Ramon's Hardscape & Landscape: What to Know Before You Hire

What Ramon's Hardscape & Landscape does

Ramon's Hardscape & Landscape is a South Carolina-based landscaping and hardscaping company that handles both design and installation work. They work on residential properties across the state, taking on projects that range from planting and lawn care to building patios, walkways, retaining walls, and other permanent outdoor structures. The company handles the full scope of outdoor work—meaning they can design a space, source materials, and complete the job themselves rather than sending you to multiple contractors.

The distinction between their hardscape and landscape services matters for planning. Hardscaping refers to the permanent, built elements: stone patios, brick walkways, wooden decks, retaining walls, and drainage systems. Landscaping covers the living elements: plants, trees, shrubs, sod, mulch, and ongoing maintenance. Many homeowners need both, and having one company handle both can simplify coordination and ensure the design works as a whole.

Key Takeaways

• Ramon's Hardscape & Landscape handles both hardscape construction (patios, walls, walkways) and landscape planting and design on residential properties throughout South Carolina.
• You should get a site visit and written estimate before committing, so the company can see your yard's slope, soil, and existing features that affect the work.
• Hardscape projects typically take longer than planting work and may require permits depending on the structure size and your local codes.
• Asking about materials, timeline, cleanup, and warranty coverage before signing protects you from surprises during and after the job.

How to contact them and request an estimate

Start by calling or visiting their website to describe your project in basic terms—what you want built or planted, roughly how large the area is, and what your timeline looks like. Most landscape companies, including Ramon's, offer free initial consultations where someone visits your property to see the space in person. This visit is essential because a contractor cannot give you an accurate price or timeline without seeing the yard's slope, soil type, existing trees or structures, and access routes for equipment.

Bring photos or sketches of what you have in mind, or be ready to describe it. If you have a professional landscape design already, bring that too. The company will walk the property with you, ask questions about how you use the space, and discuss what's realistic given your budget and the site conditions. After the visit, they will send you a written estimate that breaks down materials, labor, and timeline.

What to ask before you hire

Once you have an estimate, clarify these points before signing a contract. Ask whether the price includes removal and disposal of old materials—if you are replacing an existing patio or removing trees, that work costs money and should be spelled out. Ask about the timeline: when they will start, how long the work will take, and whether weather or material delays might push the end date. Ask who is responsible for cleanup after the job is done and whether that includes hauling away debris or just tidying the work area.

For hardscape projects, ask whether permits are required and who obtains them—the contractor or you. South Carolina cities and counties have different rules about fence height, retaining wall size, and setback distances from property lines. A reputable contractor will know your local codes and handle permits if needed. Ask what warranty or may provide they offer on their work and materials, and get that in writing. Ask whether they carry liability insurance and workers' compensation, and ask to see proof. If something goes wrong during the job—a worker is injured, or equipment damages your neighbor's fence—you want to know the company is covered.

Hardscape projects: timeline and what to expect

Hardscape work is slower than planting because it involves digging, building, and curing. A patio or walkway installation typically takes one to three weeks depending on size and complexity. The crew will excavate the area, prepare a base (usually gravel or sand), lay the stone or pavers, and set them in mortar or sand. If the project includes a retaining wall, drainage work, or electrical for lighting, add time. Weather matters—rain can delay work, and extreme heat can affect how mortar sets.

During the job, expect noise, dust, and equipment in your yard. The crew will need access to water and may need to park a truck or small excavator on your property. Ask the contractor how they will protect your landscaping, driveway, and home during construction. Once the hardscape is done, it needs time to cure—usually 24 to 48 hours before you walk on it or place furniture on it. The contractor should tell you this timeline and what to avoid during curing.

Landscape planting and maintenance work

Planting projects move faster than hardscape. A crew can plant trees, shrubs, and perennials in a day or two depending on the number and size of plants. The work involves digging holes, amending soil if needed, placing the plants, backfilling, and mulching. The contractor should discuss plant selection with you—what grows well in your zone, how much sun and water each plant needs, and how large it will grow over time. South Carolina's climate supports a wide range of plants, but choosing the right ones for your specific yard (sunny, shady, wet, dry) makes the difference between a thriving landscape and one that struggles.

Ask whether the estimate includes mulch and whether the contractor will return to water newly planted trees and shrubs during their first growing season. New plants need consistent moisture for the first few months, and some contractors include follow-up visits as part of the service. Others charge separately for maintenance. If you want ongoing lawn care, weeding, or seasonal maintenance, ask whether Ramon's offers that and what it costs.

Materials and design choices

The materials you choose affect both the look and the cost of your project. For hardscaping, you might choose from natural stone (flagstone, slate, granite), manufactured pavers, brick, or concrete. Each has different durability, maintenance needs, and price points. Natural stone is often more expensive but ages beautifully; concrete is cheaper but can crack in freeze-thaw cycles common in South Carolina winters. Ask the contractor which materials work best for your climate and how to maintain them over time.

For landscaping, the contractor should recommend plants suited to your yard's light, soil, and moisture conditions. They can also discuss color schemes, bloom times, and whether you want year-round interest or seasonal focus. If you have a design preference—formal, cottage garden, native plants, low-maintenance—tell them upfront so they can tailor their suggestions.

Payment and contract terms

Before work begins, you should have a signed contract that includes the scope of work, materials, timeline, total price, and payment schedule. Most contractors ask for a deposit (often 25 to 50 percent) to secure the start date and order materials. The remainder is due upon completion or in installments as work progresses. Ask about their payment methods and whether they accept checks, credit cards, or bank transfers.

Do not pay the full amount upfront unless the job is very small. Paying in stages—deposit, mid-project, and final payment—protects you if the work is not finished or does not meet expectations. The final payment should be due only after you have inspected the work and confirmed it matches the estimate and contract.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a typical patio or hardscape project cost?

Hardscape costs vary widely based on materials, size, and complexity. A small patio might run a few thousand dollars; a large one with multiple features could be much more. The only way to know is to get a site visit and written estimate from the contractor. They will price based on your specific yard and choices.

Do I need a permit for a patio or retaining wall?

It depends on your city or county. Some require permits for structures over a certain height or size; others do not. The contractor should know your local rules and tell you whether a permit is needed. If one is required, ask who pays for it and who handles the paperwork.

What is the best time of year to do landscaping or hardscape work in South Carolina?

Spring and fall are ideal because temperatures are mild and plants establish well. Summer heat can stress newly planted trees and shrubs. Winter is possible but slower because the ground may be hard and plants are dormant. Ask the contractor what they recommend for your specific project.

How do I know if a contractor is licensed and insured?

Ask to see their business license, liability insurance certificate, and workers' compensation insurance. You can also search the South Carolina Secretary of State website to verify business registration. A reputable contractor will provide this information without hesitation.

What should I do if I am not happy with the finished work?

Address concerns immediately with the contractor. Most will fix problems under warranty. If you cannot reach agreement, refer to your contract—it should spell out the dispute process. Keep all photos, estimates, and written communication as documentation.