Garden design and project management service

Homeowners wanting a full garden makeover, owners of small commercial or strata properties, and busy clients who don't want to manage trades themselves.

A design fee plus a project management fee, usually a percentage of the build cost or a fixed fee, depending on how you agree it with the client.

• Landscape design and plant knowledge
• Reading quotes and managing budgets
• Coordinating tradies and suppliers
• Clear communication when plans change

• Contractor licensing, many building and landscaping trades need a state licence, check your state's licensing body and who must hold it
• Public liability and professional indemnity insurance, and workers compensation if you hire staff
• Cash flow risk if you pay suppliers before clients pay you, use clear payment stages
• Whether managing construction work requires a builder or contractor licence in your state, check before you quote

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on your design software, vehicle needs, insurance and how much you spend on setting up. Treat this as an estimate and get quotes.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many projects you run and their size. Cash flow can be tight if you pay suppliers before clients pay you, so use clear payment stages.

Check your state's licensing body, as many building and landscaping trades need a licence, and who must hold it. Check whether managing construction work needs a builder or contractor licence before you quote, and confirm your insurance.