CASE STUDY · CHESTER
Finishes come before drainage.
Garden and patio · Scope Review · External Works Planning
The situation
A client in Chester came to us with a garden and patio brief centred on paving, planting and a seating area. The attractive finishes had been considered first, while levels, drainage, access and the connection to the house remained unresolved.
What we did
We stepped back from the finishes and reviewed the underlying scope. Our team identified the site information and specialist drainage input needed, then clarified excavation, waste disposal, retaining requirements and reinstatement so these items could be included in pricing.
Our recommendation and the trade-offs
We recommended resolving the technical scope before ordering finishes. The revised priorities meant less room for premium paving, but a clearer understanding of the work beneath it. Buying materials early would not have removed the uncertainty.
What we made clear
We highlighted the design and approvals checks still required and the importance of matching planting and water-management choices to the actual site. The lesson was to plan the less visible work as carefully as the finished appearance.
Apply the lesson to your project
What costs am I probably missing?