Landscaping

Hard landscaping covers the constructed parts of a garden: patios, terraces, paving, driveways, steps, paths, retaining walls, garden walls, raised planters, pergolas, seating areas, drainage, sub-bases and foundations. Hertfordshire Drives and Landscapes builds these elements around the site, the levels and the way the space will be used.

Here’s a typical workflow:

1. Consultation & Site Survey — We meet you on site, review the existing topography, constraints, access, drainage, orientation, etc.

2. Concept Design & Materials Selection — We put forward one or more layout/concept sketches and recommend premium materials (stone, aggregates, bespoke finishes).

3. Refined Quotation / Budgeting — We issue a fully itemised quotation including labour, materials, groundworks, drainage, applied finishes, allowances for tolerances, etc.

4. Technical Drawings & Specifications — Once the design is approved, we prepare working drawings, levels, construction details, section cuts, drainage plans.

5. Scheduling & Permitting (if needed) — We coordinate utilities, party wall, local authority consents, or Building Regulations if applicable.

6. Construction / Build Phase — Groundworks, drainage, sub-base, surfacing, walls, finishing touches. A dedicated project manager oversees quality control.

7. Final Inspection, Handover & Aftercare — Walk the site with you, settle any snags, issue maintenance advice, warranty details, and conduct periodic checks (if included).

We select materials for durability, slip resistance, weathering, drainage, colour, maintenance and long-term performance. This can include natural stone, porcelain paving, block paving, resin-bound surfaces, timber, aggregates, turf, trees and planting. We only recommend materials that suit the property, the ground conditions and the way the space needs to work.

Duration depends on scope, site conditions, and complexity. For example:

• A modest patio with pathways: several days to a few weeks

• A full driveway, walls and terraces: several weeks to a few months

• Large/complex garden with multiple levels, intricate stonework or curves: possibly several months

We always provide a phased schedule as part of our quotation and monitor against it, with buffer built in for weather or unexpected ground conditions, which sometimes occur.

These are critical considerations for durability and avoiding damage. We:

• Design sub-surface drainage (soakaways, attenuation crates) where needed

• Install proper fall/gradient for run-off

• Use permeable surfaces if required (e.g. pervious paving)

• Incorporate expansion joints, movement joints in long runs

• Prepare adequate sub-base and compaction to prevent differential settlement

These measures mitigate issues such as pooling, frost damage or erosion.

Usually hard landscaping alone (patios, paths, walls under certain heights) does not require planning permission. But certain situations may trigger a consent:

• Walls over 1 m high next to a highway, or 2 m elsewhere

• Construction of steps or ramps with particular dimensions

• Works affecting listed buildings or conservation areas

• Drainage or major structural retaining walls

• Changes to site levels or demolition

We advise on these and handle any liaison with local authorities or consultants if needed.

• We provide a workmanship guarantee (e.g. 1, 2, or 5 years depending on the component)

• Many of our materials come with manufacturer warranties — we pass these to you

• After completion, we offer guidance on maintenance, cleaning, sealing, joint repair

• Optional maintenance/check visits can be scheduled (often annually) to examine joints, surfaces, drainage, and to address any wear issues early

We typically charge via a fixed, itemised contract (not merely hourly). Our quote includes:

• All labour, materials, plant/machinery

• Groundworks, site preparation, sub-base, drainage

• Laying, finishing, joints, cleaning

• Project management and site supervision

• Waste removal and site clearance

Excluded items (if applicable) might include:

• Major rock excavation or blasting

• Alteration of existing structures, utilities or services not specified

• Landscaping planting (trees, shrubs, lawns) unless explicitly included

• Lighting, irrigation (unless you request)

• VAT (if applicable)

We can present alternate “upgrade” or “premium finish” options so you can compare.

We aim to maintain the highest level of professionalism and care:

• Use experienced, vetted craftsmen — no casual subcontract crews

• Site hoarding, protection of existing finishes, footpaths, walls, and careful access protocols

• Scheduled deliveries of stone and materials to minimise congestion

• Clean, tidy working practices daily — debris, dust, machinery carefully managed

• Clear communication — daily or weekly updates, inspection walks with you

• Insurance cover — we carry Public Liability, damage cover

Unforeseen site issues can arise (e.g. buried foundations, unstable soil, water ingress). We:

• Always carry out as much survey as possible at the start

• Include a contingency allowance in the budget

• Inform you immediately if additional works are required

• Provide a revised quote for extra works before proceeding

• Try to find cost-effective but durable solutions

Transparency is key — you will never be committed to additional works without agreement.

Absolutely. We frequently coordinate with architects, engineers, lighting designers, landscape architects or interior designers. We can:

• Work from third-party drawings

• Incorporate structural engineering details (foundations, walls)

• Adapt to predetermined layouts

• Liaise to ensure cohesion between hard and soft landscaping

Collaboration ensures your wider design vision is delivered in full.

To help the project run smoothly:

• Clear the site of all non-fixed items (pots, furniture, decorative features)

• Mark out any underground services, irrigation or cables

• Ensure sufficient site access for machinery and materials

• Discuss staging access to house doors, parking, neighbours

• Confirm power/water supply access points

• Agree on liaison protocols, site contact and decision-making process

We’ll issue a pre-start checklist to you well in advance.