Landscaping is not as complicated as lets say putting an addition on your house but it can be just as expensive and there are a few things you can do to ensure that the investment that you put into your property isn’t wasted.
1.) Get a recent survey of the area. The one that came with the deed of the house from the 50's might not cut it. The reason you want to get a recent survey is to make sure that all of the hard landscaping aspects of your project land on your property and your neighbour won’t be enjoying your new outdoor kitchen instead of you. You might even regain property that you had always thought was your neighbours. A survey is essential when setting fence posts between properties.
2.) Take a good look inside the house before you start any work outside. Believe it or not even though your landscaping project is outside it can effect a lot of things inside. Check for existing water damage around baseboards, on drywall and flooring. If your yard gets graded improperly and your basement leaks its good to have the proof. Checking any exposed foundation for cracks is a good idea as well as your landscaper will be using heavy compaction equipment and equipment such as bobcats and mini-excavators. If you are having hard landscaping completed right next to an older house it is a good idea to think about waterproofing that wall as you are landscaping to avoid tearing it up later on.
3.) Make sure either you or your landscape contractor gets the appropriate underground utility locates prior to breaking ground on any landscaping project requiring excavation. It is the law and it is free so why not?
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