OneStation practical guide · 7 min read
New Home Landscaping Checklist: What to Do After Handover
Walk the site after rain if possible. Look for ponding, runoff, steep level changes, unfinished edges, access limitations and where neighbouring properties sit relative to yours. Photograph everything. Confirm boundaries and review any builder or developer documents that affect external works.
Updated 19 September 2026 · Sydney, AustraliaThe answer homeowners actually need
Walk the site after rain if possible. Look for ponding, runoff, steep level changes, unfinished edges, access limitations and where neighbouring properties sit relative to yours. Photograph everything. Confirm boundaries and review any builder or developer documents that affect external works.
Your first checklist
Record finished floor and alfresco levels; identify stormwater points; note retaining requirements; check side access; identify fence and gate positions; mark utilities; decide where entertaining, lawn, bins and storage need to go; consider privacy and shade; list future structures; collect inspiration images.
Separate needs from finishes
A drainage solution is a need. A particular paver colour is a finish. Resolve functional requirements first, then choose materials. This prevents design choices from hiding problems that must be solved underneath.
Think about daily life
Where will children play? Does a dog need a durable lawn? Where will the barbecue sit? Do you need a path from the driveway to the backyard? Where does afternoon sun hit? Good landscaping starts with how the home will actually be used.
Prepare a quote-ready brief
Photos, a rough sketch, dimensions, plans, your service list, preferred timing and a realistic budget range make an enquiry far more useful. If you need fencing, turf, decking and a pergola, include all four even if you plan to stage them.
Quick questions homeowners ask
What should I decide first?
Start with how you want to use the space, then identify site constraints such as access, levels, drainage, sunlight and boundaries.
Can I stage the project?
Yes. Staging works best when the final layout is planned first, so early work does not need to be undone later.
What should I send with an enquiry?
Photos, approximate dimensions, plans if available, the services you need, preferred timing and inspiration images are a strong start.