Garden Project

Good day to you all,

I have just registered and I am looking for some advice on the following.

We are getting our garden done from top to bottom. That is patios front and back, new lawn, trees taken down etc... with a landscaper to do the work.

We are thinking of getting the materials (paving slabs, turf etc..) ourselves to save on the cost. That way we could shop around for the best quality. My worry is that getting a landscaper to do everything will result in lower quality materials but, if we secure the materials, will they just go and add on the extra cost within the quote for the work to be done?

All a bit new to this but as we have a certain budget to work with I want to know if anyone has any advice on how we should approach this.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Vegas Al

 

Why not go and do a bit of research first on the costs of materials - turf, paving slabs as you mention? Visit a few garden centres, Homebase, B&Q, nurseries, then ask the landscape gardener for a cost breakdown of materials etc so you can compare.

However, you are paying for the luxury of someone else doing the leg work, the driving around to buy the materials. This can add to the cost, if you know what I mean.

 

Supplying the materials yourself is in my opinion only worthwhile if you are going to do the job yourself. (The exception are things like fitted kitchens, where with ours I bought all the appliances via the internet (this caused a face to "fall" when I told them).
Firstly, contractors will usually always get a better price for materials than you.
If you order it you'll have to pay a delivery charge, landscaping materials are heavy, the delivery cost of small amounts can make up a high proportion of the cost. You'll also need to make sure the stuff arrives when the contractor wants it, or you could be involved in additional costs.

Approach several suppliers and get a quote for the materials, if you can estimate what you need.
I always start off with "I need some specialist advice" this causes chests to swell with pride and these people tend to be more helpful.

Once you have a ball-park figure for the materials.... and this isn't easy to calculate.... get a few estimates for "with and without" and make a judgement.
Of course if you supply the materials, any future "problems" can be blamed on them and you haven't a leg to stand on.

Make sure in any quote it's for a fixed price and have everything you want done written down on paper.

Best of luck!

 

Walk around your neighbourhood and if you see a great garden knock the door and ask them who did it. 99% will be happy to advise you who did their heavy work.

 

Many thanks to both postees. I have just spoken to my wife and decided that we will get the landscaper to supply the materials.

Advice greatly appreciated (and on a Sunday morning too!!!)

Vegas Al

 

Beware the "start on Monday disappear on Tuesday" practice of many contractors.

They start your job on Monday so you can't get anyone else and then go back to finish the previous job on Tuesday, which can take more than one day.
Insist on them being continuously on the job from day one, weather permitting.