Choosing the Right Landscaping Contractor in Petersfield

Start with the Basics

Before you look at designs and colours, make sure the essentials are in place.

• Is the contractor local and established in the Petersfield area?
• Do they specialise in hard landscaping (patios, driveways, walls) or just offer it on the side?
• Can they explain how they build things — not just how they look?

Key Questions to Ask Any Contractor

1. How Will You Build the Sub-Base?

• What depth will you excavate, and why?
• What type of sub-base material will you use (Type 1, Type 3, MOT, etc.)?
• How many compaction passes will you allow for each layer?

A confident contractor in Petersfield should be able to talk easily about clay, chalk, slopes and how they adjust the build-up for each.

2. How Will You Handle Drainage?

• Where will surface water go?
• Will any new hard surfacing be permeable, or drained to a soakaway?
• How will you stop water running towards the house or neighbour?

On sloping plots around Petersfield and Buriton, getting the drainage strategy right is as important as the paving itself.

3. What Is Included in the Quote?

• Does it clearly list preparation, waste removal, materials and finishing?
• Are there any provisional sums or “to be confirmed” items?
• Are skip or grab hire costs included?

Comparing Quotes in Petersfield

It’s common to get three quotes and see a big spread in price. When that happens, look beyond the total:

• Is the cheapest quote using the same depth of sub-base or cutting corners?
• Have all contractors allowed for the same area and specification?
• Is anyone suspiciously vague about drainage or waste?

A well-detailed quote is usually a sign that the work has been thought through properly. Compare it against guides like our Petersfield landscaping costs overview so you have a rough benchmark.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

• Pressure to “decide today” or heavy discounts if you sign on the spot
• Reluctance to put anything in writing
• No clear business name, address or website
• Cash-only arrangements with no paperwork
• Very low prices compared to other local firms for the same spec

In a town like Petersfield, genuine contractors are proud to put their name to their work.

Checking Previous Work

A reliable contractor should be able to show:

• Photos of recent projects in the Petersfield area
• Before-and-after images for patios, driveways and garden rebuilds
• References or reviews from local clients

If possible, visit a finished project to see how it looks after a winter or two.

Communication & On-Site Conduct

The best projects are the ones where everyone knows what’s happening and when.

• Does the contractor reply promptly to calls and emails?
• Do they explain timeframes realistically?
• Are they clear about site access, parking and noise?

In tighter Petersfield streets or shared driveways, this matters just as much as the final finish.

Written Agreements & Payment Terms

Before work starts, you should have:

• A written summary of the agreed works
• An outline of the payment schedule (for example, deposit, stage payments, final balance)
• Confirmation of how any changes or extras will be handled

Large upfront payments with no structure are best avoided.

How We Work With Clients in Petersfield

As a local company working across Petersfield, Liss, Sheet, Steep and Buriton, our approach is straightforward:

• We carry out a proper site visit and talk through how you’ll use the space
• We explain build-ups, drainage and materials in clear language
• We provide written quotations with a breakdown of the main elements
• We keep you updated during the job and tidy up properly at the end

For larger projects that combine new patios, driveways and structural walls, we can also break the work into clear phases so you know exactly what will happen when.

Areas We Cover

Petersfield · Sheet · Steep · Buriton · Liss · Rogate · Langrish · Froxfield · East Meon · West Harting · South Harting · South Downs villages

Need a Quote or Just Some Advice?

If you’re collecting quotes and want a clear, transparent option to compare against, we’re happy to help — whether it’s for a simple patio or a full garden rebuild.

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Petersfield Landscaping Knowledge Hub

Explore all of our in-depth landscaping guides for Petersfield · Sheet · Steep · Buriton · Liss · Rogate · Langrish · Froxfield · East Meon · West Harting · South Harting · South Downs villages:

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