Who this guide is for
- Homeowners transforming a whole garden
- People combining hardscape, planting and structures
- Anyone wanting a coherent, phased makeover
- Owners comparing landscapers on scope and coordination
Check the scope a landscaper can deliver
A makeover may need groundwork, paving, structures, lighting and planting. Confirm which of these the landscaper does in-house, which they subcontract and who coordinates the whole project.
Match the landscaper's capabilities to the breadth of your makeover.
- Confirm what they do in-house
- Ask what they subcontract
- Identify who coordinates the project
- Match capability to your scope
Judge design and planting plans
A coherent makeover comes from a plan, not piecemeal decisions. Ask how they approach the design and planting plan and look at past makeovers for how the elements work together.
Keep planting choices general and led by local advice for your zone.
- Ask how they approach the design
- View past makeovers for coherence
- Discuss the planting plan approach
- Lead plant choice with local advice
Coordinate the trades and elements
Groundwork, drainage, structures and lighting all interact, so coordination and sequencing matter. Ask how the landscaper manages the different elements and keeps the project on track.
Keep technical elements with qualified professionals.
Plan phasing where useful
A large makeover can sometimes be phased to spread work and decisions. Discuss whether phasing suits your project and how the landscaper structures it.
Phasing can help priorities land first.
- Discuss whether phasing suits the project
- Identify priorities to do first
- Plan how phases connect
- Keep the overall design in view
Brief and compare on the same scope
Give each landscaper the same brief and confirm what is included so quotes compare. Ask what could change once groundwork starts.
Confirm insurance and relevant experience.
Hiring checklist
- 1Define the makeover scope and priorities
- 2Confirm what the landscaper does in-house
- 3Identify who coordinates the project
- 4Ask how they approach the design and planting plan
- 5View past makeovers for coherence
- 6Ask how trades and elements are coordinated
- 7Discuss whether phasing suits the project
- 8Give each landscaper the same brief
- 9Ask what could change once groundwork starts
- 10Confirm insurance and relevant experience
Common mistakes to avoid
- Hiring a planting-only landscaper for a multi-trade makeover
- Skipping a coherent design and ending up piecemeal
- Not confirming who coordinates the different trades
- Ignoring technical elements like drainage and lighting electrics
- Comparing quotes that cover different scopes
- Forgetting to ask what could change once work starts
When to involve a professional
- Route drainage, retaining, structures and lighting electrics to qualified professionals
- Confirm who coordinates the trades and stands behind the project
- Ask to see comparable garden makeovers before hiring
- Ask to see relevant insurance for the work
- Remember technical and planting requirements vary by location and project
Frequently asked questions
Questions readers ask about this topic
Can one landscaper do a whole makeover?
Some do most elements in-house, while others subcontract groundwork, structures or lighting. Confirm what the landscaper does themselves, what they subcontract and who coordinates the whole project before committing.
How do I judge design quality?
A coherent makeover comes from a plan, so ask how they approach the design and planting plan and look at past makeovers for how the elements work together. Keep plant choices general and led by local advice for your zone.
Should I phase the work?
A large makeover can sometimes be phased to spread work and decisions and land priorities first. Discuss whether phasing suits your project and how the landscaper structures it while keeping the overall design in view.
Who handles drainage and lighting?
Technical elements like drainage, retaining and lighting electrics should be planned with qualified professionals. Confirm who coordinates them, and remember requirements vary by location and project.
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