Full garden makeovers Cheshire homeowners commission are complete, end-to-end transformations — not isolated landscaping jobs.Our full garden makeovers Cheshire clients commission are engineered from the ground up for long-term performance.For projects from £30,000 and upwards, the process begins not with a design mood board, but with a ground conditions survey. In Cheshire, this means understanding the behaviour of the site’s clay soil and designing the drainage and sub-base engineering required to support a high-quality finish. This engineering-first methodology underpins every full garden makeover in Cheshire we deliver , ensuring that the significant investment our clients make is protected by a specification that is built to last. It is a core part of our wider approach to luxury garden transformations in Cheshire, where long-term performance is the primary measure of quality.
A full garden makeover in Cheshire is a coordinated structural renovation, not a cosmetic refresh
What Full Garden Makeover in Cheshire Actually Involve
A full garden makeover is a single, coordinated project encompassing every stage from initial design to final handover. It is the opposite of assembling a collection of separate trades. A typical project involves the complete renovation of a full rear garden, and on larger properties, can extend to front gardens and estate grounds. The process is managed by a single point of contact who oversees the entire build, ensuring that every element — design, groundworks, drainage, hard landscaping, permanent structures, planting, and lighting — is delivered to a consistent standard and in the correct sequence. This integrated approach removes the project management burden and risk from the homeowner, which research confirms is a primary source of anxiety on large-scale residential projects.
The distinction between a cosmetic refresh and a genuine structural transformation is critical. A refresh might involve new planting or a surface-level clean-up. A full makeover is a structural and horticultural renovation. Depending on the scope, these projects typically run from four to twenty weeks and are managed by a dedicated site team. The result is not just a garden that looks different, but one that is fundamentally re-engineered from the ground up to perform correctly in Cheshire’s specific climate and soil conditions.
Engineering the Ground First — Cheshire Clay and Drainage
Full garden makeovers in Cheshire begin with a ground conditions survey because the long-term stability of any hard landscaping depends entirely on what is beneath it. Cheshire’s clay soils shrink in dry weather and swell when wet. This seasonal movement, if not accounted for, will cause patios to settle, joints to crack, and retaining walls to shift within a few years. Our process addresses this non-negotiable reality before any design is finalised.
The standard sub-base for a patio on free-draining soil is 100-150mm. On Cheshire clay, the specification is 150-200mm of compacted MOT Type 1 granular material, laid in compacted 75mm layers. This depth creates a stable platform that isolates the finished surface from the movement of the clay below. On new-build plots, where topsoil is often a shallow layer over compacted rubble and clay, this frequently involves stripping back the entire area to a stable stratum before any new construction can begin.
Drainage is designed as a managed system, not left to chance. On clay, water cannot reliably soak away. We design and install integrated drainage solutions — French drains, channel drains, and controlled discharge points — to actively manage surface water and prevent it from saturating the sub-base. This proactive engineering is the key differentiator between a garden that thrives and one that fails. Full groundworks and drainage specification is covered in our Patio & Paving in Cheshire guide.
What’s Included in a Complete Garden Transformation
A complete garden renovation is a comprehensive service that integrates multiple disciplines into a single, managed project. The components below are typical of projects in the £60,000–£150,000 bracket and are delivered as a sequenced programme, not as optional extras. All machine hire is included
Hard Landscaping & Levels
This includes the construction of porcelain or natural stone terraces, paths, and steps. It also covers the creation of level changes through engineered retaining walls and the installation of robust edge restraints to define lawns and paved areas. Every element is specified and built to withstand Cheshire’s specific clay soil and drainage conditions, ensuring structural integrity and longevity.
Permanent Structures
We design and install high-quality permanent structures such as aluminium pergolas, oak-framed buildings, and garden rooms. This involves creating engineered concrete footings, integrating electrical services for lighting and heating, and connecting the structure’s roof drainage into the main site drainage system to ensure water is managed effectively.
Lawn and Planting
A healthy lawn starts with a properly prepared sub-base, not just turf laid onto compacted clay. We create new lawns with appropriate drainage and soil structure. Our service also includes the design and implementation of layered planting schemes, with species selected specifically for the Cheshire climate, soil type, and the desired level of ongoing maintenance.
Lighting and Services
A professionally designed lighting scheme transforms a garden at night. We integrate a range of lighting solutions, including step lighting, terrace illumination, and feature uplighting for trees and architectural elements. We also install the necessary power and water services for outdoor kitchens, garden rooms, and irrigation systems, ensuring all work is compliant and safely installed.
Signature Projects — What Full Makeovers Look Like at Scale
The principles of engineering-led design apply at every scale. The following projects demonstrate the application of our methodology to large and complex sites, providing tangible evidence of what a full garden makeover in Cheshire can achieve when executed to a professional standard.
Church Green, Lymm
This project was a commercial hospitality transformation that required commercial-level precision. We installed a large-format porcelain terrace and a multi-bay aluminium structure, with a fully integrated drainage system. The work showcases our ability to coordinate a complex build and deliver a high-performance outdoor living space suitable for year-round use. [Link to Church Green case study page]
Bucklow House, Cheshire
An estate-scale project defined by its extensive groundworks. The work involved major clay excavation to reach stable strata, the design of a site-wide hydraulic drainage system, and the creation of large-scale hard landscaping and curved lawn formations. This project is a clear example of our infrastructure-first approach, where the premium finish is supported by robust, invisible engineering. [Link to Bucklow House case study page]
Investment in a Full Garden Makeover in Cheshire
We are transparent about the investment required for a complete garden renovation. The cost is a reflection of the comprehensive design, engineering, project management, and high-quality materials involved. Our projects are positioned to deliver long-term value and durability, not to compete on price.
£30,000–£50,000
This band covers the complete redesign of a typical Cheshire executive plot. It includes a porcelain or natural stone terrace, a new lawn on an engineered sub-base, defined planting areas, boundary treatments, and integrated lighting, with all drainage designed specifically for clay soils.
£50,000–£100,000
For multi-zone gardens featuring permanent structures. These projects typically include a primary terrace, a secondary zone, an aluminium or oak pergola, and a detailed planting design. The drainage and groundworks are more complex, requiring a multi-week, sequenced build programme.
£100,000–£150,000+
This level of investment is for estate-scale or highly bespoke schemes. It encompasses multiple levels, major groundworks, several permanent structures, outdoor kitchens, and comprehensive lighting design, all managed under a full project management service across 12–20 weeks.
The final cost is determined by four main factors: ground conditions, site access, structural specification, and material choice. A definitive budget is provided only after a detailed site survey is complete.
Full Garden Makeovers Across Cheshire
We deliver complete garden renovations across Knutsford, Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Prestbury, Lymm, Hale and surrounding areas. Each location brings different site constraints — access, clay depth, drainage fall and property style — and every project is specified accordingly. A full garden makeover in Cheshire is never a template solution; it is engineered to the specific ground and architecture of the property.
The Makeover Process — From First Call to Finished Garden
Our process is designed to provide clarity, confidence, and a single point of accountability from start to finish. One contact manages the project through every stage, providing direct oversight and ensuring a seamless transition from concept to completion.
- Initial Consultation: A discussion to establish the project fit, budget range, and site constraints.
- Site Survey: A detailed technical assessment of ground conditions, drainage, DPC levels, access, and any planning considerations.
- Concept Design: The creation of a site-specific design, including layouts, levels, and the material palette.
- Technical Specification: A detailed document outlining sub-base depths, drainage design, structural footings, and installation methods.
- Build Phase: A sequenced construction process covering groundworks, drainage, hard landscaping, structures, planting, and lighting, with clear communication at each stage.
- Handover and Aftercare: A post-completion review, a clear guarantee period, and detailed guidance on the maintenance required for the specific materials and planting installed.
Common Questions About Full Garden Makeovers in Cheshire
How much does a full garden makeover cost in Cheshire?
A complete garden makeover is a significant investment, with projects typically starting at £30,000 and extending to £150,000 or more. The final cost depends on the scale of the project, the complexity of the groundworks required for the site’s clay soil, the specification of any permanent structures, and the materials chosen. A definitive quote is provided after a full site survey.
How long does a complete garden renovation take?
The timeline for a full garden makeover varies with the scope of the project. A typical executive garden may take 4–8 weeks, while a multi-zone project with structures can take 8–16 weeks. Large, estate-scale renovations may require 12–20 weeks. The programme is driven by the logical sequence of construction, from groundworks to finishing touches.
Can a full garden makeover be done on Cheshire clay soil?
Yes, absolutely. However, it must be engineered specifically for clay conditions. This involves a deeper sub-base (150-200mm), a managed drainage system, and thorough compaction. Clay is the standard ground condition across Cheshire, and our entire process is designed to address it correctly from the outset.
Do I need planning permission for structures in my garden?
This depends on the structure’s dimensions, its position on your property, and whether you are in a conservation area. While many residential structures fall under permitted development, we confirm the specific planning status for your property during the site survey stage, before the design is finalised.
What is the difference between a garden makeover and a garden redesign?
A garden redesign typically refers to the creation of a design document only. A full garden makeover, which is the service we provide, is a complete design-and-build service. It includes the initial design, all construction and groundworks, planting, installation of structures, and full project management from start to finish.
Discuss Your Project
We undertake a limited number of full garden makeovers in Cheshire each year to ensure every project receives the senior-level attention required to deliver it to our engineering-led standards. If you are considering a complete garden renovation and understand the level of investment required for a high-quality, durable result, we invite you to arrange an initial consultation. We work with clients across Knutsford, Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Prestbury, Lymm, and the wider Cheshire and North West region.