Landscape Gardener - half money first half after...?

martin2345uk

Hi guys

So we are getting a local landscape gardening company to do our garden… total cost is about 7k… they want half before and half after… having never done anything like this before, is that standard? Just feels a tiny bit weird handing over 3 grand before anything gets done…!

Thanks in advance :beer:

p00hsticks

martin2345uk wrote: »

Hi guys

So we are getting a local landscape gardening company to do our garden… total cost is about 7k… they want half before and half after… having never done anything like this before, is that standard? Just feels a tiny bit weird handing over 3 grand before anything gets done…!

Thanks in advance :beer:

It's been a while since I had mine done (and it was a small garden and only cost about £2k) but I think I did the same - half before and half after. If you are asking for stuff like decking, paving, gravel, weed prevention material, terracing etc then there's potentially quite a large upfront cost in materials etc.

andrewf75

I'd have thought it would be more usual to pay after. Surely even a small firm has an account to pay for materials?
I can only relate to paying for building work, but not sure why garden landscaping would be different.

Silvertabby

We had our garden landscaped last year for, oddly enough, £7K.

We didn't have to pay anything up front, even though we were using a lot of natural stone flags. The terms were 'full payment within X days of satisfactory completion'.

no1catman

Had mine done about five years ago.
Crumbling log-roll edging replaced by sleepers. Twenty-four in total put down, including a central 'border' between the patio, and lawn. Together with an archway, and pergola above the pond, with a rockery and cascade.
Paid the £3k at the end.

Alfrescodave

Many tradespeople ask for part payment up front - usually for materials but also part guarantees that you'll pay for the work. Its a case of mutual trust.

Silvertabby

If you really want to use this company, then pay the deposit by credit (not debit) card - that way you'll be protected if things go wrong.

If they won't accept payment by credit card, then I would walk away.

Francesanne

We've just had Indian sandstone paving laid, replaced raised decking & new fencing. Large job with difficult access. Used local family business,who did fantastic job. Received written quote. We paid in 3 stages (happy to accept cheques). We weren't asked for any deposit for materials in advance. Total cost just under £6,000