Services & Fees
The goal of Harbour Gardens is to help you achieve a uniquely beautiful and functional garden for you to enjoy.
Understandably, the first question people ask is, ‘How much is it going to cost?’
​
Nationally, the average fee is said to be between 8% and 20% of your overall budget. However, this is a very rough estimate, as every situation is different and there are so many variables.
First and foremost, our fee depends on what it is that you want to achieve and on how much involvement you personally want to have.
You may say, ‘I already know what I want to do, I just don’t have time to do it.’
or, you only need help with a few elements, such as plant selection, construction methods, or labour.
Or you may want us to take care of the whole project, from start to finish.
Ultimately, creating your garden is a collaborative venture and we will give you as much or as little assistance as you need. You will always have the final
say in any decisions.
For this reason, the first stage is without charge. There
are no hidden fees and nothing to pay until;
1- you’ve had time to decide exactly what it is you want,
2- we’ve calculated estimates of the project's likely costs and,
3- our level of involvement has been mutually agreed.
​
As a guide, these are my basic (hourly and daily) fees;
- £20 - £40 /hour for labour (depending on the task)
- £50 /hour for project management (or £200 /day)
- £100 /hour for design and consultancy.
1
Consultation Phase
1. - First consultation visit, to meet, look at the site and discuss the project.
2. - Set up a private online page where we can easily exchange
images, styles, ideas and documents.
3. - Second site visit to survey the site and carry out soil analysis.
4. - Produce scale survey drawing
5. - Compile a brief report on appropriate planting and any necessary
soil improvements.
6. - Confirm with clients their overall requirements.
7. - Produce general plans and sketches of proposals.
8. - Research general costs on the most expensive elements of the
design and so ascertain the overall budget expected.
9. - Discuss with the client and make any revisions required.
10. - Finalize the brief.
2
Design Phase
1. - Research options for, designs, materials, products and planting
arrangements (consult with the client).
2. - Research sources for supply and installation.
3. - Investigate any planning or environmental restrictions and
apply for any required permissions.
4. - Produce full-scale drawings for setting out the proposal (including
any key dimensions)
5. - Produce any images or perspective sketches drawings required
for the client to visualise the design.
6. - Produce a complete and detailed planting design.
7. - Produce a comprehensive programme for the ongoing
maintenance of the garden after completion.
8. Compile a schedule of expected material and construction costs
for comparison with contractors' quotes.
9. - Consult with the client regarding any last revisions required.
10. - Confirm the final design.
3
Construction & Management Phase
Note: - For small projects or smaller elements of a project I may carry out the work myself - at the hourly rate for labour as noted above.
- For larger elements;
1. Prepare a tender package for contractors' quotes. This will
include; scale drawings, detailed specifications and construction
details where necessary.
2. Research available contractors and invite them to quote.
3. Act as liaison between client and contractors until quotes are agreed.
4. Produce a calender of time scales for planned works.
5. Site supervision and administration. Carry out regular site visits
and resolve any problems.
6. Further research sourcing of materials and plants, and
investigate any possible alternatives required.
*
How to reduce costs.
Being well-informed and having a well-thought-out design is the best way to optimise your budget. In this way, you can avoid costly mistakes, bad timing and overpriced or inappropriate, plants, materials or labour.
Note: Other areas which can have costly implications are; rubbish disposal,
access to the site, underground or overhead services, and local planning and environmental restrictions.
With regard to saving on design fees: If you have a small proposal (under
£10,000) it can be best to ask, what we can achieve within the budget that
you have. This may include the idea of producing a plan that can be carried
out in phased stages.