Where’s the job?

Scope of Works

• Site survey and measured plan including levels and access assessment

• Clear and excavate areas for beds, patios, decking or turf as specified

• Prepare subbase and lay paving, sleepers or decking including compaction and damp proof membranes where needed

• Supply and install topsoil, turf, plants and mulch and carry out basic planting to specification

• Install drainage runs, irrigation basics and minor lighting works if requested

• Remove spoil and waste, tidy site and carry out a final walk-through with client

Typical Cost

Time on Site

Small jobs such as planting or turfing usually take 0.5–1 day; medium jobs (patio, raised beds, drainage) typically 1–3 days; full redesigns with hard landscaping can take 3–10 days. Factors that extend time include bad weather, poor ground conditions, restricted access and long lead times for special materials

Questions to Ask Your Tradie

• Are you insured and can you provide copies of public liability and employer’s liability insurance?

• Can you show recent examples of similar jobs and provide client references?

• What exactly is included in the written quote and what would trigger a variation

• Who will manage the site day to day and what are your typical working hours on site

• How will you locate or protect underground services and tree roots before excavation

How to Avoid Surprises

• Check access and clear a route for deliveries and any machinery

• Reserve parking or a loading space close to the site for vans and skips

• Mark the location of known drains, cables and water supplies before work starts

• Agree a written start date, programme and a weather contingency plan

• Arrange space for a skip or agree disposal method and confirm who supplies plants and special materials

• Secure pets and let neighbours know about noisy works or vehicle movements