If you are planning to build a fence, develop a spring, install a concrete heavy use area or implement any other conservation or farm projects, advance planning is the key to minimize potential problems and insure a successful outcome.

The first step is to determine if you will do the project yourself or hire a contractor.

While doing it yourself may seem like the economical thing to do and you anticipate meeting the challenge and having the satisfaction of accomplishment, ask yourself the following questions:

Do I really have the time to devote to this?

Do I have the necessary equipment and labor to get the job done efficiently?

Do I have the knowledge and expertise to read and follow construction designs?

Keep in mind that all work must meet quality control standards if it is government funded. If you answered no to any of these questions, then you may want to consider hiring a professional.

Often when a landowner attempts to do the work himself but doesn't have the time, equipment, or expertise, projects take much longer to complete and many times go over budget.

If your decision is to hire a contractor, then how do you find one and who is the best one for your particular project?

There are many avenues to start your search. These include asking friends, neighbors, and other farmers who have already completed similar projects. Check the listings in the phone book and on the Internet. Contact your local Conservation District or USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service as they often keep lists of contractors.

When making a selection, it is important to give yourself a choice. In other words don't end your search when you have found one who is willing to do the job. As hard as it may be, it is strongly suggested that a person identify and confirm at least three potential contractors. Be sure you ask the right questions.

Do they have the equipment and experience to accomplish the work you need done in an efficient and timely manner?

Are they able to check and maintain the quality control necessary to meet the standards required for government contracts?

Can they give you references?

Does their schedule permit them to get to your project in a reasonable and agreeable amount of time?

Are they willing to give you a construction bid and guarantee their work?

Getting bids is a must. A preconstruction conference with the landowner, potential bidders and government representative is standard for government cost-shared projects. This is the opportunity for everyone to ask questions and get answers.

While bids may not always be required, they give everyone a clearer picture of what's involved and expected, and they give you a more informed choice in a final contractor.

If you plan on doing any portion of the work yourself, be sure to discuss that with the potential contractors. Landowners will often do things such as liming, fertilizing and seeding the disturbed areas rather than paying someone else. You may already have some materials on hand or have better access to certain items than your contractor.

Bids should be specific about the work to be completed and the materials that are included.

Cost is generally one of the most influential factors in choosing a contractor. Do not base your decision totally on cost. Consider all the information you've been given and choose the one that you feel will give you the best, long-term outcome for the dollars spent.

Finally, don't wait until spring or summer if you plan on doing projects that same year. Wintertime is a great time to start looking for contractors for the next construction season's projects.

Even if you don't have detailed designs to show, start contacting contractors. Learn who they are, what work they are able to do and get on their radar screen.

Unless you already have a contractor chosen, waiting until the last moment to begin your search could lead to anxiety, frustration and even postponing the job. The good contractors tend to get real busy, real fast once the weather breaks and getting on their schedule may be next to impossible.

If you have any questions regarding this information, getting a conservation plan for your farm, or government cost incentive programs on agricultural land, feel free to contact the office, 724-482-4800.

Andy Gaver is a conservationist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Butler County.