.
They shouldn’t react negatively to questions about safety protocols and tool ownership. Following a safety plan shows a sense of responsibility for their workers and the job site. Also, whether they own or rent their tools can affect how much their services cost and may reflect their experience (or lack thereof).
Cagey responses may indicate they are trying to be deceptive.
Call The Yard Force for Land Clearing in Tennessee
Our team of qualified experts ensures your land clearing project goes by safely and quickly. If your land is in or around Knoxville, contact us and ask the questions above. Let’s see if we can work together.
