Full Garden Transformation Workflow in Chichester

1. Initial Consultation

We meet on-site to understand:

• Your goals and ideas – how you’d like to use the space day to day.
• Budget and timescale for the project.
• Site conditions (drainage, access, soil type, level changes).
• Any planning constraints or local permission rules.

2. Design Stage (Optional)

For larger projects or complex gardens, we create:

• Scaled drawings shaped around your home and boundaries.
• 3D visualisations for key areas such as main terraces and steps.
• Material samples for porcelain, sandstone, gravel and walling.
• Drainage/layout planning so water behaves properly from day one.

3. Site Preparation

Preparation is where a smooth build really starts:

• Clearance of old patios, lawns, walls and garden structures.
• Setting levels and datum points that tie in with thresholds.
• Temporary drainage or pumps if the garden is prone to flooding.
• Soil testing when needed – especially in clay pockets around Tangmere and Oving.

4. Groundworks

The foundation of every successful garden transformation is the groundworks. We work with local soil types across Chichester to build stable bases.

• Excavation to correct depths for patios, paths and driveways.
• Sub-base installation (Type 1 or Type 3) to suit soil and loading.
• Drainage channels, French drains or soakaways where required.
• Retaining walls or terracing if we’re managing steeper level changes.

5. Patio & Hard Landscaping Installation

Patios and paths usually form the heart of any full garden rebuild.

• Porcelain, sandstone, Yorkstone or granite laid to correct standards.
• Steps, risers and pathways linked carefully to doors and thresholds.
• Edging, borders and detailing that tie into existing architecture.

You can explore our dedicated Patio Installation guide for Chichester for more technical detail.

6. Driveways & Access

Many garden projects in Chichester also include front access upgrades:

• Block paving driveways for flexible layouts and repairs.
• Resin-bound systems for clean, modern frontages.
• Gravel driveways for character properties and rural plots.
• Stone sett entrances and aprons for premium finishes.

Our Driveway Construction Standards page explains how we build these to carry vehicles and handle local drainage rules.

7. Retaining Walls & Structures

When we need to manage levels or create terraces, structural elements come into play:

• Concrete block walls ready for cladding or render.
• Sleeper walls for softer retaining and raised beds.
• Brick or stone walls that match or complement your property.
• Gabion systems for banks, boundaries and contemporary detailing.

These are always designed with correct drainage to avoid the issues described on our Retaining Wall Rules & Safety guide.

8. Drainage & Soil Improvement

This stage ensures long-term stability and protects your investment:

• French drains and land drains to move water away from saturated areas.
• Soakaways where the soil profile allows infiltration.
• Clay conditioning and sub-soil improvement where needed.
• Lawn drainage systems for frequently waterlogged grassed areas.

You can read more about specific solutions on our Garden Drainage & Groundworks page.

9. Turfing & Soft Landscaping

• Premium turf installation, laid over prepared, graded topsoil.
• Soil levelling to blend hard and soft landscaping cleanly.
• Planting schemes that work with Chichester’s climate and soil.
• Tree and shrub installation, including suitable species for coastal areas.
• Mulching and border preparation for easier long-term maintenance.

10. Lighting & Finishing Touches

• Recessed patio lights and step lighting.
• Spike lights for borders and focal plants.
• Driveway lighting and feature uplights.
• Outdoor sockets and power for future features.

11. Final Clean & Handover

• Pressure wash where needed to present the finished surfaces.
• Jointing and sealing options for suitable paving types.
• Maintenance advice tailored to your specific materials.
• Waste removal & recycling via licensed carriers – see our Waste Removal & Skip Rules guide.

12. Aftercare

We provide guidance on caring for your new garden, including lawn maintenance, patio aftercare and how drainage should behave during heavy weather. For budgeting future phases or add-ons, our Landscaping Costs 2025 page offers useful ballpark figures.

FAQ: Full Garden Rebuilds in Chichester

How long does a full garden transformation usually take?

Smaller makeovers can be completed in a couple of weeks, while larger projects with multiple terraces, walls and driveways can run for several weeks or more. Timescales depend on access, weather and the amount of groundwork and drainage required.

Do I need a full design package before we start?

Not always. Many projects in Chichester proceed with a simple layout sketch and material choices agreed on site. For more complex gardens, we recommend a formal design stage so that levels, drainage and structures are fully coordinated in advance.

Can the work be phased to suit my budget?

Yes. We often phase projects so that essential groundwork, drainage and structural elements are completed first, with planting and secondary areas built later. This can be particularly useful when combining rear garden, side access and front driveway upgrades.

Will I be able to use parts of the garden while you’re working?

It depends on access and how much of the space is being rebuilt. We’ll discuss any constraints at survey stage and agree practical arrangements for parking, temporary access routes and pet/child safety before work begins.

Areas We Cover

Chichester · Bosham · Fishbourne · Lavant · Tangmere · Oving · Donnington · Hunston · Apuldram · Westhampnett · Goodwood · South Downs villages

Planning a Garden Makeover?

We handle everything from concept to completion with premium workmanship and clear communication, so you have one team responsible for patios, driveways, walls, drainage and planting.

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