Do I need a builder or a gardener? I don't know where to start - step this way if you have overhauled your garden

[MrsFogi]

I have a small garden with paving slabs. I want to get rid of the paving slabs and lay astroturf. But I also need some concrete laid before the astroturf so we can drive the car on part of the astroturf occasionally. Also, once the slabs are removed the ground will need to be left level. Then, I need astroturf laid.
I have no idea where to start - do I call builders, landscapers (I don't want any plants or planting done) or someone else? Mners please point me in the right direction.

You need what is technically known as a hard landscaper, (as opposed to a soft landscaper who mainly does planting etc), or a general landscaper rather than a builder or gardener. This is what my dh does, mainly fences, patios, decking etc, rather than planting. They may also be able to recommend better ways of doing it, ie landscaping fabric under astroturf so strong weeds don't poke through etc. You can get slow growing strong grass which may be better than astroturf with house re-selling purposes in mind.

Yep - agree with Helennn - a hard landscaper is the person for the job.

They'll be able to get it right and talk through any technical issues such as drainage because even if there are a few plants there now, then that will act as drainage. My DP is a builder and we're doing a huge landscaping job ate home and he's had to refer a few to times to a hard landscaper he knows, just to ensure we're doing the technical stuff right and ask about proper materials for the job.

yep. landscaper.

Trouble is that landscapers tend to add a zero onto everything. If all you want is concrete laid and some astroturf, I would ask a good builder if you know one. We did this with the major overhaul of our garden in our old house and saved about £5000 by using a builder rather than the local landscaping firms that came to quote.

Problem with builders though is that sometimes they lack a bit in terms of the aesthetic. Landscapers will generally taken this into consideration.

You just give them a plan and say follow it. If all is needed is a bit of concrete and astroturf, there's not much room for error - to be honest, I'd be tempted to do it myself.

LOL@ lala with a cement mixer and 20 sq feet of astroturf - just getting on with it