how to get a contractor quote you can trust
the design is ready. the dreaming and planning is over… you’ve decided it’s time to start the process of making the garden in reality.
building your garden will be super exciting, we promise. before you can kick back and enjoy your new outdoor lifestyle, there are a few key steps before we can turn your WILDEN garden dream into reality.
one of these steps is to find a contractor who gets your vision. whilst WILDEN will do all of that for you, it's still crucial to review your contractor’s offer. understanding their quote will help the project run smoothly and avoid any surprise costs.
we’ll guide you through understanding and evaluating your contractor’s offer to ensure no stone is left unturned.
understanding preliminary costs
think of preliminary costs as the essentials that brings your garden to life.
they are the expenses your contractor pays to construct your garden. separate from the direct costs of the finished project. they might include fees for draftsmen, storage facilities, fencing, insurance, operating costs (like fuel and phone bills), and specialist tools.
WILDEN only recommends contractors who share our passion for landscaping. they’re trusted and committed to delivering your project to our high standards. if you want to read more about ‘prelims’; there’s a full blog here.
project inclusions
health & safety, and insurance
does the offer include health and safety measures? it's essential to confirm that your project is protected with insurance. accidents can happen, and having the right insurance coverage can prevent small hiccups turning into protracted disputes, in the rare case the contractor damages your property or there’s an accident on site.
project management
make sure a project manager is assigned to your project. clarify if they’ll be working on your garden full-time or part-time. a full-time manager provides closer supervision, which leads to a smoother process.
for large gardens or phased projects, expect higher project management costs. these costs should match the project's complexity and duration, ensuring each detail gets handled efficiently and effectively.
garden elements
irrigation
existing systems: think about whether the plan includes your existing pump, tanks, and pipework - this can be an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach.
tanks and dedicated pumps: having a tank provides you with at least a day's worth of water as a backup. we recommend this unless you feel confident in your water pressure and understand the risk of unexpected water shut-offs.
tailored water delivery: most budget contractors have a one-size-fits-all approach, often using pipes with fixed flow rates, or adjustable emitters. these are terribly inefficient and prone to failure. we prefer an ‘on-line’ system where plants have an emitter with a fixed flow rate, specific to their water needs. this will reduce maintenance and save you money on water bills.
lighting & power
connections: agree on where your lighting and power will be connected - this affects the length of cabling needed and ensures your garden is beautifully lit and inviting in the evening.
distribution: discuss the location of distribution boxes and accessible switches or timers. we want you to easily enjoy your garden at any time of the day or night.
pools
fixtures: a pool is a luxurious addition to any garden, so don’t compromise on quality with cheap ABS plastic fittings. you want your pool to be stylish and durable. so, insist on stainless steel fixtures, look for 316L marine grade steel.
manholes
visibility: ideally, any visible manholes should be replaced or refurbished for a thoughtful, quality. new manholes or replacement covers can make all the difference in the final aesthetic, especially in parts of the garden where you spend the most time.
light fixtures
check the offer includes appropriate light fixtures to make your garden, villa or boundary walls shine. if lights need to be mounted on walls or structures, have they considered protective trunking or the work needed to embed them into walls?
ensure they’re robust for our climate and weather. don’t accept anything less than IP66 for general lights, ideally IP68. LED lights with ‘chip on board’ are generally better than lights with changeable bulbs.
ask the contractor what type of weatherproof connectors, armoured cable, and transformers will be used. you’ll know quickly if they’re making things up.
*pro tip - wiring connections are the weakest point, so ensure they’re either IP68 rated cable connectors, or epoxy filled joints.
materials and plants
specification: has the contractor priced of all of the materials, details and plants in the design? or, have they provided alternatives (because they can get them cheaper from ‘their mate’). this is super sneaky and pretty common. don’t let them convince you to change the design without speaking to your designer first. one change can have knock-on effects that the contractor hasn’t considered.
pricing: every contractor makes their money differently, so it’s not easy to compare every rate, like for like.
*pro tip: have your contractor mention the supply rate (or prime cost) for each material. this way you can be more sure they’re sourcing the proper material. DIY super pro tip!… if you want to go further, you can ask if they’ll allow you to supply some materials yourself, using their installation. having supply rates helps you compare apples with apples if you want to shop around.
miscellaneous considerations
repairs: address potential issues like flaky paint or walls damaged by rising water. discuss these upfront with your contractor to avoid extra costs later.
waterproofing: if you’re adding planting along boundary walls or the villa in particular, it’s best to review waterproofing and install additional protection. often, master developers leave the foundations unprotected which results in rising damp when irrigation is added in the garden.
garden maintenance
contractor maintenance: we highly recommend that your contractor maintains the garden for at least a year after completion. this ensures any issues get handled by someone familiar with the project, protecting your investment. plus, contractors are more willing to replace plants they installed them. a third-party gardener might blame your contractor for plants that didn't survive.
plant replacement: if maintenance isn't included, request the contractor to return after 2-3 months to replace any dead plants.
warranties
defects liability period
ensure your contractor provides warranties on all their work for one year, often called a 'Defects Liability Period' (DLP). this reflects their confidence and credentials in delivering quality work.
exclusions
read the fine print:
additional costs: carefully read the exclusions in the offer. costs for items not included can add up later on.
approvals: you will need to pay for approvals from the developer or authorities.
utilities: power and water are generally your responsibility as the owner.
toilet facilities: if the construction team cannot use an indoor toilet, rental of a site toilet may be necessary.
we've covered a lot here, but when creating your dream garden, there's a lot to consider. these guidelines will help you check your contractor's offer with greater understanding. making sure your project runs smoothly, stays on schedule, and doesn't blow your budget.
so, grab your contractor's offer and use this checklist below to make sure your garden project gets off to a great start.
your checklist for creating your dream garden
understand and review your contractor's preliminary costs to avoid surprises.
confirm that your contractor has considered proper safety and team welfare measures, and insurances.
ensure a dedicated project manager is assigned. meet them before starting.
irrigation: consider existing systems and backup tanks for water supply.
lighting & power: agree on connections and distribution philosophy.
pools: insist on quality fixtures for durability and aesthetics.
manholes: replace or refurbish visible manholes for a premium finish.
light fixtures: ensure appropriate outdoor fixtures are included.
hidden extras: discuss potential repair costs upfront to avoid surprises.
ensure maintenance agreements or arrangements are in place.
defects liability period (DLP): check for warranties on all work, reflecting the contractor's confidence in quality.
exclusions: understand any exclusions to prevent unexpected costs later.
by getting the right design team and skilled contractors in place, your garden can transform your life and provide years of enjoyment. speak to WILDEN about construction guardianship, where we take care of everything, so you can enjoy watching the garden being made.
we're excited to begin this journey with you.