What You Need To Know With A New Build Garden

Creating a beautiful new garden for a newly constructed home is exciting, but it's not without its potential pitfalls. Even with careful planning and a great landscape design, snags can still pop up during the build process.  Here are some of the most common issues so you can look out for them, As not only is the outdoor space a valuable part of your property, but it's also subject to specific regulations set forth by the National House Building Council (NHBC).

 https://nhbc-standards.co.uk/10-external-works/10-2-drives-paths-and-landscaping/10-2-9-garden-areas/

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Soil Quality and Preparation

One of the biggest problems landscapers run into with new build sites is poor soil quality. Between the excavation, construction traffic compacting the ground, and layers of subsoil being exposed, the topsoil is often stripped away leaving dense, nutrient-poor soil behind. Look for signs that the soil has been properly prepared, such as the addition of topsoil or organic matter Amending the soil with compost and other organic matter is usually necessary  , to ensure that your future plants and lawn will thrive.

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Drainage and Grading Nightmares 

Poorly planned or improperly installed drainage is the enemy of any new landscape installation. Excess moisture can drown plants and make areas unusable. Likewise, extremely dry soil conditions cause plants to struggle or die off. Correcting drainage problems by regrading, installing drain lines, or adjusting irrigation systems is crucial

Proper drainage is crucial to prevent water from pooling or seeping into the foundation of your home. Check that the garden is graded (sloped) away from the house and that there are adequate drainage systems in place, such as French drains or catch basins

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Fencing and Boundaries

The NHBC requires that new-build gardens have clearly defined boundaries, typically achieved through fencing or walls. Ensure that the fencing materials are of good quality and installed correctly, with no gaps or loose sections that could compromise security or privacy.

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 Paving and Patios

Any paved areas or patios should be level, well-constructed, and free from cracks or uneven surfaces that could pose a tripping hazard. The NHBC also specifies minimum dimensions for paved areas, so check that these meet the required standards.

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Lighting and Utilities

If the garden includes outdoor lighting or utilities (such as water taps or electrical outlets), ensure that these have been installed correctly and are in working order.

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Planting and Landscaping

While the landscaping may not be fully established at the time of purchase, check that any existing plants or trees are healthy and appropriately spaced. Also, inquire about any landscaping plans or warranties offered by the builder.

Completing designed plant layouts can sometimes be complicated by lack of availability for specific tree, shrub, or perennial varieties. Nursery stock is finite and though ordering in advance helps, desired plants may occasionally need to be substituted for available alternatives that still fit the design's needs

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Weather Delays

Like any outdoor construction project, creating a new garden is at the mercy of the weather. Periods of heavy rain can make it impossible to get equipment and materials onsite. Unexpected early freezes in fall or late arrivals of spring can shorten planting and turfing weather conditions. Builders have to carefully schedule landscape installations.

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Utility Line Conflicts

Lastly but not least. One of the most frustrating snags is having your plans derailed by hitting unmarked utility lines during excavation work. This can require rerouting expensive hardscape features like patios or walls. Calling the utility locator services or asking the site surveyor or site manager if still on site before digging is a must to identify any lines and adjust designs accordingly.