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Welcome

 

Firstly, thank you for choosing GK Landscapes & Groundworks Ltd.

 

We understand that investing in your home is a significant decision and that choosing the right contractor is just as important as choosing the right materials. Our aim is to make the entire process as straightforward, transparent and enjoyable as possible.

 

This guide has been created to explain how we manage our projects, what you can expect from us throughout the installation, and the information we ask you to consider before and during your project. By setting clear expectations from the outset, we can minimise misunderstandings and ensure your project runs as smoothly as possible.

 

Landscaping and groundworks often involve natural materials, changing weather conditions and hidden ground conditions that cannot always be identified before excavation begins. Whilst we take every possible step to plan each project thoroughly, some aspects only become apparent once work is underway. Where this happens, we will always communicate openly, explain our recommendations and discuss the available options before any additional work is carried out.

 

We pride ourselves on honest advice, quality workmanship and treating every property with the same care and attention as if it were our own. We believe clear communication is just as important as the finished result.

 

This guide forms part of every quotation issued by GK Landscapes & Groundworks Ltd unless otherwise agreed in writing.

 

Please note, all materials included within our quotation are based on the specific products and ranges. Should you choose to upgrade or change to an alternative product or range, any additional material costs and associated charges will be payable by the customer.

 

1. Payments

 

Why we have this policy

 

Every project requires careful planning, material ordering, labour allocation and scheduling before work begins. Our staged payment process allows us to purchase quality materials in advance and maintain steady progress throughout your project.

 

Payment Schedule

 

• A £250 non-refundable booking deposit is required to secure your works in our calendar.

 

• Once materials have been ordered and paid for, 50% of the value of the works becomes payable up to one week before the agreed commencement date.

 

• Further stage payments may be requested throughout the project and will reflect the value of works completed at that stage.

 

• The remaining balance becomes payable on Practical Completion.

 

Important Information

 

Invoices are due on the date they are issued unless otherwise agreed in writing.

 

Should agreed stage payments not be received, we reserve the right to suspend works until payment has been made. Any resulting delays to the programme may affect the completion date and our ability to maintain the original schedule.

 

Minor snagging items do not delay Practical Completion or the final payment date.

 

Where permitted by law, overdue invoices may incur statutory interest together with reasonable recovery costs.

 

2. Cancellations

 

Why we have this policy

 

Once your project has been booked, we begin reserving labour, ordering materials and committing resources specifically for your installation. Late cancellations often leave insufficient time to fill those dates with alternative work.

 

Our cancellation policy is designed to recover genuine costs already incurred rather than penalise customers.

 

Booking Deposit

 

The £250 booking deposit secures your project within our schedule and is non-refundable.

 

Materials

 

Any bespoke products, special-order items or materials already ordered or paid for specifically for your project are also non-refundable.

 

Where possible, we will always attempt to minimise costs by cancelling orders before dispatch; however, this is not always possible due to supplier terms.

 

Cancellation Charges

 

Where a project is cancelled:

 

More than 14 days before commencement

 

Only the booking deposit and any bespoke materials already purchased will remain payable.

 

Between 7 and 13 days before commencement

 

A cancellation charge of up to 25% of the contract value will apply to reflect scheduling, labour allocation, administration and preparation costs already incurred.

 

Within 7 days of commencement

 

A cancellation charge of up to 50% of the contract value will apply, together with any unavoidable costs already incurred including materials, plant hire, deliveries and waste services booked specifically for your project.

 

After works have commenced

 

All completed works, ordered materials, committed labour, plant hire and any other unavoidable costs incurred up to the cancellation date remain payable.

 

Our Commitment

 

If your circumstances change, we will always try to work with you to minimise unnecessary costs wherever reasonably possible.

 

3. Variations to the Scope of Works

 

Why we have this section

 

No two landscaping projects are the same. Whilst every effort is made to ensure our quotations are as accurate as possible, customers may wish to make changes during the project or unforeseen circumstances may require amendments once work has commenced.

 

Our aim is to remain flexible whilst ensuring that any changes are clearly communicated and agreed before additional work is undertaken.

 

What you can expect from us

 

If additional work becomes necessary or you request changes to the agreed specification, we will explain why the change is required, discuss the available options and provide the additional costs.

 

Examples of variations

 

Variations may include, but are not limited to:

 

• Changes to paving layouts or designs.

 

• Additional drainage.

 

• Retaining walls.

 

• Additional excavation.

 

• Additional waste removal.

 

• Changes to steps or levels.

 

• Additional fencing.

 

• Additional planting.

 

• Changes to materials or finishes.

 

• Hidden ground conditions requiring further work.

 

4. Our 3-Year Workmanship Guarantee

 

Our promise

 

We take great pride in the quality of our workmanship and stand behind the standard of our installations.

 

For this reason, we provide a 3-Year Workmanship Guarantee (Labour Only) from the date of Practical Completion.

 

This guarantee covers defects arising directly from our workmanship.

 

What is covered?

 

Where a genuine workmanship defect occurs within the guarantee period, we will inspect the issue and, where it falls within the scope of this guarantee, rectify it at no cost to you.

 

Examples may include:

 

• Installation defects directly attributable to our workmanship.

 

What isn't covered?

 

Whilst we always aim to provide a long-lasting installation, some circumstances fall outside any contractor's control.

 

Our workmanship guarantee does not cover:

 

• Manufacturer defects.

 

• Normal weathering.

 

• General wear and tear.

 

• Lack of maintenance.

 

• Accidental damage.

 

• Misuse.

 

• Vehicle overloading.

 

• Ground movement.

 

• Tree root activity.

 

• Flooding.

 

• Storm damage.

 

• Subsidence.

 

• Existing drainage failures outside our scope of works.

 

• Damage caused by utility companies or third parties.

 

• Alterations carried out after completion by anyone other than GK Landscapes & Groundworks Ltd.

 

Customer-selected alternatives

 

Our recommendations are based on our experience and what we believe will provide the best long-term performance.

 

Where a customer chooses an alternative material, construction method or specification against our professional recommendation, the workmanship guarantee will not extend to defects or failures that arise as a result of that decision.

 

For example, if we recommend one type of paving or construction detail and an alternative is selected against our advice, we cannot accept responsibility for problems directly resulting from that choice.

 

Customer-supplied materials

 

Where materials are supplied by the customer, we cannot provide any guarantee in relation to those materials.

 

We cannot accept responsibility for:

 

• Manufacturing defects.

 

• Colour consistency.

 

• Dimensional accuracy.

 

• Product suitability.

 

• Structural integrity.

 

• Compatibility with surrounding materials.

 

Our workmanship guarantee remains applicable only to our installation, provided the issue is unrelated to the customer-supplied material itself.

 

Third-party works

 

The guarantee may also become invalid where completed works are altered, modified or interfered with by another contractor before we have had the opportunity to inspect any reported issue.

 

Our commitment

 

Should you experience a genuine workmanship issue during the guarantee period, we will respond promptly, inspect the installation and work with you to resolve the issue fairly.

 

5. Manufacturer Warranties & Maintenance

 

Why this is important

 

Every material we install is manufactured differently and has its own maintenance requirements.

 

Correct maintenance plays a significant role in ensuring your installation continues to look and perform as intended for many years.

 

Manufacturer guidance

 

All products supplied by GK Landscapes & Groundworks Ltd remain subject to the individual manufacturer's maintenance and care recommendations.

 

These recommendations vary depending upon the product and may include:

 

• Cleaning methods.

 

• Approved cleaning products.

 

• Sealing recommendations.

 

• Maintenance schedules.

 

• Weight restrictions.

 

• Winter care.

 

• Chemical restrictions.

 

Copies of manufacturer maintenance guidance can be provided upon request where available.

 

Product warranties

 

Any product warranty remains solely the responsibility of the manufacturer.

 

Our workmanship guarantee relates only to the installation of those products and does not replace or extend any manufacturer's warranty.

 

6. Hidden Ground Conditions

 

Why this matters

 

Landscaping projects involve excavation, and unfortunately it is impossible to fully understand what lies beneath the ground until work begins.

 

Although we carry out a site visit before providing a quotation, many underground conditions simply cannot be identified beforehand.

 

This is normal within the construction industry.

 

Examples of hidden conditions

 

Excavation may reveal:

 

• Buried concrete.

 

• Old foundations.

 

• Existing patios.

 

• Historic drainage.

 

• Unknown services.

 

• Tree roots.

 

• Made-up ground.

 

• Clay.

 

• Running sand.

 

• Groundwater.

 

• Buried waste.

 

• Soft ground.

 

• Previous repairs.

 

• Unrecorded structures.

 

These discoveries are not workmanship defects and are outside the control of both the customer and ourselves.

 

Additional works

 

Where hidden conditions require additional excavation, imported materials, drainage, retaining structures or alternative construction methods, we will:

 

• Explain the findings.

 

• Discuss the available options.

 

• Provide a quotation where applicable.

 

• Obtain your approval before carrying out additional chargeable work.

 

Prompt decisions help minimise delays to the overall programme.

 

Existing structures

 

We cannot accept responsibility for defects within existing walls, drainage systems, foundations, fencing or other structures that become apparent during or after our works where those defects existed prior to commencement.

 

7. Drainage & Surface Water Management

 

Our approach

 

Correct drainage is one of the most important aspects of any landscaping project.

 

Our aim is to design and install practical drainage solutions that effectively manage surface water whilst remaining proportionate to the requirements of the site.

 

We do not recommend unnecessary drainage simply to increase the value of a project. Instead, our recommendations are based on the conditions observed during our site visit and, where necessary, those uncovered during excavation.

 

During excavation

 

Once excavation has commenced, previously hidden conditions may indicate that additional drainage would be beneficial or necessary.

 

Examples include:

 

• ACO channel drainage.

 

• French drains.

 

• Soakaway systems.

 

• Land drains.

 

• Additional gullies.

 

• Surface water connections.

 

• Additional pipework.

 

These requirements often cannot be identified until the existing ground has been exposed.

 

Clay soils, for example, may make a traditional soakaway unsuitable, whereas other sites may require a completely different drainage solution.

 

If additional drainage is recommended, we will always explain why we believe it is necessary, discuss the available options and provide a quotation before carrying out the work.

 

Drainage performance

 

Whilst drainage systems significantly improve the management of surface water, no drainage system can guarantee the complete elimination of standing water during exceptional weather events, prolonged rainfall or conditions beyond the design capacity of the installation.

 

8. Levels & Falls

 

Why this is important

 

One of the most common misconceptions in landscaping is that patios, paths and driveways should be perfectly level. Whilst this may appear desirable, a completely level external surface can lead to standing water, poor drainage and long-term performance issues.

 

For this reason, all external paved areas are constructed with carefully designed falls to encourage rainwater to drain away safely.

 

What you can expect

 

Where appropriate, all paving installed by GK Landscapes & Groundworks Ltd will be laid with a gradual fall in accordance with good landscaping practice and the specific requirements of your project.

 

The direction and amount of fall will depend on factors including:

 

• Existing ground levels.

 

• Property thresholds.

 

• Damp proof course requirements.

 

• Drainage arrangements.

 

• Existing structures.

 

• Surrounding landscape.

 

• Surface water discharge points.

 

As every property is different, finished levels will always be designed to achieve the best possible balance between appearance, usability and effective drainage.

 

Existing Levels

 

The existing levels of your property can significantly influence the finished result.

 

Whilst we will always aim to achieve an attractive and practical installation, existing buildings, neighbouring properties, boundary walls and drainage requirements may restrict how much finished levels can be altered.

 

Where significant level changes are required, additional retaining walls, steps or drainage may become necessary.

 

If this becomes apparent during excavation, we will discuss the available options before proceeding.

 

What isn't considered a defect

 

The following are not considered workmanship defects:

 

• Patios that are intentionally laid with a fall.

 

• Minor differences in level required for drainage.

 

• Slight transitions between new and existing surfaces.

 

• Finished levels influenced by existing site constraints.

 

Our commitment

 

Our priority is always to create an installation that looks great whilst performing correctly for many years. We will always explain why certain levels or gradients are necessary before construction begins.

 

9. Materials & Natural Characteristics

 

Why this is important

 

Landscaping combines natural materials with manufactured products. Whilst every effort is made to source high-quality materials, many products naturally vary in appearance and continue to change over time.

 

These natural characteristics should not be mistaken for defects.

 

Natural Stone

 

Natural stone is formed over thousands of years and every slab is unique.

 

Variations in colour, texture, veining, fossils, surface markings and naturally occurring mineral deposits are all normal characteristics and contribute to the individual appearance of the finished installation.

 

No two pieces of natural stone will ever be identical.

 

Natural weathering over time should also be expected.

 

Porcelain Paving

 

Porcelain paving is a manufactured product produced in batches.

 

Whilst quality control is extremely high, slight variations in shade, surface texture and size can occur between production batches.

 

Minor edge imperfections may also occur as part of the manufacturing process.

 

These variations do not affect the performance or durability of the paving.

 

Only cleaning products approved by the manufacturer should be used.

 

Concrete Products

 

Concrete paving, kerbs and blocks may naturally develop:

 

• Efflorescence (a temporary white residue).

 

• Minor shade variation.

 

• Hairline shrinkage cracks.

 

• Small surface blemishes.

 

These are recognised characteristics of concrete products and are not considered defects.

 

Product Samples

 

Samples and showroom displays are intended as a guide only.

 

Lighting conditions, weather, manufacturing batches and natural variation mean the final installed product may differ slightly from samples viewed prior to ordering.

 

Product Availability

 

Occasionally manufacturers discontinue products or experience temporary stock shortages.

 

Should your selected product become unavailable, we will discuss suitable alternatives with you before placing any replacement order.

 

Our commitment

 

We carefully select quality materials from trusted suppliers and will always advise you if we believe an alternative product would provide a better long-term result.

 

10. Customer Selected & Customer Supplied Materials

 

Our recommendations

 

When preparing your quotation, we recommend products based upon our experience, performance, availability and long-term suitability.

 

Our recommendations are made with the aim of achieving the best possible outcome for your project.

 

Choosing an Alternative Product

 

We completely understand that customers may have personal preferences or wish to use a different supplier.

 

Where you instruct us to use a product that differs from our recommendation, we are happy to do so wherever reasonably practicable.

 

However, where problems arise specifically because of that product or construction method, our workmanship guarantee will not extend to defects resulting directly from that decision.

 

Products Outside Our Usual Suppliers

 

If you request products from suppliers outside our usual supply network, any additional costs associated with obtaining those materials will be your responsibility.

 

These may include:

 

• Additional delivery charges.

 

• Pallet charges.

 

• Carriage costs.

 

• Minimum order charges.

 

• Special order fees.

 

• Increased transportation costs.

 

Lead times for specialist suppliers may also be longer than standard products and could affect the project programme.

 

Customer Supplied Materials

 

Where materials are supplied by you, we are unable to provide any warranty or guarantee relating to those materials.

 

This includes, but is not limited to:

 

• Manufacturing defects.

 

• Product suitability.

 

• Colour consistency.

 

• Dimensional accuracy.

 

• Structural integrity.

 

• Compatibility with surrounding materials.

 

Our workmanship guarantee applies only to the quality of our installation where the issue is unrelated to the supplied product.

 

Customers supplying their own materials are responsible for ensuring sufficient quantities are available to complete the works.

 

We strongly recommend ordering additional materials to allow for:

 

• Cutting.

 

• Breakages.

 

• Wastage.

 

• Future repairs.

 

• Matching replacement materials.

 

Should insufficient materials be available, any additional labour, deliveries or delays may be chargeable.

 

Our commitment

 

Wherever possible, we will always advise if we believe a particular product may not be suitable before installation begins.

 

11. Artificial Grass

 

Our approach

 

Artificial grass can provide a practical, attractive and low-maintenance alternative to natural lawns when installed correctly.

 

We take great care throughout every installation to achieve the highest possible standard of finish.

 

Visible Seams

 

One of the most common questions regarding artificial grass relates to visible joins.

 

Whilst every effort is made to minimise their appearance, completely invisible seams cannot be guaranteed.

 

The visibility of joins depends on several factors including:

 

• The product selected.

 

• Pile height.

 

• Pile direction.

 

• Lighting conditions.

 

• Sunlight.

 

• Viewing angle.

 

• The size and shape of the installation.

 

Visible seams are an accepted characteristic of many artificial grass installations and are not considered a workmanship defect.

 

Pile Direction

 

Artificial grass has a natural pile direction, similar to the grain of carpet.

 

Depending on the direction in which the grass is viewed, slight changes in appearance and colour are normal.

 

Settlement

 

As the sub-base naturally consolidates over time, very minor settlement may occasionally occur.

 

This is a normal characteristic of groundworks and should not automatically be regarded as defective workmanship.

 

Maintenance

 

To maintain appearance, artificial grass should be:

 

• Brushed periodically.

 

• Kept free from leaves and debris.

 

• Cleaned where necessary in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

 

12. Turf, Topsoil & Grass Seed

 

Living Products

 

Unlike paving, fencing or brickwork, turf, topsoil and grass seed are living products.

 

Their long-term success depends upon many factors outside the control of any contractor, including weather conditions, soil temperatures, rainfall, sunlight and the ongoing maintenance they receive after installation.

 

For this reason, no contractor can guarantee the successful establishment of living products.

 

Turf

 

Newly laid turf requires careful aftercare during the first few weeks following installation.

 

To encourage healthy establishment we recommend:

 

• Keeping the turf consistently moist until fully rooted.

 

• Increasing watering during periods of hot or dry weather.

 

• Avoiding foot traffic until the turf has established.

 

• Waiting until the turf has rooted firmly before mowing for the first time.

 

• Mowing little and often once established, ensuring no more than one-third of the grass height is removed in a single cut.

 

Newly laid turf may initially display:

 

• Slight colour variation.

 

• Small gaps between rolls.

 

• Uneven growth rates.

 

• Temporary yellowing.

 

• Minor shrinkage.

 

These are all normal characteristics during establishment.

 

Grass Seed

 

Seeded lawns naturally establish more slowly than turf.

 

Seeded areas should remain consistently moist during germination and protected from excessive use until fully established.

 

Growth may appear uneven initially and may require further mowing before a consistent appearance develops.

 

Topsoil

 

Topsoil is a natural product.

 

Colour, texture, stone content and organic matter will naturally vary between deliveries and suppliers.

 

Settlement may also occur after installation as the soil consolidates naturally.

 

What isn't considered a workmanship defect

 

The following are not considered workmanship defects:

 

• Turf failing to establish due to inadequate watering.

 

• Turf damaged by drought.

 

• Waterlogging.

 

• Frost damage.

 

• Disease.

 

• Pest damage.

 

• Pet damage.

 

• Excessive foot traffic.

 

• Failure to follow recommended aftercare.

 

• Grass seed failing to germinate because of unsuitable weather conditions.

 

• Natural settlement of topsoil.

 

Similarly, if newly laid turf, grass seed or topsoil does not establish, grow or perform as expected, this is not, in itself, evidence of defective workmanship.

 

As living products, their long-term success depends largely upon environmental conditions and ongoing maintenance once the installation has been completed.

 

13. Timber Products

 

Natural Material

 

Timber is a natural material.

 

Every piece is unique and will continue to change as it dries, expands and contracts throughout its life.

 

These natural changes should be expected and are not signs of defective workmanship.

 

Characteristics

 

Timber may naturally develop:

 

• Knots.

 

• Surface checking.

 

• Splits.

 

• Twisting.

 

• Slight warping.

 

• Resin pockets.

 

• Colour variation.

 

• Weathering.

 

Pressure-treated timber may also display treatment marks or colour differences immediately following installation.

 

These usually weather naturally over time.

 

Maintenance

 

Like any external timber product, periodic maintenance may be required depending upon the product and desired appearance.

 

Failure to maintain timber in accordance with manufacturer recommendations may shorten its lifespan and affect its appearance.

 

Our commitment

 

We always source quality timber products from reputable suppliers and install them using recognised construction methods to maximise their longevity.

 

14. Site Management

 

Waste

 

Unless agreed otherwise within your quotation, waste arising directly from our works will be removed from site.

 

Where unforeseen waste is encountered during excavation, such as buried concrete, historic building materials, contaminated spoil or other unexpected materials, additional disposal costs may be incurred.

 

If additional waste disposal such as a skip or grab hire is required, this will be at the customer’s expense.

 

Site cleanliness

 

Where reasonably practicable we will:

 

• Keep working areas tidy.

 

• Remove unnecessary waste.

 

• Stack materials safely.

 

Construction sites are naturally dusty and muddy environments, particularly during periods of poor weather, however we will always aim to minimise unnecessary mess wherever reasonably possible.

 

Access

 

We kindly ask customers to keep access routes clear throughout the project where possible.

 

This helps us work safely and efficiently whilst reducing the likelihood of delays.

 

15. Practical Completion & Snagging

 

Practical Completion

 

Practical Completion is achieved when the works are substantially complete and capable of being used for their intended purpose.

 

Minor cosmetic items do not prevent Practical Completion.

 

Examples may include:

 

• Minor cleaning.

 

• Small touch-ups.

 

• Final adjustments.

 

• Minor cosmetic defects.

 

Snagging

 

We provide a 14-day snagging period following Practical Completion.

 

Should you identify any genuine workmanship issues during this period, please notify us so they can be inspected.

 

Where an item falls within our workmanship responsibilities, we will arrange an appropriate time to return and rectify it.

 

Final Payment

 

The final balance remains payable upon Practical Completion and is not dependent upon the completion of minor snagging items.

 

16. Photography

 

Throughout your project we may take photographs and videos before, during and after construction.

 

These photographs assist us by:

 

• Recording progress.

 

• Recording underground construction before reinstatement.

 

• Supporting our workmanship records.

 

• Providing future maintenance references.

 

• Showcasing completed projects.

 

We will never intentionally identify occupants or disclose personal information without permission.

 

Our commitment

 

We are proud of our work and only use project photography respectfully and responsibly.

 

17. Late Payments

 

Invoices are payable on the date they are issued unless otherwise agreed in writing.

 

Failure to make agreed payments may result in:

 

• Suspension of works.

 

• Delays to the project programme.

 

• Rescheduling of labour.

 

• Revised completion dates.

 

Where legally applicable, overdue invoices may also attract statutory interest together with reasonable debt recovery costs.

 

Our commitment

 

We will always communicate clearly regarding payment dates and work with customers to resolve genuine queries as quickly as possible.

 

Looking After Your New Installation

 

Every landscaping project requires ongoing care and maintenance.

 

Whether your project includes paving, timber, turf, planting or drainage, regular maintenance plays an important role in preserving its appearance and performance.

 

Simple maintenance such as:

 

• Keeping drainage clear.

 

• Brushing artificial grass.

 

• Watering new turf.

 

• Cleaning paving appropriately.

 

• Treating timber where required.

 

• Following manufacturer maintenance recommendations.

 

will help maximise the lifespan of your investment.

 

Should you ever have any questions regarding maintenance, we are always happy to offer advice.

 

Thank You

 

Thank you for choosing GK Landscapes & Groundworks Ltd.

 

We appreciate the trust you have placed in us to transform your outdoor space.

 

Our aim has always been to deliver high-quality workmanship, honest advice and excellent customer service from quotation through to completion.

 

We believe the best projects are built on good communication, realistic expectations and mutual respect, and we look forward to helping you create an outdoor space that you can enjoy for many years to come.