How to Hire a Landscape Contractor in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has specific regulations for home improvement contractors — and the landscape/hardscape industry has a significant number of unlicensed operators. Here's how to protect yourself.

Step 1: Verify the PA HIC License

Pennsylvania requires all home improvement contractors to register with the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA) program. This registration:

• Requires a criminal background check
• Requires proof of insurance
• Creates accountability in the event of contractor disputes

How to verify: visit pag.pa.gov (PA Office of Attorney General) and search the HIC registration database. Ask every contractor you're considering for their PA HIC number, then verify it.

JHL's PA HIC number: PA035784

Any contractor who cannot provide a PA HIC registration number should be eliminated from consideration immediately.

Step 2: Verify Insurance

Ask for a certificate of insurance before signing any contract. You need:

• General liability insurance (minimum $1M per occurrence)
• Workers' compensation insurance for all employees

If a contractor's worker is injured on your property and the contractor doesn't have workers' comp, you may be liable. This is not a paperwork formality — it's a real legal and financial protection.

Step 3: Ask About ICPI Certification for Hardscape Work

If your project includes patios, walls, or paving, ask whether the installation team is ICPI Certified. ICPI certification indicates the team has been trained on base preparation and installation standards that determine whether your hardscape lasts 20 years or 5 years.

Step 4: Get a Written Contract

Pennsylvania law requires written contracts for home improvement projects over $500. The contract should include:

• Detailed project description and specifications
• Material specifications (specific product names, not just "pavers")
• Payment schedule (not more than 30-40% deposit before work begins)
• Estimated start and completion dates
• Warranty terms
• The contractor's PA HIC number

Step 5: Check References

Ask for 3-5 recent local references and contact them. Specific questions:

• Did the project come in on budget?
• Was the timeline accurate?
• Were there any problems, and how were they handled?
• Would you hire them again?

Red Flags

• No PA HIC registration number
• No certificate of insurance
• Requests more than 40% deposit before work begins
• No written contract or vague specifications
• Pressure to sign quickly
• No local references
• Unable to show 3D rendering or design before installation

Contact JHL Landscape Design — PA HIC #PA035784 | ICPI Certified

---

Also read:

• Landscape Design
• Complete Guide to Landscape Design in Chester County
• When to Hire a Landscape Designer
• What Is ICPI Certified?

---

JHL Landscape Design | PA HIC #PA035784 | ICPI Certified | Licensed & Insured West Chester: 701 S Franklin St, Suite 101, West Chester, PA 19382 Newtown Square: 12 Smedley Ln, Suite 101, Newtown Square, PA 19073 HBA Member | BBB A+ Rating