What is a Landscaper?

A Landscaper is a licensed tradesperson who designs and/or installs outdoor features for your property — including turf, planting, paving, retaining walls, edging, garden beds, and more. They work from your approved landscaping plan to bring the external areas of your home to life.

What does a Landscaper do?

Your Landscaper will complete works according to your agreed scope of works.


Typically, a Landscaper will:

  • Review your approved landscaping plan and site conditions
  • Prepare and level soil or subgrade where needed
  • Install garden beds, plants, turf, edging, and irrigation systems
  • Construct outdoor features like retaining walls, stepping paths, gravel, or paving
  • Ensure work is compliant with council and development consent conditions


They help you meet compliance requirements and maximise street appeal at handover or sale.

Barry's Toolbox

Don’t forget: if your DA includes landscape works, you may need a final inspection sign-off to get your Occupation Certificate — so book your Landscaper in early.

What to look for in a Landscaper

When reviewing quotes, look for:

  • Licensing: Landscapers doing structural work (e.g. retaining walls, paved areas) must be licensed and insured.
  • Experience: Look for someone who has experience on residential builds with similar lot sizes and designs.
  • Scope clarity: Confirm what’s included — plants, turf, edging, mulch, reticulation, and any structural elements.
  • Finish quality: Review photos of previous projects for neatness and detailing (joins, levels, drainage).
  • Availability: Landscapers book out fast — especially near settlement deadlines or builder handovers.

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready

To get quotes from Landscapers for your landscaping works, you’ll need:

  • Site address and approved landscaping plan (if required by council)
  • Site photos and any special access notes (e.g. narrow side entry)
  • Details of surface materials or plant types you prefer
  • Your deadline for landscaping completion (e.g. before handover or occupancy)

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

  • Is landscaping mandatory for handover?

    If your DA conditions include landscaping, yes. It may also be required for your Occupation Certificate. Always check your consent documents.

  • Can the Landscaper make changes to the approved plan?

    Yes — minor tweaks are often fine, but structural changes or planting variations may need council approval.

  • Does the Landscaper include paving or fencing too?

    Sometimes. Some landscapers offer full external works packages — check what’s included or whether other trades will be required.

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.