Planning your project

Whether you’re thinking of overhauling your garden or installing a new driveway, there’s much to consider before you even get started! 

There’s a lot to be said for giving your outside space a little tlc to make it more usable as well as more aesthetically pleasing.  Our driveways and front gardens are often the first thing people see when they visit – as well as the first thing you see when you arrive home! That’s why it’s nice for these areas to be smart and well-kept – plus it could even add value to your property!

Back gardens are great too – whether you’re a little green fingered, or you simply enjoy relaxing in the sunshine, our gardens really are our private havens. For those with kids, they’re a great space for them to run around, and get some fresh air and exercise away from those screens!

Top tips for planning your project

1. Decide what needs doing
   Although there may be lots of changes you’d like to make, it’s important to consider what you have time for, and what you can afford before you start. The last thing you want to do is start lots of things and be unable to finish any of them! Make a list and estimate the cost and likely timescale of each job. Then prioritise the items and work out what you will be able to achieve. Go for things that will have the most impact aesthetically as well as what you’ll get the most use out of. Some jobs can always be earmarked for later in the year!
   
   
2. DIY or tradesperson?
   If you’re undertaking a bigger or trickier project that needs to be carried out by a third party tradesperson, be sure to get several quotes for the work before going ahead to ensure you’re getting a competitive price. Once you’ve decided who will do the work, firm up timings for the project including when they can start and how long it will take. Before they start, consider providing them with a list of what you expect to be done so that both parties know what’s expected and there are no nasty surprises along the way.
   
   
3. Doing it yourself
   If you’re confident that you can manage the job yourself and you have the time to do so, make sure you’re fully prepared before you start. Make a list of tasks with reasonable timescales for getting these completed, borrow or hire any equipment you may need prior to starting, make sure you have all the materials you need ahead of time, and pray the rain stays away!
   
   
4. When’s best to start?
   When are you planning to carry out the project? Will you take time off work to blitz it or do it gradually over a number of weekends? Once you know the intended timescale, it will be easier to plan everything else, such as booking grab hire and organising deliveries. Take into consideration the seasons as the ground will be easier to work with when it’s warmer and you’re more likely to recruit helpers in the warmer weather too!
   
   
5. Have a tidy up!
   Before actually starting on your outdoor project, have a good clean up and clear out so that you’re starting with a blank canvas rather than having to work around detritus as you go! Our grab hire and skip hire services are ideal for waste disposal – take a look to find out how we can help.
   
   
6. Garden improvements
   If you’re focusing on your garden but don’t know where to start, here’s a little food for thought: trim back unruly hedges, rethink your plants, consider a veg patch, consider your layout, or treat yourself to a new patio or path…
   
   
7. Driveway renewals
   There is so much choice when it comes to driveways, but the two main things to consider are budget and material. If the budget is flexible and you’re happy to employ a contractor to undertake the work for you, there are plenty of materials to choose from.
   
   – Tarmac is durable and quick to lay, with an estimated cost of £60-£100 per sqm.
   – Concrete is versatile, durable and low maintenance, with an estimated cost of £70-£110 per sqm.
   – Paving is popular, durable and visually pleasing, with an estimated cost of £80-£130 per sqm.
   – Resin-bound driveways are permeable, eco-friendly and visually appealing, with an estimated cost of £85-£140 per sqm.
   

If you’re looking to keep costs to a minimum, gravel is a great option as not only is the material more affordable than the others, but it may also be a possibility for a keen DIY-er! We can supply you with a choice of different gravels for the top layer, such as 4/10mm gravel, 10/20mm gravel and 5/20mm limestone suds. Read our blog Renewing your driveway for more hints and tips…

Aggregate supply

We supply a wide range of aggregates so we’re sure to have what you need, whatever the project!  In addition to gravel, we supply a range of other aggregates, both from our own quarries – sand and gravel from our Hythe Quarry and rock chalk and recycled aggregates from our Butser Quarry – and from our network of trusted suppliers. Check out our product pages for more info!

Waste removal

Our grab hire service is ideally suited for assisting with the removal of garden waste and old driveway materials. This includes soil, gravel, concrete, paving or tarmac/asphalt. They can access hard to reach areas including over low fences and walls, removing the need to move waste manually.

Our grab lorries can take up to 16 tonnes of waste in one go and can be on and off site in 30 minutes or less! What’s more, we can do multiple trips to remove your waste all in one day so you can get on with the project at hand. 

You can book a grab as quickly as the next working day if needed and prices start from as little as £150! Get an instant online quote today…

Check out the range of services we offer, from aggregate supply to grab hire! Please get in touch if you’d like to chat through your options.