Often a new home owner will not put a great deal of thought into their landscape until the house is well under way. That is a mistake. This is something that you need to put some thought into at every stage of the building process.
Where Does Landscaping Play into the Build Process
Landscaping should be considered at every decision point of your home building process.
- Site selection – You should consider what type of landscape you desire when you choose your site location. Do you intend to have a country type landscape that will not only house your family but live stock and family pets? Do you intend to have a classy suburban type home with features such as a pool for entertaining outdoors? These things will all play into the lot size needed, location, and distance from neighbors.
- Home plans – Again, the size and shape that the home will take up and allow for vegetable gardens, pools, driveways, patios, flower beds, clothes lines, and other amenities you may have in mind should be considered.
- Budgeting – Because it is actually outside of the home itself, landscaping is often put off until a later date. While this is a viable alternative, consider performing some of the lower cost items that will make a significant difference sooner rather than later. For example, if you intend on have a tree line for privacy, the sooner you can plant those trees the quicker you will achieve privacy.
To Do It Yourself or Not To Do It Yourself
Some areas of landscaping must be outsourced for the common home owner, such as installing an in-ground pool. However, many homeowners actually enjoy gardening and working in their yard. If this is the case for you, have a go at it and enjoy yourself. If it is not, be very careful when you select a professional to handle the project for you. It is very important that you have a clear understanding of what your budget is and what your expectations are. This includes a time-frame for completion and a little cash reserve for those unexpected costs.
Get your estimate in writing and make sure that the price is firm spelling out what is and is not included. Landscaping is one of those areas that it is very easy to approve little extras that do not seem to amount to much, but when they are totaled at the end they can be very significant.
Do Not Skimp On a Driveway
Try to include a driveway in your budget. Although it can amount to a little chunk of change, not having one can be a major hindrance. In the case of an incline, you may have to park on the street if there is one. Foul weather can make it very messy and dirty.
There are a lot of different aspects to consider from the beginning to the end of the building process. If you or your family spends much time outdoors, landscaping can be a pretty significant characteristic of your home. Do not get so caught up in the house itself that you neglect to consider the layout of the yard.
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