Landscape or hardscape construction can be exciting, but it has its challenges. The more you understand these challenges ahead of time, the better opportunity you have at developing a strategy to overcome them. Knowing what challenges may lie ahead is key to guaranteeing a successful project. In this article, we’ll delve into some of the common challenges that arise during landscape and hardscape projects and how to overcome them.
1. Ignoring Soil and Terrain Difficulties
The soil composition and topography that makes up every property is distinct. Poor drainage capabilities, low quality soil, and uneven terrain are some of the challenges a landscape designer may face. In any landscape or hardscape project it’s important to perform rigorous site analyses to recognize the distinct challenges each property contains. Identifying these challenges allows the landscape designer to work on solutions in the early stages of design.
2. Misaligning Design with Construction
It can be exciting to dream up the perfect landscape or hardscape project, but it’s important to narrow the scope of what’s actually possible for the site you want to construct on. If the design phase of the project doesn’t account for what’s possible or impossible, then you’re sure to hit major roadblocks as you begin construction. To mitigate the risk of hitting these roadblocks, handling both the design and construction phases of these types of projects will allow for a streamlined approach to your planned solutions.
3. Improper Budget Management
The budget for any landscape or hardscape project is going to be one of, if not the biggest limit or to what’s possible. Managing this budget properly is imperative to ensure a desirable finished product. Unexpected expenses over the course of the project can occur for a variety of reasons such as fluctuating cost of materials and unforeseen construction obstacles (like we talked about in #2). Precautionary funds, effective communication and thorough preparation are critical elements in ensuring a properly allocated budget.
4. Not Accounting for Weather-related Delays.
Landscape and hardscape projects are inherently an outdoor endeavor. This results in weather conditions being a major influence during the construction phase. Incorporating an adaptable timetable and proactive strategies helps to alleviate delays caused by inclimate weather.
5. Complications in Material Selection and Availability
The type of materials used in the construction phase are going to be a large part of the design, budget and functionality of the final product. Sometimes the materials selected are not readily available when you’re ready to purchase them and the project schedule may suffer as a result. Identify viable alternatives and methods to prepare for possible supply delays.
6. Not Ensuring an Aesthetic Coherence
The existing landscape and overall appearance of the property should always be taken into account in the design phase of any landscape or hardscape project. If the project includes additions to an already-developed area then it’s important for the final product to look cohesive and agreeable. The new elements added during the project should complete the overall aesthetic, not clash with them.
Conclusion
In landscape and hardscape projects, there are inherent obstacles that are bound to present themselves. By using a design-build contractor that’s experienced and knowledgeable about these challenges, homeowners will experience less stress and unexpected costs. At Design Scapes, Inc. we are exactly that. We’re well equipped to design and build landscape or hardscape projects. If you’re reading this as a homeowner looking for the right design-build contractor, please contact us to discuss how we can seamlessly and effectively transform your vision into a breathtaking reality.
