Planning a garden renovation in Montreal: what to decide before you ask for an estimate
A garden renovation goes more smoothly when you know what you want the space to do. You do not need a plant list or a drawing. A clear description of how you use the space, what you want to keep and how much upkeep you want is enough to get comparable estimates.
Start with how you use the space
Write one or two sentences: who uses the garden, when, and for what. A front garden that welcomes visitors, a backyard used for meals, and a narrow side passage have different needs. Say which parts matter most to you, and which parts you would leave alone.
Note the conditions you already know
You do not have to diagnose anything. Describe what you can see: where the sun reaches through the day, which plants you want to keep, where the ground stays wet or dry, and how materials and a crew can reach the area. Take one wide photo and one closer photo of the area. Do not step into an unsafe position to take photos.
Decide how much upkeep you want
Tell the contractor whether you want a garden that needs little attention or one you enjoy tending. This affects the planting, the mulch and the edging. If you want ongoing care afterwards, say so in the same request.
Separate design, materials and installation
Ask each proposal to say whether design, material supply and installation are included, and how each is priced. A proposal that includes design and materials cannot be compared directly with one that covers installation only. Ask what is not included, such as removing existing plants or hauling away waste.
Compare proposals by what they include
| Item | What to ask |
|---|---|
| Design | Is design included, and what do you receive? |
| Materials | Who supplies plants, soil, mulch and edging, and what is listed? |
| Installation | What exactly is installed, and by whom? |
| Access | How do materials reach the area, and does that affect the price? |
| Waste | What happens to removed plants, soil and packaging? |
| Payment | What deposit and schedule apply, and when is the final invoice due? |
| Changes | How are additions or changes approved and priced? |
| After the work | What care information do you receive? |
A request you can copy
Fill-in template“I would like to renovate ____. I use this space for ____. I want to keep ____. I would like the garden to need ____ upkeep. Access is through ____. Please say whether design, materials and installation are included, and what is not.”