​A property’s outdoor areas can look appealing at an open home, yet potentially could carry significant repair or replacement costs. A deteriorating deck, moving retaining wall, ageing driveway or poor drainage could mean thousands of dollars in work.

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​Designed to be read alongside your building and pest report, our independent assessment adds a dedicated review of the landscape and external assets. Together, the reports give you a more complete picture of the property and its potential costs from the front kerb to the rear boundary fence.

Where accessible, we assess driveways, paths, paving, decks, retaining walls, fences, lawns, gardens, irrigation and drainage concerns.

If the property has a swimming pool, we can also assess that asset for an additional fee.

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Following the site inspection you receive more than a list of issues. Your written report includes photographs, practical recommendations, priorities and indicative estimates for identified repair or replacement works. This helps you understand what needs attention, what it could cost, and where further specialist advice may be required.

For buyers, that means a clearer understanding of potential expenditure before committing. For buyer’s agents, it provides practical information to support price negotiations and help clients make informed decisions. 

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What We Inspect

Our inspections are tailored to the individual property, assessing the condition, functionality, safety and workmanship of the landscape and its associated external assets.

Assessments are visual and exclude engineering advice and pool fence compliance certification. Cost estimates are indicative rather than contractor quotes.

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We focus on the following:

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Hard Landscape Elements

Driveways, pathways, paving, patios, courtyards, stairs, ramps, garden edging, kerbing, concrete surfaces, exposed aggregate, natural stone, brick paving, gravel areas and other hardscape elements for condition, stability, workmanship and safety.

 

Retaining Walls & Structural Landscape Features

Timber, concrete, masonry, block, sandstone and sleeper retaining walls, feature walls, garden walls and other structural landscape elements for movement, deterioration, drainage performance, construction quality and signs of failure. 

 

Decks, Pergolas & Outdoor Structures

Timber and composite decking, pergolas, gazebos, arbours, boardwalks, privacy screens, balustrades, handrails, outdoor seating areas and other landscape structures for structural condition, durability and general maintenance.

 

Fencing, Gates & Boundary Structures

Timber, aluminium, Colorbond, masonry and pool fencing, pedestrian gates, driveway gates, automated gates and boundary structures for condition, operation, and maintenance requirements. We do not certify pool fencing however we do work in partnership with an experienced pool certifier.

 

Drainage & Stormwater Management

Surface drainage, strip drains, grated drains, spoon drains, swales, stormwater pits, pipework, subsoil drainage systems (where visible), rain gardens and water flow patterns to identify ponding, erosion, inadequate drainage and potential water management issues.

 

Irrigation Systems

Automatic irrigation systems, controllers, valves, sprinklers, drip irrigation, pumps, filtration equipment, water tanks and associated infrastructure for operation, coverage, efficiency and visible defects. Note: Written permission from the property owner to operate will be required.

 

Gardens, Turf & Plant Health

Lawns, trees, shrubs, hedges, garden beds, groundcovers, feature planting, native and ornamental gardens, mulch and soil condition, assessing overall plant health, establishment, maintenance requirements and signs of decline or disease.

 

Swimming Pools & External Recreational Areas

Swimming pools, spas, pool surrounds, coping, paving, retaining structures, landscaping, drainage and associated external features, with an emphasis on landscape condition and integration with the surrounding environment.

 

Outdoor Living & Entertainment Areas

Alfresco spaces, outdoor kitchens, BBQ areas, fire pits, seating areas, courtyards and entertainment zones, assessing workmanship, condition, functionality and integration with the landscape.

 

Landscape Features & External Assets

Planter boxes, raised garden beds, rockeries, decorative stone, water features, ponds, fountains, feature lighting, garden lighting, sculptures, letterboxes and other architectural landscape elements.

 

External Structures & Ancillary Improvements

Garden sheds, storage areas, greenhouses, service yards, utility areas, clotheslines, pump enclosures and other external structures associated with the property.

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Site Conditions & General Property Presentation

Ground levels, site grading, erosion, settlement, trip hazards, access, general maintenance, workmanship, construction quality and the overall condition of the external environment.

 

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