Where’s the job?

Scope of Works

• Inspect garden to assess existing levels, soil type and drainage

• mark out finished levels and set reference lines or batter boards

• strip turf and remove surplus soil or import topsoil/sub‑base as required

• spread and level material, compact where needed and check falls for drainage

• reinstate with turf, seed or prepare sub‑base for paving depending on client brief

• protect borders, plants and hard landscaping and dispose of spoil safely

Typical Cost

Time on Site

Small gardens (to around 50 m²) typically take 1–2 days; medium gardens 2–4 days; larger or complex sites with drainage or heavy spoil removal can take 3–7 days Factors that extend time on site include weather, large volumes of soil, restricted access and waiting for imported materials or skips to arrive

Questions to Ask Your Tradie

• can you provide a written quote that itemises labour, materials and disposal

• are you insured for public liability and for using plant on site

• will you locate underground services or do I need to arrange a utility scan

• what plant and machinery will you use and how will you manage access/parking

• who removes the spoil and is skip hire included or charged separately

• do you guarantee levelling work or offer a remedy if settlement occurs

How to Avoid Surprises

• confirm clear access and vehicle parking for plant and material deliveries

• mark boundaries, fragile plants and buried services before work starts

• ask for a list of included items in the quote (materials, spoil removal, machinery hire)

• secure pets and remove garden furniture to speed the job

• check for any neighbourhood or building restrictions and permit requirements for skips or heavy plant