Fernandez & Sons Landscaping Inc. offers a variety of residential landscape design, construction and maintenance services throughout Contra Costa County. The company has the in-house capabilities to handle everything from drainage and irrigation to custom hardscape installations, and it provides both traditional drawings and 3D walkthroughs so its clients can see the details of their projects before any work begins.
Co-owner Maverick Fernandez says Fernandez & Sons Landscaping’s customer-focused approach has been a key factor in its success. “We want our clients to feel like they’re appreciated, so we treat them like family and do everything we can to help them achieve their goals. Ultimately, we want to create a better work environment for everyone—not just our clients, but our employees as well.”
Fernandez & Sons Landscaping prioritizes quality control in every aspect of its operations, which Mr. Fernandez says is important for ensuring consistently positive results. “My dad [co-owner Miguel Fernandez] and I are involved from the initial estimate until the finishing touches, so we’re able to make sure our jobs are built to last. Our clients really appreciate seeing that level of commitment to their projects.”
“We understand that our clients are trusting us to deliver their dreams, so we give them all the information they need to feel comfortable and focus on providing them with the best possible work. We stand by our motto on every project: ‘No job too big or small, we do it all!’”
Do you need to worry about permits and building codes when you hire a landscaping contractor?
Every municipality has different rules and regulations when it comes to building permits and codes, and it’s virtually impossible for homeowners to be experts in those requirements. However, when you hire a landscaping contractor, it’s their job to perform all work according to code and obtain the right permits to do it legally. If the job isn’t done with a permit or to code, you could be on the hook for fixing that work before you sell your home, and code violations could make your property dangerous in the meantime.
“Your contractor should know what permits to get and follow all codes, but it’s your responsibility to ask them whether they’re following laws and best practices,” says Maverick Fernandez, owner of Fernandez & Sons Landscaping Inc. in Concord. “That’s why it’s so important to hire a licensed contractor. It gives you added assurance that your work will be done to code because contractors risk losing their license if they don’t get permits for jobs.”
Permitted jobs are under the oversight of building inspectors, who check to make sure the work adheres to local laws. This can complicate things for contractors who work in disparate areas. “Your location matters because permits and codes differ from city to city, but as a general rule, fences higher than 6 feet and walls higher than 3 feet need permits,” says Mr. Fernandez. “However, anyone you hire needs to understand local laws and be willing to follow those regulations so your job is safe and legal.”
Material choices are important, too. “You should ask your contractor about the materials they use and whether they meet permit and code regulations,” cautions Mr. Fernandez. “For drainage, your contractor should install SDR35 pipes rather than the cheap, corrugated pipes that some contractors use.”
Drainage and landscaping companies are always looking for ways to differentiate themselves from their competition, and those that have earned Diamond Certified are already several steps ahead. In addition to its Diamond Certified status, Fernandez & Sons Landscaping Inc. sets itself apart by providing its customers with the numerous benefits of a family-run business. “My father [co-owner Miguel Fernandez] and I are involved on every project, so our clients know exactly who they’re dealing with,” says co-owner Maverick Fernandez. “We’re there every step of the way and we’re easy to reach, which they appreciate.”
Fernandez & Sons Landscaping has been providing landscape design, construction and maintenance services for residential clients throughout Contra Costa County since 2016. The company is qualified to handle everything from drainage and irrigation to custom hardscape installations, and it provides both traditional drawings and 3D walkthroughs so its clients can see project details before any work begins.
Unlike landscape contractors that hire inexperienced laborers in an effort to reduce their operating costs, Fernandez & Sons Landscaping maintains a staff of highly trained technicians who perform all of the company’s work. “Our employees are like family to us,” affirms Mr. Fernandez. “My father and I work alongside them every day, which adds another level of customer service and quality control. We’re able to give them directions and show them what we expect on every job.”
Ultimately, Mr. Fernandez sees Fernandez & Sons Landscaping’s hands-on approach to landscaping as its most important attribute. “We’re the owners, estimators, project managers and foremen all at once,” he says. “A lot of people choose us because they see how committed we are to our projects. Being so active in the process allows us to ensure the best possible outcomes.”
