When hiring grounds maintenance staff it is important to have a clear, unambiguous contract. This is beneficial for both parties, as everyone understands what is expected, the time frame for any work and what benefits or penalties can occur for any work completed. It is important to be aware of different things to factor into any contract to ensure you are getting full value for money.

The first thing is to look at what kind of work is required. Getting multiple quotes will give you an idea of what your work will cost. Some companies will have more specialist equipment and so will be able to do the job quicker. Others though may have more experience and have a better idea of how to get the job done and looking good.

Essentially it is about building a business relationship with them and this is why a clear contract is especially useful. Regular work is always welcome regardless of the current market. If you are self employed, having money that you can count on coming in is invaluable!

Make sure you know what jobs need doing to keep things well maintained. This will often change according to the seasons, such as raking leaves or mowing a lawn. There are certain basic things that should always be kept on the lookout. For example if you have a smoking area you should make sure that any cigarette butts are cleared up and the area kept clean.

You should also clearly state when you want services. You may want them coming each week, every month or every couple of months depending on the type of service you want and your budget. It is important not to skimp on a service though as a dead plant does not look attractive outside your building!

Some maintenance companies offer discounts for earlier payment after invoicing so it is worth asking to see if you can get this kind of deal. In some cases, they also offer discounts on word of mouth, as this is often what they rely on to get more work.

Whoever you choose to go with, it cannot be stated enough that you choose staff that are reliable, ideally from a recruitment company or trade association. If you are contacted by a company, you should never pay upfront for the whole amount for a job. A signed contract will ensure that you can get peace of mind. For more information and plain English contracts, look up grounds maintenance online.

Need advice and help on grounds maintenance? Why not check out WWP, a specialist grounds maintenance company in the UK. Their one stop shop service saves you money and could really benefit your business.