Start with a visit
Any serious company will want to see your yard before quoting. Phone prices without a visit are guesses. During the visit, they should measure, look at the soil and drainage and ask how you use the space.
If someone quotes by satellite photo alone, ask what they are assuming.
Ask about prep
Sod and turf fail from poor prep far more often than from poor material. Ask how they will remove old grass, loosen the soil, set grade and handle drainage. For turf, ask about base depth, stone and compaction.
Vague answers are a warning.
Compare written scopes
A good quote lists the area, materials, prep steps, cleanup and what happens if rock or roots are found. Compare the same items across quotes. Be careful with quotes much lower than the rest.
Ask what is not included.
Check references and photos
Ask for photos of recent work and, if possible, a phone number of a recent customer. Look for lawns a year or two old, not just fresh installs.
Good companies are proud to show their work.
Ask about care and follow-up
The first weeks matter. A good company gives clear watering instructions and is reachable if something goes wrong. Ask what they do if a spot fails.
Clear communication is a sign of a professional operation.
Trust your read
The right company is patient, answers questions plainly and does not pressure you. They also tell you when something is not worth doing. That honesty is worth more than a small discount.
Take your time and choose someone you are comfortable with.
Pick the company that explains the prep, writes down the scope and is willing to say no when something is not right.
