Spring weather typically yanks homeowners off the couch to launch that landscaping project they've put off all winter. And those who want to hire it done often quickly learn they're forced to take a number with booked-up landscape contractors.

That makes hiring the right pro for the job even more critical. Otherwise, the client-contractor relationship may be doomed from the beginning.

Handout (ENLARGE)

As casting producer for HGTV's 'Ground Breakers,' Heather Blank sees the ins and outs of client-contractor relationships.

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Heather Blank knows. She sees it all the time as casting producer for HGTV's "Ground Breakers," a landscaping series that follows the ins and outs of an Atlanta-area project with homeowners and contractors.

"It's really about building the relationship," she says. "The goal is a happy union, and it's all in the communication — or the lack thereof."

Blank dubs that union "renovationships" and says it's one that can apply to most home-improvement jobs, not just ones outdoors.

Here are her tips for making both client and contractor happy.

HIRING A LANDSCAPE SERVICE

• Rely on referrals from friends, and interview more than one candidate.
• Ask for proof of a business license, a good indicator that the company is not fly-by-night.
• Determine if the company is properly insured for liability and worker's compensation by contacting its insurer.
• Put agreed-upon services in a contract, including maintenance timetables. Maintenance schedules for turf grasses are available at www.walterreeves.com.
• Ask for proof of pesticide licensing. Any worker who applies a pesticide is required to have a license from the Georgia Department of Agriculture or be supervised by someone who does.

Source: walterreeves.com, Metro Atlanta Landscape & Turf Association

HOW TO BE A HAPPY CLIENT

• Get several estimates. Ask friends for referrals. While many contractors offer free estimates, landscaping may involve a consultation fee, ranging from about $50 to $150. "It depends on the work," Blank says. "If someone spends a good deal of time with you walking around your yard and coming up with a plan, that's different from just giving you a painting estimate." And don't fall for the lowest estimate. You can always cut items from a higher bid if you like the contractor better.
• Have a budget in mind, and know what you need — "the meat" — and what you want — "the gravy." Break down their costs into two lists. That will help when it comes to trimming expenses.
• Set deadlines for submitting written estimates. "If you don't hear back from a contractor by your deadline, there's your first red flag about doing business with that company," Blank says.
• Ask for a start-up date upfront, even if you aren't sure you want to hire that contractor. His schedule could help you decide whether he's worth waiting for.
• Ask for a completion date and include that in the contract should you hire the contractor. Keep in mind, though, that the contractor can't control the weather. "Three months usually means five," Blank says.
• Let the contractor know your demands. "Are you the kind of person who constantly buys something and takes it right back to the store? Or do you know exactly what you want?" she says. "If you're a high-maintenance nitpicker, let that be known upfront."
• Be on the same page with your spouse. No contractor wants to answer to two bosses with conflicting demands.
• Weigh the advantages of hiring a large company vs. a small one. Larger companies usually charge more but typically are more reliable. "Smaller companies are cheaper," Blank says, "but it seems someone always has a funeral to attend."
• Determine how well you communicate with the contractor. While interviewing, note if he's a good listener, whether the conversation flows freely, if you'd continue to speak to him if you met at a party.
• Find out whether you will have direct access to the contractor or if you will be dealing with an assistant or other go-between. Meet the person who will be your day-to-day contact before hiring the company.
• Be realistic about expectations. If you're using a small company, "keep your eye on the end result and not the fact that someone didn't show up for a day and a half," Blank says.

HOW TO BE A HAPPY CONTRACTOR

• Give potential clients realistic expectations during the interview. Explain the design, construction and installation process thoroughly to them.
• Be upfront with them about deadlines. If you know you can't get to their project for three months, don't tell them you should be able to start in a month. Break down your costs and state in detail what's covered by each one. Put that in the contract as well, if hired.
• Consider how you communicate with a potential client. If a red flag comes up that indicates there could be problems, don't be rude and risk your reputation. If you don't want to work with that client, tell a "white lie" and say your schedule is full.
• Once you're hired, don't be nagged. Make the first move. "The number one complaint from 'Ground Breakers' homeowners is that contractor did not show," Blank says. "Let clients know when you can't be there. I tell contractors all the time their client will be happy if you're the one who makes contact first to warn them about something."
• Give notice upfront when payments will be due. Don't catch the homeowner unaware when you need more money for purchasing materials; give them a couple of days' notice. "It all goes back to communication," she says.
• Present several options for choosing materials instead of sending clients to a supplier, where they may become overwhelmed by the number of choices. And set a deadline for selecting the materials.

RULES FOR BOTH

• Stay on schedule.
• Keep in touch with each other. Take an interest in the project.
• Never forget your common goal. "Clients should remind themselves that at the end, after what may have seemed like an ordeal, they will have a fabulous yard," Blank says. "And contractors need to remember that referral is the best kind of business. Think about that happy homeowner in the end."

NEW SEASON FOR "GROUND BREAKERS"

HGTV's "Ground Breakers" returns March 24 at 10 a.m., featuring, as always, Atlanta-based projects. New this season is host Justin Cave (right), who formerly hosted Turner South's "Bushwacked" landscaping-makeover show and owns a landscaping business, Sierra Consulting. The show is seeking locations for future tapings. Projects must carry a minimum budget of $50,000, and homeowners pay all costs. Both owners and landscape designers must agree to appear on camera. For information, visit http://www.hgtv.com.