Landscape Consultant  Continued From Page 21


focusing on this important step before requesting an RFP. Making sure the entire board is clear on what the reasonable expectations are from any new contractors will save an enormous amount of time and potential frustration as the process moves forward.


Having the consultant help review the landscape management proposals is important. They will be able to dig deeper into the costs and the potential added value the contractors might offer to make sure you get the right contractor, at the right price, for your community.


Address any “hot button“ issues that were a legacy from previous contractors.


Contractor Transition Site Walks


The consultant can also be part of the “transition walk“ when the contractor will introduce their team to board members and the association manager, as they walk the property and start to build rapport. It’s very important at this meeting that clear objectives and expectations are set, based on the scope of work that the contractor bid on, and any “hot button“ issues that were a legacy from the previous contractor are addressed. The site should be in good condition at this time, or it is fair for the incoming contractor to ask for extra clean-up costs. Another option would be to give the new contractor a given period of time to absorb this clean-up within their maintenance visits.


Set expectations for quarterly site walks with the contractor.


It should be made clear who will be the point of contact from each party (contractor, board, and management) going forward, and what those communication expectations will be. For larger communities, it is important to set expectations for quarterly site inspection walks with the contractor, and bringing in the consultant at this time is useful for objective, professional advice to help support the association manager and/or the board member.


22 Community Associations Journal | March 2022


The Value a Consultant Brings


A good landscape consultant will offer services on either a monthly retainer basis (appropriate for larger communities) or a per fee basis, subjective to the tasks required. They can also be a great support for association management teams, to help advise and educate on general landscape management scenarios and questions that might occur.


This expert, objective advice to both boards and association managers can offer peace of mind


A consultant


recognizes the potential asset the landscape is to a


community, making sure their management plan yields the best long-term return on their investment.


in the short term that they are receiving quality service from their landscape contractors. The consultant will also help create value to the property by viewing the landscape as the great asset it is to a community, making sure that their long-term landscape management plan is giving the best return on investment. The consultant will be part of the team to make this happen.


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