Having a garden has lots of benefits. The physical activity required to maintain a garden is good for your body, health and mind. If kids spend time outdoors in the garden, it is good for their health also and will lead to better sleep and better performance in school. If you grow your own vegetables in the garden, it will result in you and your family eating healthier food and being in more touch with nature. By working with your kids in maintaining the garden, you can create family time together resulting in physical activity with a purpose shared by everyone.
Of course you can also just get someone else to do the garden for you:-) A while ago we carried out a survey with some garden contractors on Tradesmen.ie. We asked them how much it would cost ex vat to design and implement a low maintenance garden for an average home. We also asked had they any tips for the customer on having a good experience with the tradesman. Here is a selection of replies that we received below:-
Edward from Dublin: I charge 1200exvat for full landscape design this includes 3d plan, planting plan construction masterplan and all costs and budgeting. A digital contract is then drawn up to eliminate any areas of misinterpretation.
Ivan from Dublin: Before quoting, a tradesman needs to know : what is involved ( paving ( natural or porcelain) , flowerbeds, pebbles ground covering or not , side gate , etc . for the average garden with all that about 4k labour only.
Tom from Kildare: €10,000…all depends on which materials used… also size… I go to a reputable Stone supplier to pick different types of finish.. slabs.. stones etc…always use drainage and plan the garden by doing a drawing. If there’s grass areas use roll out lawn…
Anthony from Galway: Between EUR2,000and EUR10,000 depending on size and what type of meterials are used.
Dave from Dublin: In regards to the cost of the design it really depends if they would be using a landscape architect or going with a landscape companies design. Landscape architects usually charge around 3k plus vat for a design. This would include a site visit, taking measurements, various CAD drawings, consultancy, discussion of budget and over all expectations of the client and the things they would use the garden for. A landscape company such as ourselves will do all of the above but it may be cheaper as this is not our main job.
A low maintenance garden could cost any amount of money without knowing the overall budget. However a 3 bed semi garden could be around 5-15k at a rough estimates. Obviously this will go up as items such as benches, electrics, porcelain paving, large planting is installed. In regards to advertising the job I would put up an ad similar to the following: “Landscaper required for a low maintenance 3 bed semi project. We require a full landscape design to include planting, paving and all measurements listed.”
In regards to payment: They should look for contractor who is VAT registered and will issue an invoice for the job. They should expect to pay a deposit of around 25% up front. Some companies charge less. They should never pay more than that and never full amount up front. They should check for references on Tradesmen.ie, Google review etc. Always be aware of any company who can start right away this would raise major alarm bells and they should steer clear. In regards to materials this is best left to the contractor to discuss with the client in regards what they require and they will be able to give pics of previous jobs and multiple options.
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I hope this helps some of you who are considering getting your garden revamped in the near future. If you decide to go ahead with it be sure to post your job here .
Cheers
Oliver Dempsey
26 August 2022
General Tips for hiring a tradesman
Here are some tips to consider when hiring a tradesman:-
1. Ask for phone numbers of references so that you can check them out
2. Check insurance of the tradesman where insurance is required
3. Hire a suitably qualified architect, building surveyor or building engineer if the job is anything to do with a new build, building renovation or extension
4. Agree on some sort of stage payments for the job. Remember that full payment should not be made until the job is complete and has been inspected by you, and if necessary by a certifier.
