Home-Based garden design service

Homeowners renovating or building, new-home buyers with a bare block, and small property developers or builders.

Fixed fee per design package (concept, detailed plan, planting plan) or an hourly rate for consultations and revisions.

• Garden and landscape design knowledge
• Plant knowledge suited to your local climate
• Drawing by hand or with design software
• Listening to clients and managing expectations

• Professional indemnity and public liability insurance, check what cover suits design advice
• Council approval for running a business from home, check with your local council
• Designs near retaining walls, pools, drainage or structures may need engineers or council approval, check local rules
• Whether your state requires any licence if you also manage or carry out construction work

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the design software, equipment and insurance you choose. Treat this as an estimate and compare options before you buy.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many clients you take on, the size of their projects and how many hours you can commit each week.

Check which professional indemnity and public liability cover suits design advice, and whether your council needs approval for a home business. Designs near retaining walls, pools or drainage may need engineers or council approval. Check state licensing if you also manage construction.