Where’s the job?

Scope of Works

• Survey existing garden, check levels, boundaries and locate underground services

• remove old turf, paving and unwanted planting and dispose of arisings

• prepare sub-base, lay new surfacing (patio, decking, or lawn) and install edging and drainage as specified

• plant beds, supply and lay turf or seed, and mulch where agreed

• install minor structures such as low retaining walls, trellis, fencing and basic garden lighting if requested

• remove waste, tidy site and provide handover notes including plant care and maintenance recommendations

Typical Cost

Time on Site

Most small garden renovations take 1–2 days; medium projects with paving or decking typically take 2–5 days; factors that extend time include poor access, bad weather, additional excavation, tree works requiring an arborist and delays sourcing specialist materials

Questions to Ask Your Tradie

• are you insured for public liability and employer liability and can you provide certificates

• can you provide a written quote with a detailed breakdown of labour, materials and disposal

• who will be on site and do you use sub-contractors or your own team

• how will you manage waste and can you confirm skip hire or tipping fees are included or excluded

• what guarantees or aftercare do you offer on workmanship and planted areas

• will you check for underground services and obtain any necessary permits or party wall agreements

How to Avoid Surprises

• confirm site access and on-street or driveway parking for delivery vehicles

• agree a written scope and fixed items (materials, plant sizes, paving pattern) to avoid specification creep

• check for buried services and mark water, gas and telecoms before digging

• clarify who arranges and pays for skip hire, plant hire and specialist disposal

• secure pets and fragile items and agree working hours and neighbour access to minimise disruption

• plan for weather delays and agree contingency days and payment milestones in the contract