There is nothing more stressful than handing over your hard-earned savings to a tradesperson, only to have them disappear, do a poor job, or constantly delay the work. In the building trade, we call them "cowboy builders," and unfortunately, the landscaping industry has its fair share of them.
At Joe's Fencing & Landscaping, we often get called in to fix the mess left behind by others. It breaks our heart to see homeowners pay twice for the same job. To help you protect your home and your wallet, here is our insider guide on how to spot a professional contractor—and how to avoid the rogues.
1. The "Back of a Cigarette Packet" Quote
Professionalism starts with paperwork. If a contractor walks around your garden, nods a few times, and just says, "Yeah, call it £2,000," be very careful.
The Green Flag: A reliable contractor will provide a written quote (not just an estimate). It should break down: • The cost of materials vs. labour. • Exactly what is included (e.g., "Removal of old fence and waste disposal"). • VAT details (if applicable).
2. The Deposit Warning
Money is the biggest friction point. Be wary of anyone asking for the full amount upfront.
The Red Flag: "I need 100% cash today to buy the materials." A solvent, established business should have trade accounts with suppliers. The Standard Practice: It is normal to pay a deposit to book a slot or cover bespoke material costs (usually 20–30%). However, the bulk of the payment should only be made upon completion and satisfaction with the work.
3. Check the Digital Footprint
A website can be faked, but a reputation takes years to build. Don't just look at the 5-star rating; read the words.
What to look for: • Recent Reviews: Are there reviews from the last month? Or are they all from three years ago? • Real Photos: Do the photos on their site look like real Bristol gardens, or are they stock images from Google? Look for muddy boots, grey skies, and work-in-progress shots—these are authentic.
4. Ask About "The Boring Stuff"
A professional will have boring but essential safeguards in place. Don't be afraid to ask to see them.
- Public Liability Insurance: If they drop a fence post through your conservatory roof, who pays? If they aren't insured, you do. Ask to see their insurance certificate.
- Waste Carrier Licence: If a contractor dumps your old fence in a layby and gets caught, you can be fined for fly-tipping. Legitimate traders have a licence to dispose of waste at commercial tips.
5. Local Accountability Matters
There is safety in hiring local. A contractor based in Bedminster or Southmead relies on local word-of-mouth. If they do a bad job, the community knows about it fast.
Avoid "travelling" gangs who knock on doors offering to tarmac your drive or cut your trees because they are "in the area." They are often untraceable once they drive away. Always hire a business with a fixed local address and a landline number if possible.
Trust Your Gut
Finally, do you like them? You are inviting this person into your home for a week. If they are rude, dismissive, or pushy during the quote stage, they will be ten times worse once they have the job.
Featured Image Image * [Close-up of a contractor in branded uniform shaking hands with a homeowner in a garden, holding a clipboard with a written quote] Image Alt Text * Homeowner hiring a reliable local landscape contractor Tags Select Tags * Hiring Advice, Contractor Tips, Scams, Home Improvement, Bristol SEO Settings Meta Title * How to Choose Reliable Local Contractors | Joe's Fencing Meta Description * Don't get stung by cowboy builders. We share 5 essential checks for hiring a reliable landscaper in Bristol, from insurance and deposits to spotting red