Thinking about upgrading your backyard or townhouse garden? These Landscape construction tips can transform your outdoor space, adding both beauty and value to your home.
However, before you start designing, there are several important factors to consider. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan a successful landscape construction project.
Landscape Construction vs. Landscaping Projects
Let’s first consider what is a “landscape construction” project versus a general landscaping project.
A landscape construction project typically involves building larger, permanent structures like patios, driveways, retaining walls, and water features. It requires significant planning, design, and construction work.
In contrast, a regular landscaping project typically focuses on planting flowers, shrubs, and trees, and may include minor enhancements like garden beds and small pathways. It’s generally less intensive and does not involve major construction.
Common Residential Landscape Construction Projects
- Patios and Decks: Creating outdoor living spaces for dining, lounging, and entertaining.
- Driveways: Designing and constructing durable and attractive driveways.
- Walkways and Pathways: Installing functional and aesthetically pleasing pathways throughout your property.
- Retaining Walls: Building structures to manage soil erosion and create level planting areas.
- Outdoor Kitchens and BBQ Areas: Setting up cooking and dining areas for outdoor meals.
- Pools and Spas: Installing swimming pools, hot tubs, and surrounding decks.
- Fire Pits and Fireplaces: Adding fire features for warmth and ambiance.
- Water Features: Incorporating ponds, fountains, and waterfalls.
- Gazebos and Pergolas: Constructing shaded structures for relaxation and gatherings.
- Lighting Systems: Implementing outdoor lighting for safety and ambiance.
Common Commercial Landscape Construction Projects
- Outdoor Seating Areas: Creating comfortable and attractive seating spaces for employees and clients.
- Parking Lots: Designing and constructing durable and well-organized parking facilities.
- Walkways and Pathways: Installing safe and visually appealing pathways for pedestrian traffic.
- Retaining Walls: Building retaining walls for soil management and aesthetic purposes.
- Water Features: Incorporating ponds, fountains, and waterfalls to enhance the environment.
- Courtyards and Plazas: Developing inviting communal areas for gatherings and events.
- Sports Fields and Recreational Areas: Constructing fields and recreational spaces for sports and leisure activities.
- Signage and Entryways: Designing and building welcoming and informative entry points and signage.
- Irrigation Systems: Installing efficient irrigation systems to maintain landscaping.
- Lighting Systems: Implementing outdoor lighting for safety, security, and ambiance.
1. Properly Define Your Goals for Landscape Construction
By clearly defining your goals, you can create a functional and enjoyable outdoor space that meets your needs and fits your lifestyle. Consider looking for landscaping tips to help define your goals.
Determine Your Primary Objectives
What do you want to achieve with your landscape construction project?
There are many motivations behind landscape construction:
- creating a place to relax.
- creating a place to enjoy the outdoors.
- having a space for family time and inviting the grandkids over.
- adding amenities and features, like a pool.
- desiring a property with less maintenance.
- increasing the value of your home.
- increasing privacy.
- addressing drainage or grading issues
- improving environmental impact.
- increasing the durability of your landscaped area.
- want to make your neighbours jealous … hey it’s true!
Identifying your main goals will help you make informed decisions. Write down this list so that you can refer back to it throughout the project to make sure it stays on track.
Consider How You’ll Use the Space
Think about the functionality of your outdoor area. Do you need a space for entertaining guests, a play zone for children, or areas for gardening?
Understanding how you plan to use the space will guide your design choices.
Plan for Maintenance
Beautiful landscaping requires regular upkeep.
Factor in the time and cost of maintaining plants, irrigation systems, and hardscapes.
By considering maintenance from the start, you can ensure your new landscape remains attractive and functional over time.
2. Conduct a Site Assessment for Your Landscape Construction Project
Before you start designing your landscape construction project, you will want to assess your property to identify potential challenges and plan accordingly.
The last thing you want to do is fall in love with a design that can’t be achieved.
Future-you will be glad you took the time to consider these items:
Consider Site Access; During Construction and in the Future
Consider how accessible your site is for construction equipment and future maintenance. Ensure there’s enough space for workers and machinery to move around.
Plan for future access needs, such as equipment for maintenance or additions.
Also consider if you plan to store large items such as trailers or campers on your property and ensure there is adequate access.
Plan for Drainage and Grading
Proper drainage is crucial for preventing water damage and maintaining usable space.
Assess natural water flow and design drainage solutions to manage runoff. If you are installing a pool make sure that drainage flows away from your pool.
This might include grading, installing drainage systems, or creating swales.
Check for Underground Utilities and Infrastructure
Before digging, locate any underground utilities like electrical, gas, and water lines. This step is essential to avoid accidents and ensure the safety of your project. Always call before you dig!
If you live in areas without city infrastructure, consider the locations of your cistern, septic tanks and septic bed. You will likely have to avoid these areas with hardscaping and permanent fixtures.
Know these locations before you start designing!
Analyze Sunlight and Shading
Understanding how sunlight and shade affect your site can guide the placement of sitting areas, patios, outdoor dining, and other outdoor structures.
Observe the amount of sunlight different areas receive throughout the day. Consider adding shade structures like pergolas or gazebos to protect seating areas from excessive sun.
Properly placed trees and shrubs can also provide natural shade and enhance the comfort of your outdoor spaces.
Assess Soil Quality and Bearing Capacity
Different areas of Ontario have different types of soil. Before you get too far with your project planning, have your landscape design-builder assess the soil in the area of your project.
Large structures will need to have sufficient soil bearing capacity.
Knowing the soil composition will also help in selecting the right plants that will thrive in your landscape.
3. Understand Legal and Regulatory Requirements in Landscape Construction
Understanding the legal and regulatory requirements ensures your project complies with all necessary rules and avoids costly delays or fines.
This step is crucial for a smooth and legally sound landscape construction project. Similar to the topic above, you don’t want to fall in love with a landscape design, just to find out that your city won’t allow certain aspects of it.
Research Necessary Permits and Zoning Laws
Before starting any construction, research the permits required in your area.
Check local zoning laws to ensure your project complies with regulations.
Different areas have varying rules on structures, fencing, grading, and even plant types.
Start the Permit Process Early
Applying for permits can be time-consuming and overly complicated.
Begin this process early to avoid delays. Gather all necessary documents, including site plans and project descriptions.
Work with a local landscape construction company that will handle all of the permits for you. They will have experience on how to make this process move smoothly. Contact Creative Concepts and we’d be happy to help!
They will need to submit applications well in advance of your planned start date.
Consider Environmental Impact
Assess the environmental impact of your project.
Ensure that your landscape construction plans protect local ecosystems and water sources.
Use sustainable practices like planting native species and managing stormwater runoff.
Understand Homeowner Association (HOA) Rules
If you live in a community with an HOA, review their guidelines.
HOAs often have specific rules about landscaping and exterior changes.
Get approval from the HOA before proceeding to avoid fines or project alterations.
4. Understand the Landscape Construction Project Timeline
Understand the Length of the Project
Landscape construction projects can be lengthy, often taking several weeks to several months to complete.
The duration depends on the scope and complexity of the project.
Limited Access During Construction
While the project is underway, access to and use of your outdoor space will be limited.
Construction equipment, materials, and ongoing work can disrupt normal use of the area.
If you have pets or children, consider temporary arrangements to ensure their safety and convenience. Trust us, it will be worth it in the end!
Plan Accordingly
It’s important to plan accordingly, especially if you have summer activities or gatherings planned.
Understand that your backyard or garden might be off-limits during the construction period.
Get a Realistic Milestone Schedule
An experienced landscape construction design-builder can provide you with a realistic milestone schedule.
They will outline the key phases of the project and give you an estimated timeline.
This allows you to plan around the construction and have a clear understanding of when you can expect the project to be completed.
5. Budget Realistically for Your Landscape Construction Project
By obtaining detailed budgets and planning for contingencies, you can manage your finances effectively and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Working with a design-build company can further ensure that your budget aligns with your vision and project goals.
Importance of Getting a Detailed Budget
Obtaining a comprehensive budget from a landscape construction company is crucial.
This budget will give you a clear understanding of the costs involved and help you plan your finances accordingly.
Plan for Potential Cost Increases
However, large construction projects can have unforeseen costs. It’s important to factor in contingencies for unexpected issues that may arise during the project.
Common surprises include unforeseen ground conditions, weather delays, and changes in material costs. Ask your landscape contractor what potential issues could arise.
Understand What’s Included and Excluded
When reviewing budgets from contractors, make sure you understand what is included and excluded.
Detailed budgets should list specific materials, labor, and other costs.
However, contractors typically do not include contingencies for unknowns.
Be sure to ask about potential additional costs and have a buffer in your budget.
Benefits of Working with Design-Build Companies
Landscape design-build companies can provide more accurate budgets because they understand the project fully. They develop the designs and understand your vision for the project.
Construction-only companies will only price what’s shown on the drawings.
In contrast, design-build firms know what’s included in the price and can account for the finer details of your vision, leading to fewer surprises and more accurate cost estimates.
6. Match your Home and Neighbourhood Aesthetics
Match the Design with Your House’s Architecture
Ensure that your landscape design complements the style and architecture of your house.
This creates a cohesive look that enhances your home’s overall aesthetic appeal.
Consider elements like colors, materials, style, and architectural features that can be mirrored in your landscaping.
Consider Neighborhood Aesthetics and Style
Take into account the general look and feel of your neighborhood.
Your landscape doesn’t need to blend with the surrounding homes and gardens, however certain elements may clash when viewed from the road.
Effectively blending with the neighbourhood not only improves your curb appeal but also helps maintain neighborhood harmony and can even increase property values.
Balance Beauty with Functionality
While aesthetics are important, functionality should not be overlooked.
Design your outdoor space to be both beautiful and practical. Consider areas for entertaining, play, and relaxation.
Ensure pathways are easy to navigate and seating areas are comfortable.
7. Choose the Right Landscape Construction Professional
Choosing the right professional is crucial for the success of your landscape construction project. It’s best to get them involved as early as possible.
By thoroughly vetting contractors and considering design-build firms, you can ensure your project is in capable hands, leading to a beautiful and functional outdoor space.
Check References and Qualifications
When selecting a landscape construction professional, always check their references and qualifications.
Ask for a portfolio of their previous work and speak with past clients to gauge their satisfaction.
Verify any certifications or memberships in professional organizations to ensure they meet industry standards.
Evaluate the Benefits of Design-Build Firms
Consider working with a design-build firm. These companies handle both the design and construction phases, offering a seamless experience.
They understand your vision from the start and can provide accurate budgets and timelines.
This integrated approach often leads to fewer misunderstandings and a smoother project overall.
Key Questions to Ask Potential Contractors
When interviewing potential contractors, ask about their experience with similar projects.
Discuss their process, from initial design to project completion. Ensure they are transparent about costs, timelines, and any potential challenges.
For more detailed guidance, refer to our comprehensive blog on choosing a landscape contractor.
Interested in a Construction Project?
Planning a landscape construction project involves careful consideration and detailed planning. However, it is all worth it once it is complete.
By defining your goals, assessing your site, understanding legal requirements, budgeting realistically, coordinating aesthetics, and choosing the right professional, you can create a beautiful and functional outdoor space.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your home’s value or create a stunning area for relaxation and entertainment, following these steps will ensure a successful project.
Start planning today and transform your outdoor space into something truly special.
Looking for a professional and experienced landscape design-builder to help with the process? Contact Creative Concepts today!
