November 2022
Before engaging a landscaping contractor, it is important that you have all the information you need at hand so you can make an informed decision and ensure they are the best fit for your project. This will also help to avoid misunderstandings down the track. To do this we recommend you ask the following questions.
What is the difference between a landscaper and a gardener?
Before you begin – it is important to know whether you need a landscaper or gardener for your project. There is overlap between the two roles but they are two separate professions.
The important difference between a gardener and a landscaper is the scope of work they are qualified to carry out. Landscapers generally need one or more specific types of trade licences. For example, they need a licence in structural landscaping to build ‘hardscapes’ such as retaining walls or decking. Landscapers may also need licences or tickets to use heavy equipment.
Gardeners do not generally require a trade licence. They will do plant-based activities and will typically maintain an outdoor space after it has been constructed. This includes things like mowing, pruning, weeding and planting. Landscaping companies often also provide gardening services as part of their scope.
Therefore, deciding whether to choose a gardener of landscaper will be up to the scope of your project, whether you need some construction work completed or if you are just after maintenance work.
Does the landscaper have a contractor licence?
In Victoria, landscapers are required to be a registered building practitioner (hold a licence in structural landscaping) for all domestic building work above $10,000 (e.g. decks, retaining structures, fences). For non-domestic building work (e.g. planting) a landscaping contractor is not legally required to be a registered building practitioner however, it may give you peace of mind to use a contractor who holds a the appropriate registration. Full details on Victorian licencing requirements for landscapers can be found at the Victorian Building Authority.
In NSW Contractors must have a licence before they do any residential building work, including structural landscaping, valued at more than $5000 (incl GST). Structural landscaping is all work involved in the construction of external landscape features and non-habitable structures (e.g. retaining walls, driveways, paths). Full details on NSW licencing requirements can be found at NSW Fair Trading Structural Landscaping.
These licences are not-interchangeable between states therefore, it is important to check that your landscaper has a licence in the appropriate state, particularly if you are located in a cross-border region like Albury-Wodonga.
You can check a tradesperson licence and if they have any conditions on their licence in NSW here: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/check-builder-or-tradesperson-licence. You can check a tradesperson licence in Vic here: https://www.vba.vic.gov.au/tools/find-practitioner
To view Grow, Dig, Build licences in structural landscaping see our About Us page.
Do they hold appropriate insurance?
It is important to check insurance requirements of your landscaper otherwise any accidents or mishaps that may happen on your property will have to be covered by you. All landscapers must have public liability insurance and workers compensation insurance (if they have staff). Professional indemnity insurance may also be required if they are providing design services. These are business related expenses and you can ask to see a certificate of currency.
In Victoria if you undertake domestic building work worth more than $16,000, then you need domestic building insurance. This insurance is obtained for each project separately and the costs are passed on to the client (as the insurance is a project-related cost). Make sure you ask for a valid insurance certificate before commencement. This insurance covers you if before work is complete the practitioner dies, is declared insolvent or disappears. Its cover will fix structural defects for six years and non-structural defects for two years. For more information see Building Insurance Requirements, Vic Building Authority.
In NSW this insurance is called Home Building Compensation (HBC) cover. Insurance is required for each home building project over $20,000 including GST. For more information on HBC cover see here.
At Grow Dig Build we are registered to provide both domestic building insurance for customers in Victoria and HBC cover in NSW giving our customers peace of mind.
What work have they previously completed?
All good contractors should have a portfolio of past projects and be willing to show them to you. This will help show you the scope and standard of works they have previously undertaken. Also check out their reviews to see what past clients say. You can view Grow Dig Build’s previous work and reviews on our Grow Dig Build Facebook site and Gallery.
What is the project timeframe and when can they start?
As with many building trades landscapers typically have busy schedules however, you should always feel confident to ask for an estimate on the timeframe to start and complete your project. Small jobs may take a few days but large projects can take a few weeks through to a month. The amount of rain we have been experiencing lately has also been affecting landscaping schedules and may delay commencement or the length of time the works take.
Should I request a written quote from my landscaper?
Landscapers should always provide a written quote with a breakdown of labour, equipment and materials required to complete your project. If you are unsure of what you are paying for after receiving the quote ask the landscaper to explain and clarify before you decide to proceed. At Grow, Dig, Build we always provide written quotes and will request email confirmation for approval from our clients to proceed before we start a job.
The quote is too much, can I ask if costs can be reduced?
If the quote given is outside your budget or you feel it is too expensive you can ask the landscaper if there are ways to reduce the costs. This may include scaling back some of the work you wish to be undertaken (or staging it over a longer period so you can complete works in a few instalments) or possibly using different materials to save on costs.
Does the landscaper listen to your requests?
It is important that your landscaper and you can communicate effectively. The landscaper should talk to you about your budget, what you want it to look like and your capacity for on-going maintenance to make sure the scope of works aligns with your vision. It is important that you feel comfortable to communicate openly and ask questions, not only during the quoting process but during construction. Hence, take your time to make sure you can gauge their communication style before you make a decision.
Do they work within a safety system?
All landscapers have a duty of care to themselves and workers to protect, reduce and eliminate risks to health and safety. This is a requirement under safety legislation - the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 in Victoria and the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 in NSW. You can ask your landscaper for details on their safety plan and procedures and can request a copy of documentation such as Safe Work Method Statements or Job Safety Analysis. If you see an unsafe procedure occurring during construction you should speak to the site supervisor immediately.
In Conclusion - Landscaping is an investment
Landscaping is an investment and making an improvement to your home is exciting. Completing this sort of investment can be a little nerve wracking so you want to make sure the work is done right. In a nutshell we recommend you:
Choose a few landscaping firms from a reputable, reliable source.
Interview your top picks using the questions above
Double-check insurance coverage and licenses.
Book in your chosen landscaper and enjoy while your outdoor space transforms into your vision!
If you want professional landscapers, that are the best in the business, you should get in touch with us at Grow, Dig, Build. Call us at 0427 192 149, or email us at growdigbuild@outlook.com for a free quote, or for any more questions you may have.
