Choosing the Right Landscaping Contractor in Haslemere

1. Local Knowledge & Experience

Haslemere’s mix of greensand, sloping plots and occasional clay pockets means local experience really matters. A contractor who understands local soil types and the impact they have on drainage and foundations is far better placed to build surfaces that last.

• Ask how often they work in Haslemere and nearby villages.
• Check if they understand local soil types and drainage issues.
• Look for examples of similar projects in your area.

2. Proper Site Survey, Not Just a Quick Look

A serious contractor will carry out a proper site survey before pricing anything. On patios and driveways this should look very similar to the process described in our patio installation guide and driveway construction standards guide.

• Measure levels, falls and access properly
• Look at existing drainage and soil conditions
• Ask how you use the space — not just what looks good in a photo

If the “survey” consists of a two-minute walk-around and a rough guess, be cautious.

3. Clear, Written Quotations

A professional quotation should explain:

• What’s included (and what isn’t)
• How deep they will excavate
• What sub-base will be used
• What materials are specified (brand, range, colour)
• How drainage will be handled

“All in, cash price” with no written detail is a red flag for any Haslemere project. A good contractor will also be open about how different choices affect cost, as outlined in our Haslemere landscaping costs 2025 guide.

4. Understanding of Standards & Good Practice

Ask questions like:

• How deep will you dig for the patio/driveway?
• What type of sub-base and bedding will you use?
• How will you ensure water runs away from the house?
• What’s your approach to retaining walls on sloping plots?

A good contractor should be able to explain this in plain English and their answers should broadly line up with the best practice we describe in our retaining wall rules & safety guide and garden drainage & groundworks guide.

5. Insurance, Guarantees & Paperwork

Sensible checks include:

• Public liability insurance
• Whether they guarantee their work (and for how long)
• Whether they provide invoices and written agreements

Avoid arrangements that leave you with no paperwork or protection. Where work might touch boundaries, structures or levels, it’s also worth reading up on planning permission rules for patios and garden works.

6. References & Previous Work

Ask to see:

• Photos of recent Haslemere area projects
• Before-and-after shots where possible
• Reviews or testimonials

If they’re genuinely active and experienced locally, there should be no shortage of examples of patios, driveways and full garden rebuilds in Haslemere and nearby villages.

7. Attitude to Groundworks & Drainage

In Haslemere, getting the foundations and drainage right is more important than picking the “perfect” slab. Our guides on drainage & groundworks and subsidence & patio longevity explain why.

• Do they talk about sub-base depth and compaction?
• Are they interested in how water currently behaves in your garden?
• Do they mention soakaways, French drains or channel drains where relevant?

8. Timescales & Project Management

Ask:

• How long the job should take
• How many people will be on site
• Who is supervising the work day to day

Good contractors will be realistic about timescales and will explain how they minimise disruption around access, parking and neighbours.

9. Payment Structure

Sensible approaches might include:

• Deposit to secure the slot and materials
• Stage payments at clear milestones
• Balance on completion once you’re happy

Be cautious about paying everything upfront, especially where there is no written agreement or schedule of work.

10. Gut Feel & Communication

Finally, ask yourself:

• Do they listen to what you want, or push their own agenda?
• Are they happy to explain things and answer questions?
• Do they seem organised and reliable?

You’ll be working with them around your home for days or weeks — it’s important you feel comfortable and able to raise questions as the work progresses.

Haslemere Area We Cover

Haslemere · Shottermill · Hindhead · Grayswood · Camelsdale · Hammer · Marley · Fernhurst · Linchmere · Kingsley Green · Surrey/Sussex borders

Want a Structured, Written Quote?

If you’d like a clear, detailed quotation and a straightforward explanation of how we would approach your garden, we’re happy to visit, measure and talk it through properly. We can advise on patios, driveways, drainage, retaining walls and full garden transformations.

Request a Quotation & Site Visit

Haslemere Landscaping Knowledge Hub

Explore all of our in-depth landscaping guides for Haslemere, Hindhead, Grayswood, Kingsley Green, Shottermill and the surrounding Surrey/Sussex borders:

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