Garden build and landscaping projects

Homeowners upgrading their gardens, landlords, property developers and small commercial clients.

Quoted price per project covering labour and materials, usually with a deposit upfront and a margin added on materials.

• Paving, fencing and groundwork skills
• Measuring, quoting and costing jobs
• Managing customers and timescales

• Public liability insurance, and employer's liability insurance once you take on staff
• Check whether you need permission for work near trees, drains, boundaries or in conservation areas; your council can advise
• Waste and soil removal: if you carry waste from customers' sites, you may need to register as a waste carrier. Rules differ across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so check with the relevant environment agency (Environment Agency, SEPA, Natural Resources Wales or NIEA). Alternatively, use a registered waste carrier or skip hire company
• Underquoting: factor in materials, delivery, skip hire and weather delays
• Heavy physical work and the risk of injury, plus equipment such as a mini digger or plate compactor to hire or buy
• Consider joining a trade body or scheme to help build customer trust

Startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on the tools you buy, equipment such as a mini digger or plate compactor that you hire or buy, and your insurance. These are estimates, so price your own kit list.

Monthly revenue is typically around £2,500 to £10,000, depending on how many projects you take on, their size and whether you work with a helper. Underquoting is a risk, so factor in materials, delivery, skip hire and weather delays.

Check public liability insurance, plus employer's liability once you hire staff. Check whether you need permission near trees, drains, boundaries or in conservation areas. If you carry customers' waste, check waste carrier registration with the relevant environment agency for your nation.