Where’s the job?

Scope of Works

• Inspect existing lawn and patio to measure areas, levels and identify drainage or subbase issues

• strip and remove old turf/topsoil where required and dispose offsite or to a skip

• prepare subsoil for turfing: cultivate, add topsoil/conditioner, level and compact before laying turf

• lay new turf (rolled or turf squares), trim to edges and install edging if specified and water in

• remove old joint material from patio joints by hand or mechanical raking, clean joints and weed out

• repoint using sand/mortar or polymeric jointing, compact joints and brush off excess; apply sealer if requested

• protect adjacent planting and surfaces, wear PPE and remove all waste and spoil from site

Typical Cost

Time on Site

Typical combined job for an average rear garden (20–50m2) takes 1–2 days; turf preparation and laying usually 0.5–1 day and patio repointing small patios 2–6 hours or up to a day for larger areas Factors that extend time on site include poor access, bad weather, discovered subbase or drainage problems and additional repairs to slabs which may require more labour and drying/cure times

Questions to Ask Your Tradie

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

• what jointing material do you recommend for my patio and do you recommend sealing afterwards

• will you check for and protect underground services and drainage before digging or removing turf

• how long until the turf and repointed patio can be used and are there any aftercare instructions

• do you include waste removal/skip hire and will there be additional disposal charges

• can you provide proof of public liability insurance and references for similar turfing and paving work

How to Avoid Surprises

• ensure clear access and parking for the tradie van/skip within about 10 metres of the work area

• confirm an outdoor tap/water supply is available for cleaning and for watering new turf

• move fragile pots and protect borders; highlight any no‑go areas or delicate features to the tradie

• tell the tradie about any recent utility work or buried services and mark known drain runs

• keep pets and children away from the work area during and immediately after works

• agree a weather contingency and a realistic cure/use date for turf and repointed joints before start