What is a Landscaper?
A Landscaper is a qualified trade professional who designs and constructs outdoor areas including gardens, driveways, retaining walls, turfing, and planting. For owner builders in QLD, the landscaper typically completes their work after all structural building works are finished and the site has been cleared of major construction waste.
Landscaping often occurs in two stages:
- Hard Works – structural or built elements (e.g. retaining walls, paving, fencing)
- Soft Works – natural or planted elements (e.g. turf, plants, mulching)
Depending on your plans and property, the landscaper may also coordinate drainage, garden lighting, or irrigation systems.
What does a Landscaper do?
Your Landscaper will complete works according to your agreed scope of works.
Typically, a Landscaper will:
- Hard Works:
- Build retaining walls and raised garden beds
- Construct paved areas, paths, or driveways
- Install fencing, gates, screens, or edging
- Complete drainage or basic irrigation infrastructure
- Soft Works:
- Prepare garden beds and topsoil
- Lay turf (natural or synthetic)
- Plant shrubs, trees, or hedges
- Spread mulch and decorative stones
These stages are usually completed in sequence, but they may be quoted and managed separately.
Tip: Stage the Works to Suit Your Budget and Timing
It’s common to split landscaping into
Hard Works first, then
Soft Works later
— especially if you’re waiting for weather to improve or want to settle on plant choices. Just make sure your quotes reflect this so there are no surprises.
What to look for in a Landscaper
A quality Landscaper will have:
- Demonstrated experience with both Hard and Soft Works
- Familiarity with local plant species and council guidelines
- Ability to read site plans and work around existing structures
- Clean site management and a high standard of finish
- Capability to deliver within your timeline and budget
If retaining walls over 1 metre or other structural elements are involved, they must either be certified or completed under the guidance of a structural engineer, in line with QLD building regulations.
Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready
To get quotes from Landscapers for your Hard and Soft Works, you’ll need:
- Finalised site plans, showing levels and structures
- Your preferred landscaping design or layout (basic sketch is OK)
- Any specifications for materials (e.g. pavers, fencing style, turf type)
- Details of site access and any existing conditions (e.g. slope, debris)
- Approximate dates you’d like the Hard and Soft Works to start
Average Timeframe
For this task, Pros typically provide quotes within
7-10 business
days.
When Can I Expect Quotes?
Timeframes often vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g. a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed is needed, the quoting process may take longer.
Don't be alarmed if you don't receive quotes or communication from any Build Buddy Pros straight away. Some work is more complex and the Pro may need time to comprehend your documents or scope of work. Depending on the job, there may even be some work required by the Pro before they are able to quote (e.g. a site visit might be required).
If the average timeframe indicated here has passed, and you have not received any messages or quotes, please feel free to contact the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team for an update on quoting for this task.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Hard and Soft Works?
Hard Works are the built elements (e.g. retaining walls, paving), while Soft Works are the planting and natural elements (e.g. turf, trees, mulching). They are often managed as separate stages.
Do I need council approval for landscaping?
Usually not for minor works, but check your local QLD council rules for things like retaining walls over 1 metre, boundary fencing, or drainage changes.
How to Complete this Task?
STEP 1
Review and Adjust the Scope of Works
Timeframes may vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g., a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed, the quoting process may take longer.
STEP 2
Confirm Required Documents Are Uploaded
Check that the following required document(s) are uploaded for this task. These are essential to proceed:
STEP 3
Update the Quality Assurance Checklist
Go to the
Quality Assurance tab in this task and review the checklist. Edit any details to suit your project requirements. Being clear and upfront helps set expectations with the Pro. Updating the checklist before requesting quotes ensures everyone is aligned.
STEP 4
Request Quotes
Click the
orange ‘Request Quotes’ button to start the quoting process.
STEP 5
Review the Quotes
Once you receive quotes:
- Review each one carefully, including the payment schedule and any special terms
- Download attached quote documents for detailed review
- Check each Pro’s profile and read past client reviews
STEP 6
Communicate with the Pro
If needed, message or call the Pro to clarify details or negotiate terms.
STEP 7
Accept a Quote
Choose the quote that best suits your needs. Once you accept a quote, any other pending quotes will be automatically declined. An agreement will automatically be generated.
STEP 8
Complete the Tasks In Your App
New tasks will appear to guide you through this job — follow each step carefully. Make sure to use the
Quality Assurance Checklist, and refer to your
contract and
final Scope of Works whenever needed.
NEED HELP?
Reach Out to Your Build Buddy Pro
If you have any questions or need a hand, your Build Buddy Pro is your best first contact. They’re a licensed expert in their field and can understand the ins and outs of your project. You can message them via the platform, or you can call them directly.
If you have already contacted your Build Buddy Pro and still need further assistance, the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team are here to help. They will be able to guide you on your next steps or help you find answers to any questions you may have.
