Quality garden landscaping is a worthwhile addition to a home, which should increase the value of the property by more than the cost of the work.
'It is possible to take on the task without help, but it often requires specialist skills and equipment, and sometimes knowledge of building regulations,' says Jerrard Watts, one of our construction experts. 'The price of correcting any DIY mistakes can be sizeable, so hiring a professional can be the safest and most cost-effective option.' Our Home team is on hand to help with anything from finding the best landscapers to managing your budget, so do call for advice or assistance.
A good landscaper will offer a wealth of suggestions, but they will need your input to achieve the best result. Here are the key elements that a landscaper will want to know:
When and how
The crucial factor is how and when you will use the garden. Think about how you and your family would spend time outdoors during a morning, afternoon and evening, taking into account all the inhabitants of the house and how the sun moves across the area. Consider whether a lawn or low-maintenance paving would work best, and weigh up the value of a children’s play area or vegetable patch. Decide if you want a patio, paths, archways, pergolas, water features or a pond.
It’s worth thinking about the colours you want to see from the house, and whether a formal, ordered design or a more natural look appeals most – although do bear in mind that it should suit the age and style of the property.
There are also practical considerations. Tall trees can add privacy, or form a screen to reduce traffic noise. An area could be set aside for composting, wheelie bins, or erecting a shed for bikes and gardening tools.
Keep it simple
There are many options, so if you would like to discuss plans with us we can help with the decisions. The best method is to keep the new look simple. Once a rough idea is in place, be realistic about how much time you have for maintenance. The garden should not become a chore, so be honest at the planning stage if you have limited time or experience.
Working with a landscape gardener
The landscaper will need to know whether to keep any existing features. These can help the garden look established and form a framework around which the new design can be built.
They will also require a realistic estimation of budget, as this will affect how much of a wish list can be completed.
Check when the work can be done, as bookings are often made well in advance. Some landscapers specialise in heavier building work and may sub-contract others for more delicate operations, such as planting. Schedules will also have to be coordinated, which could affect the timeline.
It is best to get three written quotes, along with detailed timetables of all work.
'Don’t base your choice on cost alone,' Jerrard comments. 'There are many types of material such as stone, and quality can vary along with the price. This is also true of plants. Ask to see samples of products so it is clear what is being bought.'
Skills and experience will also cost more but will be worth it in the long run, so check qualifications, references and insurance details. We will be happy to take on this task for you and provide you with a shortlist of landscapers.
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