Question 1

What services does Westscapes provide?

Accepted Answer

Westscapes provides a complete range of garden design, landscaping and outdoor construction services. From the initial site consultation and garden design through to hard and soft landscaping, garden rooms, external offices and aftercare, Westscapes can manage the complete transformation of your outdoor space.

Question 2

What types of garden projects does Westscapes undertake?

Accepted Answer

Westscapes works on residential and commercial garden projects, including complete garden redesigns, new garden layouts, garden offices and garden rooms, hard and soft landscaping, and aftercare. Whether your garden is dated, underused or part of a new build, Westscapes can discuss the scope and suitability of your project.

Question 3

Do you provide both garden design and construction?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Westscapes offers garden design and full landscape construction through one company. This means the design intent is carried through into the build, with one team responsible for the overall project rather than coordinating separate contractors.

Question 4

How does the process begin?

Accepted Answer

The process begins with an initial site consultation. Gerry will visit your property, discuss your ideas, assess the space and talk through what is possible. From there, a garden design can be developed and the construction and landscaping stages planned.

Question 5

What happens during the initial site consultation?

Accepted Answer

During the site consultation, Gerry will walk the garden with you, listen to your requirements, assess the existing conditions and discuss how the space could be used. It is an opportunity to share your ideas, ask questions and understand the next steps before any design or construction begins.

Question 6

What should I prepare before discussing my garden?

Accepted Answer

It helps to think about how you currently use the garden, what you would like to change, and how you would like to use the space in the future. Any inspiration images, a rough budget idea and notes about practical needs — such as seating areas, planting preferences or a garden office — are all useful. However, you do not need a finished plan before contacting Westscapes.

Question 7

Can I contact Westscapes if I only have a general idea?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Many homeowners start with a general sense that their garden is not working but are unsure what is possible. Westscapes can help you understand the potential of your space and guide you from a loose idea towards a coherent design.

Question 8

Where is Westscapes based?

Accepted Answer

Westscapes Garden Concepts Ltd. is based in Killucan, County Westmeath, Ireland. Gerry McDonald and his team provide garden design, landscaping and construction services from this location.

Question 9

Which areas does Westscapes cover?

Accepted Answer

Westscapes is based in Killucan, County Westmeath, and primarily works with customers across the Midlands and West Dublin. Projects elsewhere in Dublin may also be considered depending on the location, scope and nature of the work. Contact Westscapes with your project location to confirm availability.

Question 10

How do I know whether my project is suitable for Westscapes?

Accepted Answer

If you are looking for professional garden design and construction rather than labour alone, and you value a coordinated approach from consultation through to aftercare, Westscapes may be a good fit. Contact Westscapes with a brief description of your project and location to confirm suitability.

Question 11

Why should I have my garden professionally designed?

Accepted Answer

Professional garden design brings together appearance, practical use and the specific characteristics of your site in one coherent plan. It helps avoid costly mistakes, ensures the space works for your household and gives you confidence before construction begins.

Question 12

Will the garden be designed around my home and lifestyle?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Westscapes creates individual garden designs shaped around your home, lifestyle and requirements. The design considers how you use the space, the style of your property and the practical needs of your household.

Question 13

Can Westscapes help with practical and visual decisions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Choosing paving, walling and planting can be overwhelming. Westscapes can guide these decisions based on the style of your home, the conditions of your garden and how you intend to use the space. In a previous project in Castleknock, Westscapes selected the paving, walling and plants, and the homeowners felt the choices worked beautifully together.

Question 14

Can existing trees, plants or garden features be retained?

Accepted Answer

Where suitable, existing trees and plants can be retained and incorporated into the new design. In the Castleknock project, existing ferns and one small tree were retained and integrated into the finished garden. Gerry will assess which existing elements are worth keeping during the site consultation.

Question 15

Can a garden be designed to require less maintenance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Lower-maintenance design can reduce the ongoing work required by considering planting choices, layout and materials. In the Castleknock project, the homeowners were pleased with the reduced maintenance the new design achieved. However, no garden is maintenance-free — every planted area will require some ongoing care.

Question 16

What is the difference between hard and soft landscaping?

Accepted Answer

Hard landscaping refers to the structural elements of a garden, such as paving, patios, walling and raised beds. Soft landscaping refers to the living elements, including planting, soil preparation and lawns. Westscapes provides both as part of a complete garden project.

Question 17

Can Westscapes redesign an existing garden?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many projects involve redesigning an existing, dated or underused garden. In Castleknock, Westscapes redesigned a tired back garden and replaced it with a large patio with curved raised beds, improving both appearance and usability.

Question 18

Do I need to know exactly what I want before contacting you?

Accepted Answer

No. Many homeowners have several ideas but are unsure how to bring them together. Westscapes can help you understand what is possible and develop a coherent plan from your initial thoughts.

Question 19

Can the garden design account for sunlight and shade?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sunlight and shade are important considerations in garden design. In the Castleknock project, the redesign allowed the homeowners to enjoy more evening sunlight by repositioning the patio and planting areas.

Question 20

Can a garden be redesigned after an extension or renovation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Building work often changes the levels, access and available space in a garden. Westscapes can redesign the garden to work with the new layout, addressing issues such as reduced lawn area, changed levels or disrupted planting beds.

Question 21

Can Westscapes manage a complete garden transformation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. From the initial site consultation and garden design through to hard and soft landscaping, garden rooms, external offices and aftercare, Westscapes can manage the complete transformation of your outdoor space.

Question 22

What is included in full landscape construction?

Accepted Answer

Full landscape construction includes hard landscaping elements such as patios, paving, walling and raised beds, along with soft landscaping including planting. Garden offices and garden rooms can also form part of a complete construction project.

Question 23

Can hard and soft landscaping be delivered as one project?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Combining hard and soft landscaping within one project ensures the structural elements and planting work together as a single, coherent design. This avoids the mismatch that can occur when separate contractors work independently.

Question 24

Can Westscapes create patios and raised planting beds?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Patios, paving, walling and raised planting beds are confirmed elements of Westscapes' construction work. In the Castleknock project, Westscapes created a large patio with curved raised beds.

Question 25

Can Westscapes help transform a dated garden?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Transforming dated or underused gardens is a core part of what Westscapes does. The Castleknock project is an example: a tired back garden was replaced with a stylish patio and raised beds that the homeowners now enjoy.

Question 26

Why use one company for design and construction?

Accepted Answer

Using one company for both design and construction means the design intent is carried through the build without the communication gaps that can occur between separate designers and contractors. It gives you a single point of contact and accountability throughout the project.

Question 27

Can Westscapes help restore a garden after building work?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Extensions and renovations often leave gardens disrupted, with changed levels, compacted soil or damaged planting areas. Westscapes can redesign and restore the garden to work with the new layout of your property.

Question 28

Can existing garden features be incorporated into a new design?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Where existing features are in good condition and suit the new design, they can be retained and integrated. In the Castleknock project, existing ferns and a small tree were incorporated into the finished garden.

Question 29

Does Westscapes build external garden offices and garden rooms?

Accepted Answer

Yes. External garden offices and garden rooms are confirmed parts of Westscapes' offering. They can be built as standalone projects or integrated into a complete garden redesign.

Question 30

Can a garden office form part of a complete garden redesign?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Incorporating a garden office or room into the wider garden design helps coordinate position, access, privacy, sunlight, views from the house, patios, planting and the remaining garden space. This ensures the structure feels connected to the landscape rather than dropped in.

Question 31

Will a garden office take over the garden?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. A well-planned design balances the garden office or room with the remaining garden space. By considering the position, planting and layout early in the design process, the structure can be integrated without dominating the garden.

Question 32

Can planting help integrate a garden room into the landscape?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Planting is one of the most effective ways to help a garden office or room feel connected to the garden. Strategic planting around the structure can soften its appearance, provide privacy and create a transition between the built and natural elements.

Question 33

Can Westscapes landscape around a garden office?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Westscapes can design and build the landscaping around a garden office, including patios, planting, pathways and screening, so the structure sits naturally within the wider garden.

Question 34

Do I need planning permission for a garden office?

Accepted Answer

Planning exemption limits for certain garden structures were updated in July 2026, but exemptions are subject to detailed conditions. The size, height, position and intended use of the structure all affect whether permission is required. You should confirm your position with your local planning authority or an appropriately qualified planning professional before beginning work.

Question 35

Can a garden office include electricity, heating, plumbing or internet?

Accepted Answer

The services required will depend on how the room will be used. Discuss your requirements with Westscapes so the appropriate scope can be confirmed before the project begins.

Question 36

Can a garden office or room be used as a bedroom?

Accepted Answer

Westscapes' garden rooms and offices are not described as residential or sleeping accommodation. If you are considering a garden room for habitable use, you should discuss the planning and Building Regulations implications with your local planning authority or an appropriately qualified professional.

Question 37

Can Westscapes build a garden room at the same time as redesigning the garden?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Building a garden room as part of a wider garden redesign allows the structure, patios, planting and remaining space to be planned together, resulting in a more cohesive finished garden.

Question 38

How do I begin planning an external garden office?

Accepted Answer

Start by contacting Westscapes to discuss how you intend to use the room, your garden layout and your location. From there, the position, design and landscaping can be developed as part of a coherent plan.

Question 39

How could an extension affect the design of my garden?

Accepted Answer

An extension can change the available garden space, access, privacy, sunlight, shade, drainage, ground levels, patio position and planting areas. It may also affect storage and how the remaining garden is used. Westscapes can redesign the garden to work with the new layout of your home.

Question 40

Have the planning-exemption rules for home extensions changed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Updated Irish Exempted Development Regulations came into effect on 27 July 2026. The exempted-development limit for certain extensions to a principal dwelling increased from 40 square metres to 45 square metres, subject to applicable conditions. You should confirm your position with your local planning authority or an appropriately qualified planning professional.

Question 41

Can I build a garden office, room or shed without planning permission?

Accepted Answer

The exemption limit for certain qualifying rear or side garden structures increased from 25 square metres to 30 square metres in July 2026, subject to conditions. However, exemptions depend on size, height, position, intended use and the planning history of your property. Confirm your position with your local planning authority before beginning work.

Question 42

Can I build a separate home in my back garden without planning permission?

Accepted Answer

A new time-limited exemption may allow certain qualifying detached auxiliary dwellings between 32 and 45 square metres in the rear garden of a principal residence, subject to numerous conditions. This does not mean every auxiliary dwelling is automatically exempt. You should confirm your position with your local planning authority or an appropriately qualified planning professional.

Question 43

How much garden space must remain around an auxiliary dwelling?

Accepted Answer

Under the auxiliary-dwelling exemption, at least 25 square metres of private open space must remain. However, conditions are detailed and the planning history of your property can affect what is permitted. Confirm your specific position with your local planning authority.

Question 44

Will an existing shed or garden office affect what can be built?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Relevant existing garden structures may count towards applicable combined floor-area limits under the exemption rules. This means an existing shed or garden office could affect what additional structures can be built. Check with your local planning authority.

Question 45

When should landscaping be planned during an extension?

Accepted Answer

Ideally, landscaping should be considered at the same time as the extension is being designed, not afterwards. This allows the garden levels, access, drainage and planting areas to be planned in coordination with the building work, avoiding costly remedial work later.

Question 46

Can landscaping improve privacy around a garden room?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Planting, screening and careful positioning can improve privacy around a garden office or room. These elements can be planned as part of the overall garden design.

Question 47

What should I consider before reducing the size of my garden?

Accepted Answer

Consider how the remaining space will be used, sunlight and shade, privacy, access, storage, maintenance and views from inside the house. Reducing garden space for a building or extension can affect all of these, so it is worth planning the remaining garden carefully.

Question 48

Does exempted development mean no other regulations apply?

Accepted Answer

No. Planning exemption does not remove applicable Building Regulations, Building Control Regulations or other legal obligations. Even where planning permission is not required, other rules may still apply. Confirm your obligations with the relevant authorities or an appropriately qualified professional.

Question 49

Can Westscapes tell me whether planning permission is required?

Accepted Answer

Westscapes can discuss the garden design and landscaping implications of your project, but questions about planning status should be confirmed with your local planning authority or an appropriately qualified planning professional. This is particularly important because exemptions are subject to conditions and the planning history of an individual property may affect what can be undertaken.

Question 50

Where can I find official information about the 2026 changes?

Accepted Answer

Official information is available from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Irish Statute Book. The Department announcement can be found at gov.ie, and the relevant Statutory Instrument is published on the Irish Statute Book website. Always check the current official position before relying on any information.

Question 51

Will I be kept informed as the work progresses?

Accepted Answer

Previous customers have praised Gerry's communication and accessibility throughout their projects. In the Castleknock project, Gerry provided updates through WhatsApp and email while the homeowners were abroad. Discuss your preferred communication approach with Gerry at the start of the project.

Question 52

Can changes be discussed during the project?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In the Maynooth project, the customer noted that it was easy to contact Gerry, discuss developments and request changes during the work. Discuss how variations or changes will be handled before construction begins.

Question 53

How does Westscapes approach disruption around the home?

Accepted Answer

Previous customers have praised the team's tidiness during construction. Westscapes understands that landscaping work takes place around your home, and the team aims to minimise disruption. Discuss access and working arrangements during the consultation.

Question 54

Can work continue if the homeowner is temporarily away?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In the Castleknock project, the homeowners were abroad while the work was completed, and Gerry provided updates through WhatsApp and email. If you need to be away during part of the project, discuss this with Gerry in advance.

Question 55

Who will I communicate with during the project?

Accepted Answer

Gerry McDonald is directly involved in the projects. Previous customers specifically praised his accessibility, presence on site and communication throughout the work. You will deal directly with Gerry rather than being passed between different contacts.

Question 56

What happens if an unexpected issue is discovered?

Accepted Answer

If an unexpected issue arises during construction, it will be discussed with you so that decisions can be made together. Discuss how unexpected issues and variations will be handled before the project begins.

Question 57

How should I prepare before work begins?

Accepted Answer

Clear access to the garden and working areas will be needed. Gerry will discuss what preparation is required before construction starts, including access arrangements and any areas that need to be cleared.

Question 58

Does Westscapes provide aftercare?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Comprehensive aftercare is a confirmed part of Westscapes' offering. Aftercare helps your new garden establish and continue to look its best after construction is complete.

Question 59

What does garden aftercare involve?

Accepted Answer

Aftercare typically involves helping new planting establish and addressing any issues that arise after the project is completed. The exact scope and duration of aftercare can be discussed with Gerry. [DETAIL TO BE CONFIRMED WITH WESTSCAPES]

Question 60

Can a garden be designed to require less maintenance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Lower-maintenance design can reduce the ongoing work required by considering planting choices, layout and materials. In the Castleknock project, the homeowners were pleased with the reduced maintenance the new design achieved.

Question 61

Is a low-maintenance garden maintenance-free?

Accepted Answer

No. Lower-maintenance design can reduce the work required, but every garden and planted area will require some ongoing care. No garden is maintenance-free.

Question 62

Does Westscapes provide ongoing garden maintenance?

Accepted Answer

Garden maintenance is referenced on the Westscapes website. The exact scope, frequency and availability of ongoing maintenance can be discussed with Gerry. [DETAIL TO BE CONFIRMED WITH WESTSCAPES]

Question 63

Can Westscapes advise on caring for new planting?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Westscapes can provide guidance on how to care for new planting as part of the aftercare service. This helps your plants establish successfully after the project is completed.

Question 64

Why choose one company for garden design and construction?

Accepted Answer

Using one company for both design and construction means the design intent is carried through the build without communication gaps. It gives you a single point of contact and accountability throughout the project, from consultation to aftercare.

Plan Your Garden Project with Confidence

Getting Started

Garden Design

Construction and Landscaping

Garden Offices and Garden Rooms

Garden Planning After Home Improvements

During the Project

Aftercare and Maintenance

Working With Westscapes

Ready to Discuss Your Garden?

Plan Your Garden Project with Confidence

Getting Started

What services does Westscapes provide?

What types of garden projects does Westscapes undertake?

Do you provide both garden design and construction?

How does the process begin?

What happens during the initial site consultation?

What should I prepare before discussing my garden?

Can I contact Westscapes if I only have a general idea?

Where is Westscapes based?

Which areas does Westscapes cover?

How do I know whether my project is suitable for Westscapes?

Garden Design

Why should I have my garden professionally designed?

Will the garden be designed around my home and lifestyle?

Can Westscapes help with practical and visual decisions?

Can existing trees, plants or garden features be retained?

Can a garden be designed to require less maintenance?

What is the difference between hard and soft landscaping?

Can Westscapes redesign an existing garden?

Do I need to know exactly what I want before contacting you?

Can the garden design account for sunlight and shade?

Can a garden be redesigned after an extension or renovation?

Construction and Landscaping

Can Westscapes manage a complete garden transformation?

What is included in full landscape construction?

Can hard and soft landscaping be delivered as one project?

Can Westscapes create patios and raised planting beds?

Can Westscapes help transform a dated garden?

Why use one company for design and construction?

Can Westscapes help restore a garden after building work?

Can existing garden features be incorporated into a new design?

Garden Offices and Garden Rooms

Does Westscapes build external garden offices and garden rooms?

Can a garden office form part of a complete garden redesign?

Will a garden office take over the garden?

Can planting help integrate a garden room into the landscape?

Can Westscapes landscape around a garden office?

Do I need planning permission for a garden office?

Can a garden office include electricity, heating, plumbing or internet?

Can a garden office or room be used as a bedroom?

Can Westscapes build a garden room at the same time as redesigning the garden?

How do I begin planning an external garden office?

Garden Planning After Home Improvements

How could an extension affect the design of my garden?

Have the planning-exemption rules for home extensions changed?

Can I build a garden office, room or shed without planning permission?

Can I build a separate home in my back garden without planning permission?

How much garden space must remain around an auxiliary dwelling?

Will an existing shed or garden office affect what can be built?

When should landscaping be planned during an extension?

Can landscaping improve privacy around a garden room?

What should I consider before reducing the size of my garden?

Does exempted development mean no other regulations apply?

Can Westscapes tell me whether planning permission is required?

Where can I find official information about the 2026 changes?

During the Project

Will I be kept informed as the work progresses?

Can changes be discussed during the project?

How does Westscapes approach disruption around the home?

Can work continue if the homeowner is temporarily away?

Who will I communicate with during the project?

What happens if an unexpected issue is discovered?

How should I prepare before work begins?

Aftercare and Maintenance

Does Westscapes provide aftercare?

What does garden aftercare involve?

Can a garden be designed to require less maintenance?

Is a low-maintenance garden maintenance-free?

Does Westscapes provide ongoing garden maintenance?

Can Westscapes advise on caring for new planting?

Working With Westscapes

Why choose one company for garden design and construction?

What makes Westscapes' approach different?

Will my garden be individually designed?

How does Westscapes balance appearance and practical use?

How do I arrange a site consultation?

What information should I include in my enquiry?

Does Westscapes work with commercial customers?

Ready to Discuss Your Garden?