Ready to Build? Your Pre-Project Checklist

Planning a major landscaping project is exciting, but a little preparation goes a long way. At DBG Projects, we find that the smoothest builds happen when clients have a clear vision before we break ground.

Use this checklist to prepare for your site visit and ensure your project gets off to the flying start it deserves.

1. Define Your "Must-Haves" vs. "Nice-to-Haves"

It is easy to get carried away with Pinterest ideas. Make two lists.

• Must-Haves: Non-negotiables (e.g., "Retaining wall for the slope," "Parking for two cars," "Wheelchair access to the patio").

• Nice-to-Haves: Things you’d love if the budget allows (e.g., "Built-in pizza oven," "Lighting system," "Upgrade to premium Yorkshire stone").

• Why? This helps us prioritize your budget where it matters most.

2. Check Your Boundaries & Deeds

Do you know exactly where your property line ends?

• Locate your property deeds to confirm boundary lines, especially if we are installing new fencing.

• Check for any covenants or easements (e.g., shared drainage access or utility poles) that might restrict where we can dig or build.

3. Consider the "Invisible" Logistics

How will we get machinery and materials in and out?

• Access: Is your side gate wide enough for a mini-digger (usually 750mm+)? If not, will we need to come through a fence panel or a neighbour's land?

• Parking: We will have vans and potentially skips on site. Is there space on the driveway, or do we need to arrange permits for the road?

• Storage: Where can we safely store pallets of stone or timber during the build?

4. Think About Drainage & Utilities

What lies beneath the surface is just as important as what goes on top.

• Water: Does your garden get boggy in winter? Point out these wet spots to us so we can engineer the right drainage solution.

• Cables/Pipes: Do you know the rough location of gas, electric, or water feeds running to the house or garage? (Don't worry if not, we act with caution, but prior knowledge helps).

5. Set a Realistic Budget (and a Buffer)

Be open about your budget range.

• Groundworks can sometimes uncover surprises (buried concrete, poor soil, tree roots). We always recommend keeping a 5-10% contingency fund aside for unforeseen ground conditions. This gives you peace of mind that the project won't stall if we hit a snag.

6. Notify the Neighbours

A polite heads-up goes a long way.

• Let your neighbours know that work is starting, especially if there will be noise or skips on the road. It keeps relations sweet and makes the build process smoother for everyone.