Great homes deserve great landscaping. Spectatular landscapes integrate the natural environment, architecture of the home and liftstyle of the family, so it it necessary to consider these three elements very early in the homebuilding process. Even if you plan on doing a large portion of the acutal landscape yourself, it will be important to consider the following before you begin construction.
Our number one suggestion is to contact an experienced landscape architect before construction begins. Master gardeners and other landscape "designers" will usually have a more limited skill set and knowledge base. We also suggest you interview several landscape architects before you blindly accept the landscape contractor suggested by your homebuilder. Ask about their education and experience and ask to see photographs of their work, reference letters and testimonials as evidence of their ability to design a superior landscape.
A degreed landscape architect has the education and experience to set a home properly so good views are taken advantage of and poor views are screened. Setting the home at the proper elevation can save thousands in excavation costs and establish good drainage away from the home. A landscape architect can also be invaluable when working with irrigation, paving and other subcontractors involved with the construction of your home.
A landscape architect will usually allocate space for play areas if the family has children and entertaining space if that is a favorite past time of the homeowners. These outdoor spaces must be planned BEFORE home construction begins so they take advantage of the best locations on the property.
If you'd like to see the results of spectacular landscape design and installation, visit our website at http://www.foegleylandscape.com/
Next week, we'll discuss selecting landscape contractors.
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