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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about working with The Great Outdawes. Can't find what you're looking for? Get in touch with our team.

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GENERAL & GETTING STARTED

What areas do you service?

We service all Adelaide metro suburbs and the Adelaide Hills, including Medindie, Toorak Gardens, Unley, Walkerville, Henley Beach, Glenelg, Stirling, Crafers, and surrounding areas. If you're unsure whether we cover your suburb, just ask.

How do I get started?

Contact our team to schedule an initial consultation. We'll visit your property to discuss your vision, assess your space, and provide honest guidance on what's possible. From there, you'll have everything you need to decide if we're the right fit for your project.

Do you offer free consultations?

Our initial onsite discovery session for design projects is $290 (metro Adelaide). For construction-only enquiries or general project discussions, contact us to discuss the best approach for your specific needs.

Can you work with my existing design or plans?

Yes. If you already have plans from another designer or architect, we can quote construction based on those documents. We'll review them for buildability and discuss any adjustments needed for successful execution.

What makes you different from other landscaping companies?

We handle everything under one roof - design, construction, pool installation, and maintenance. You get one project manager, one point of contact, and complete accountability from concept through to years of enjoying your finished space. No coordinating multiple contractors yourself.

LANDSCAPE DESIGN

What's the difference between 2D and 3D design options?

Both options include a full-colour 2D plan showing your complete outdoor layout. The 3D option adds 8-12 photorealistic renderings from different angles, so you can see exactly what your finished space will look like - materials, plantings, lighting, and all. Most clients find the 3D visualisations invaluable for making confident decisions before construction begins.

How long does the design process take?

From your initial onsite discovery session to final design handover typically takes 3-4 weeks, depending on project complexity and revision requirements. We include one round of revisions in every package, with flexibility for additional refinements if needed.

Do I need to provide anything before you start designing?

We'll need a site plan of your property. If you don't have one, we can arrange to have it created (additional cost applies). Everything else - measurements, site analysis, soil assessment, drainage evaluation - we handle during our onsite visits.

What happens if I want to build with a different company?

You'll receive complete concept design including dimensions, material specifications, and planting plans that any qualified builder can follow. However, most clients choose to work with our construction team since we designed the space - nothing gets lost in translation from concept to reality.

How do you choose which plants will work for my property?

Our team assesses your specific soil type, sun exposure, drainage patterns, and microclimate during the site visit. We then select species proven to thrive in those exact conditions across Adelaide, with consideration for your maintenance preferences, desired colours, and seasonal interest. Every plant is chosen for a reason, not just aesthetics.

Can you work with my existing features or do you start from scratch?

Absolutely. We regularly incorporate existing trees, structures, or hardscaping that you want to keep. During the discovery session, we'll discuss what stays, what goes, and how to integrate existing elements into the new design seamlessly.

What does the design service cost?

Design fees vary based on project size and complexity. Your initial onsite discovery session is $290 (metro Adelaide), and we provide a detailed design fee schedule after understanding your requirements. When you proceed to construction with us, design fees are often credited towards your build cost.

CONSTRUCTION

Do I need to coordinate different tradespeople myself?

No. That's exactly what we handle for you. All trades - earthmoving, paving, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, irrigation, tiling - are managed in-house by your dedicated project manager. You get one point of contact who coordinates everything whilst keeping you informed of progress.

What construction services can you handle?

We're a full-service construction team equipped to handle every element of your outdoor transformation. Our capabilities include earthworks and retaining walls, paving and concreting, custom pool installation, decking and pergolas, fencing (all types), outdoor kitchens and pizza ovens, stone masonry, garden lighting, irrigation systems, water features, synthetic and natural turf installation, feature screens, garden edging, playground construction, outdoor furniture installation, garden sheds, and water harvesting with tank installation. If your outdoor project requires it, we either do it in-house or coordinate it seamlessly with our trusted specialists.

What happens if it rains or weather delays the project?

Adelaide weather is unpredictable, and we plan for it. Our project coordinator and supervisor adjust the schedule as needed and keep you informed of any timeline impacts. We don't rush work in poor conditions - quality matters more than speed.

What if I want to make changes during construction?

Minor adjustments can often be accommodated. Significant changes may affect timeline and cost, so we discuss options, implications, and updated pricing before proceeding. Your project manager walks you through any decisions that need to be made.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes. We hold full builders licences (BLD248760) and comprehensive insurance coverage. All work complies with South Australian building standards and regulations, with proper permits obtained where required.

What about site access and parking?

We assess access during the design phase and plan logistics accordingly. For properties with limited access, we have equipment and methods to work efficiently within constraints. We coordinate parking and equipment placement to minimise disruption to you and your neighbours.

How do you protect existing features I want to keep?

Trees, structures, or landscape elements you're keeping are clearly marked and protected before work begins. Our team takes care to work around existing features, and your project manager ensures everyone onsite knows what's off-limits.

POOL INSTALLATION

How long does pool installation take?

A typical pool installation takes 8-12 weeks from excavation through to handover, depending on pool size, site complexity, and weather conditions. This timeline includes all construction phases and surrounding landscape integration. We provide a detailed schedule after finalising your design.

Can you build a pool on a sloped or difficult site?

Yes. We regularly build pools on challenging Adelaide sites - steep blocks, tight access, complex soil conditions, or properties requiring significant earthworks and retaining. Our team has the equipment, experience, and problem-solving capability to make it work.

Do you handle council approvals and permits?

Absolutely. We manage all required council approvals, building permits, and safety certifications on your behalf. Your pool will meet South Australian building codes, safety barrier requirements, and local council regulations without you navigating the process yourself.

What's the advantage of having you design both the pool and landscape?

Everything is planned together from the start. Pool placement considers sun exposure, privacy, views, and how it integrates with outdoor entertaining areas, gardens, and access paths. Paving, decking, planting, and lighting are designed cohesively rather than added as afterthoughts. One team, one vision, one coordinated result.

What pool types and finishes do you offer?

We build custom concrete pools tailored to your site and preferences. Finishes include tiled, pebbled, or rendered surfaces in your choice of colours and textures. During design, we'll discuss options, show examples, and recommend what works best for your aesthetic, budget, and maintenance preferences.

What about pool heating and automation?

We can integrate heating systems (gas, electric, or solar), automated cleaning, lighting controls, and water chemistry management based on your needs and budget. We'll discuss options during design and recommend systems suited to how you'll use your pool.

MAINTENANCE

How often will you visit my property?

Service frequency depends on your garden's needs and your preferences. Most clients choose fortnightly or monthly visits, with adjustments during peak growing seasons or when you're travelling. We'll recommend a schedule during your initial assessment and adjust as needed throughout the year.

What's included in a typical maintenance visit?

Every visit includes mowing and edging (if applicable), weeding, pruning as needed seasonally, garden bed tidying, irrigation checks, pest and disease monitoring, and general care to keep your space looking immaculate. We tailor each visit to what your specific garden needs at that time of year.

Can you maintain a garden you didn't build?

Absolutely. We maintain gardens across Adelaide regardless of who created them. During our initial assessment, we'll walk your property, understand your plants and systems, and develop a care plan suited to your space and Adelaide's conditions.

What happens when I'm travelling or away for extended periods?

That's exactly when our service is most valuable. We continue regular visits whilst you're away, ensuring your garden stays healthy and beautiful. Many clients increase service frequency during travel periods for complete peace of mind.

Do you adjust care seasonally?

Yes, but we prefer to maintain consistent visit frequency year-round. During Adelaide's slower growing seasons, we focus on tasks beyond plant care - cleaning paving, maintaining drainage systems, garden bed edging, and other hardscape improvements that often get overlooked. This approach means your entire outdoor space stays maintained, not just the lawn and gardens.

Can I customise what's included in my service?

Yes. Some clients want comprehensive care including lawn, beds, pruning, and irrigation management. Others prefer we focus on specific areas whilst they handle the rest. We create a maintenance plan that works for your needs and budget.

How much does ongoing maintenance cost?

We charge a straightforward hourly rate plus a call-out fee. This approach allows us to focus on what your garden actually needs each visit, rather than rushing to fit tasks into a predetermined time slot. After assessing your property, we'll provide transparent pricing based on your garden's size, complexity, and the work required to keep it thriving.

What if something needs repair or replacement?

We flag any issues - damaged irrigation, declining plants, hardscape repairs - and discuss options with you before proceeding. Minor adjustments are often handled during regular visits. Larger repairs or replacements are quoted separately for your approval.

PRICING & TIMELINE

How much does a landscape project typically cost?

Every project is different. Smaller transformations typically start from around $40,000, while larger builds with pools, outdoor kitchens, and structural elements can run well over $1 million. We're set up to handle projects at any scale, and we'll provide a detailed, transparent quote after visiting your property and understanding your vision, so there are no vague estimates or hidden surprises.

How much does a custom pool cost?

Pool costs vary significantly based on size, site complexity, finishes, and integrated features. Most of our custom pool installations range from $75,000-$150,000+ including surrounding landscape integration. We provide transparent, detailed pricing after visiting your property and understanding your vision.

How much does ongoing maintenance cost?

Maintenance fees depend on your property size, garden complexity, and service frequency. We provide transparent pricing after assessing your space and understanding what you need. Most clients find the investment worthwhile compared to the time, equipment, and expertise required to maintain it themselves.

What happens if costs exceed the original quote?

We lock in pricing before construction begins and notify you immediately if any unforeseen site conditions arise that could affect cost. We discuss options and get your approval before proceeding with any changes that impact the budget.

Still have questions?

Reach out. We're here to talk through your project.

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Let's build something great

Contact us today to discuss your outdoor space and schedule a consultation with our team.

Get In Touch
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Contact Details:

Address: Unit 3/48 Barwell Ave, Kurralta Park SA 5037
Phone: (08) 7077 2637
Email: enquiries@thegreatoutdawes.com.au
Service Areas: Adelaide Metro, surrounds & selected regional areas.
Licence/Reg number: BLD 248760

Company

  • About Us
  • Our Process
  • Portfolio
  • FAQS
  • Careers
  • Contact Us

Services

  • Landscape Design
  • Construction
  • Maintenance
  • Pool Installation

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