Is there anything I should know about when I am hiring landscaping help?

Unfortunately, many consumers aren't aware of all the risks and legal hassles when hiring landscaping help for their property. As a matter of fact, there are things that many homeowners should be aware of.

The most important rule when hiring landscaping help is to hire someone professional and someone who knows what he's doing. Even if you hire someone with a license but with little experience and he injures himself during work, you might be financially liable for his injuries and disabilities. Keep in mind that your homeowners insurance won't be able to cover you in the event of a lawsuit like this (see umbrella insurance).

Whether the person is considered a contractor or if he's considered your employee is a factor used to determine if you are liable for a worker's injury. This factor basically determines the amount of control you have over the worker. 

For example, if you hire a nanny to take care of your children, provide the necessary supplies and pay, then you will be the employer of this person. On the contrary, if you hire someone to take care of your lawn who uses his own supplies and is an employer in a separate company, then he is an independent contractor.

When hiring landscaping help, it would be important to look at the necessary information a bit more, in order to make sure you know who you are hiring and you know what to do in case of an emergency or an injury.

If you are hiring an independent, ask for the following information that will help you identify what covers worker injuries, property damage and uninstalled materials:

• General liability coverage

• Worker's compensation insurance

• Proof of worker's compensation insurance (for any subcontractors working on your particular project)

• Contractor's license

After asking all of these questions and finding out that information, you should always check the preferences of the person that you want to hire. Checking the preferences will be willing to provide you with their customer references. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau in order to see if a particular business has received complaints. 

Make sure that you know all the information you need when hiring landscaping or any other help with your personal property. It is important to hire someone with a reputable history when hiring any kind of help.