For a large landscaping project in New Zealand, payment is almost always split into staged instalments tied to specific milestones rather than paid in one lump sum. This approach protects both you as the homeowner and the landscaper, ensuring work progresses steadily and cash flow is managed fairly throughout the job.
Why Staged Payments Are Standard Practice
Large landscaping projects — think full garden redesigns, retaining walls, decking, irrigation systems, or outdoor living areas — can run from a few thousand dollars to well over $100,000. Paying everything upfront would put you at significant financial risk if something went wrong. Equally, asking a landscaper to fund all materials and labour before receiving any payment is unreasonable. Staged payments strike a practical balance.
This approach is common across the NZ construction and trade industry and aligns with good contracting practice recommended by MBIE Building Performance.
Typical Payment Schedule Structure
While every landscaper and project is different, a common structure for a large project looks something like this:
| Stage | Typical Percentage | Trigger || |---|---|---| | Deposit / Mobilisation | 10–20% | Contract signed, work about to begin | | Materials Procurement | 20–30% | Key materials ordered or delivered | | Mid-Project Progress | 20–30% | Agreed milestone reached (e.g. earthworks complete, structures framed) | | Practical Completion | 20–30% | All main work finished | | Final Retention | 5–10% | Defects period passed (often 30–90 days) |
These percentages are a guide only — your landscaper may structure things differently depending on the scope, materials required, and project duration.
The Deposit: What's Reasonable?
A deposit of 10–20% is generally considered reasonable for a large project. This covers the landscaper's initial costs — design time, site visits, and ordering long-lead materials like pavers, timber, or plants.
Be cautious of any contractor asking for 50% or more upfront before work begins. While not always a red flag, it's worth asking questions. Consumer NZ has useful guidance on what to watch for when hiring tradespeople.
What Should Be in Your Contract?
Before any money changes hands, you should have a written contract that clearly sets out:
- A detailed scope of work — what is and isn't included
- A payment schedule with specific trigger points for each instalment
- Materials specifications (brands, grades, quantities)
- Timeline and milestones
- What happens if variations are required (changes to scope mid-project)
- A defects liability period — typically 30–90 days after completion
- Dispute resolution process
Never rely on a verbal agreement for a large project. If your landscaper doesn't offer a written contract, ask for one.
Variations and Extra Costs
Variations are changes to the original scope — for example, discovering rock during excavation, or you deciding to add a water feature mid-project. Any variation should be agreed in writing before the extra work begins, with a clear cost attached. This is one of the most common sources of disputes in landscaping projects, so get it in writing every time.
Building Consents and How They Affect Payment
Some landscaping work requires a building consent from your local council. Retaining walls over certain heights, decks over certain heights above ground, and certain structures may all require consent under the NZ Building Code. Your landscaper should advise you on this, but always confirm with your local council.
Consent costs and timeframes can affect the project schedule and payment milestones, so factor this in early. MBIE Building Performance has clear information on what requires consent and what falls under Schedule 1 exemptions — though your council has the final say.
Retaining Walls and Specialist Trades
Large landscaping projects often involve specialist or restricted work. For example:
- Irrigation systems connected to the mains water supply may involve plumbing work that must be carried out by a licensed plumber registered with the Plumbers Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board.
- Outdoor lighting connected to the mains must be done by a registered electrician — this is restricted work under NZ law. Check the Electrical Workers Registration Board to verify a sparky's licence.
- Structural retaining walls may require engineering sign-off.
If your landscaper is subcontracting specialist trades, make sure this is reflected in the contract and that the relevant licensed professionals are carrying out restricted work.
When to Call a Professional
For any large landscaping project — particularly those involving earthworks, retaining structures, drainage, or outdoor building work — it's strongly advisable to use a qualified, experienced landscaper. Look for someone who:
- Provides a detailed written quote and contract
- Has a track record of similar projects (ask for references or photos)
- Is transparent about subcontractors and their qualifications
- Holds appropriate public liability insurance
You can find qualified local landscapers on tradedirectory.co.nz to compare options in your area.
A Note on Health and Safety
Large landscaping projects involve real hazards — excavation, heavy machinery, working at height. Your landscaper has obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. If you have concerns about safe practices on your site, WorkSafe NZ is the authority to contact.
Sources & Further Reading
- MBIE Building Performance – Building consents and the NZ Building Code
- Consumer NZ – Hiring tradespeople
- WorkSafe NZ – Health and safety on worksites
- Plumbers Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board – Licensed practitioners
- Electrical Workers Registration Board – Verify an electrician
- BRANZ – Building research and best practice
Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)
