7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Landscaper

Why Asking the Right Questions Matters

Landscaping projects gone wrong are one of the most common home improvement complaints in Australia. Incomplete work, unexpected cost blow-outs, and disappearing contractors are all too common.

Asking the right questions upfront separates the professionals from the cowboys. Here are the seven most important ones.

1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

In Australia, landscaping licensing requirements vary by state:

• NSW: Contractor licence required for work over $5,000 (NSW Fair Trading)
• VIC: Registered Building Practitioner for structural work (retaining walls, decking)
• QLD: QBCC licence for work over $3,300
• WA: Builder's registration for structural work

At minimum, any landscaper you hire should carry public liability insurance (minimum $5 million cover). Always ask to see the certificate of currency.

2. Can I See Examples of Similar Work?

Any established landscaper should have a portfolio of completed projects, ideally similar in scope and style to what you're planning. Ask to see:

• Before and after photos
• References from previous clients you can call
• Projects in your suburb or similar soil conditions

3. Who Will Actually Do the Work?

Some landscaping companies quote the job then subcontract it out to others. This isn't necessarily a problem, but you should know:

• Will the person you're meeting supervise the project?
• Are workers direct employees or subcontractors?
• What's the main contact if issues arise on site?

4. What's Included (and Excluded) in the Quote?

Get everything in writing. A detailed quote should specify:

• Exact scope of work (what's in, what's out)
• Materials to be used (brand, grade, quantity)
• Site preparation and clean-up
• Whether council permits are included
• Payment milestones

Vague quotes lead to disputes. If it's not written down, it didn't happen.

5. What's the Timeline?

Ask for:

• Expected start date
• Estimated completion date
• Likely disruptions (no access days, noisy machinery periods)
• What happens if weather delays the project

Be wary of anyone who can't give you a rough timeline — established landscapers know how long jobs take.

6. How Do You Handle Changes or Problems?

Things come up on every job — unexpected tree roots, substandard soil, design changes. Ask how they handle:

• Variations to the original scope
• How variation costs are approved
• What their defects liability period is

A professional landscaper will have a clear process. "We'll figure it out" is not an answer.

7. What Are Your Payment Terms?

Standard industry practice in Australia:

• Deposit: 10–20% on signing (never pay more than 10% or $1,000 for jobs under $20,000 in NSW)
• Progress payments: Tied to project milestones
• Final payment: After your walkthrough and sign-off

Never pay the full amount upfront. If a contractor demands it, walk away.

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