Garden Quotes 2025!

[South2North18]

Hi,

We are thinking to level the grassed area of our garden and relay new slabs oj a concrete base with a retaining wall in between. We will also have to use sleepers. Our current garden is quite uneven with old slabs.

The garden is approximately 15m by 9m, around 135 sqm.

We have never had to do a garden before so we are completely lost on what is reasonable and what isnt. We have obtained one quote for £23k and another for £17k.

Are these quotes reasonable? Is this essentially what is the going rate for works of this nature in 2025 or have we simply been unluckt with these first two quotes?

Really would appreciate any input!

Our garden is completely bare except for grass as it’s a new build. We’re currently having the patio extended ( they’re always mean with patios). Then we’re having large shrubs screening the back and side walls, some raised beds and sleepers and an envelope water thing. Less than 10K. We’ll go for smaller plants that will grow quickly, because they’re cheaper than mature ones.

When we have more money, we’ll have a pergola and seating area.

It’s about 45 feet by 45 feet, but there’s an odd bit at one end.

You may need planning permission for that, as slabs aren't permeable.

Without seeing any pictures of the design plan it's hard to judge. Garden works can be really expensive though - especially if you're using machinery. Concreting is also not cheap. My advice would be to get as many quotes as you can.

This is more difficult than it seemed! Last year we spend around £50k for a full house renovation, including new kitchen, 4 bathrooms, labour and materials. Going by that, a ballpark figure of £20k for a garden just seems excessive. Reading other posts on what others have paid also makes me feel this is indeed excessive.

It is hard enough getting tradesmen to visit and quote. One chap forgot to attend Monday, rearranged for Tuesday and then texted me that his phone is damaged so he cannot attend as he needs to fix the phone.

I suppose I will just have to trawl through google locally and obtain more quotes. Thank you everyone for your input and advise so far.

"You may need planning permission for that, as slabs aren't permeable."

This is only true for driveways. You can slab the entire back garden if you like with no pp needed.

Are you laying new slabs over an existing concrete base? There are so many variables, including access/steps, slabs etc.
Maybe a drawing or a couple of photos?
From what you have explained needs doing, the quotes do sound a bit toppy.