Making a personal statement

by Brian Burton & Associates

Hardscaping is an investment in quality that pays substantial dividends. Formal studies conducted on actual selling prices of homes showed that top-quality professional landscaping added 7 to 9 percent to the selling price of the property.

Selection of the Interlocking Concrete Pavingstones

uccessful hardscaping often involves bringing a sense of order to the site and enhancing the natural surroundings and the existing buildings. In the past, hardscapes tended to be strictly functional; however, today many homeowners view their backyards and landscaping as a functional extension of their home. With so many houses looking virtually identical, the backyard and exterior areas often represent the unique signature and personal statement of both the home and the homeowner.

Hardscaping Enhances Status and Value

Hardscaping design and the selection of materials used in landscaping construction not only reflect the owners personal style but also serve to enhance both the value and status of the home. In many cases, the attributes and details of exterior landscape areas are often just as important as the interior spaces. Therefore, when a hardscaping contractor considers the elements required to create an attractive and functional hardscaping design it is important to consider the "big picture".

Design Elements of Landscaping

The following list describes some of the essential elements of landscaping and hardscaping design:

Vantagepoint: The contractor should always consider the vantagepoint when developing a design approach. [Picture yourself as a guest arriving at the home for a first time visit!] Paving installations, when properly designed, should "welcome the way" to the residence.

Theme: Creating a theme is an essential element of professional landscape design. Where practical and possible, hardscaping designs should compliment the architectural style of the home.

Scale and functionality: Hardscaping designs are more effective when coordinated with both the scale and function of the property and buildings. This may mean emphasizing certain features or spaces, which make the property stand out from its neighbors. (In other instances, hardscaping may serve to detract your attention from less desirable features of the property.) When it comes to paving installations, the movement of vehicles and pedestrian traffic is generally the most important consideration. If the property is located on a busy street, for example, the addition of a turnaround space is highly recommended. The contractor should also consider technical installation details, such as drainage, soils and structural details.

Color: Color plays an extremely important role in today's hardscaping design. However, it requires concentration to ensure that the primary colors displayed in the façade (and plants surrounding the home) are coordinated effectively with the hardscaping. It is also important that the colors chosen for hardscaping do not "overpower" the over-all landscaping installation.

Focal points: In almost every case, the main entrance of the residence will be the primary focal point. The treatment of this area often sets the tone for the entire design. (Occasionally residential properties, along lakefronts or scenic locations, will be orientated towards the rear or side entrance and will require a different approach. In other instances the property owner may indicate otherwise for reasons of privacy or security.)

Texture: Minor differences in texture are usually magnified in hardscaping installations. For this reason there are occasions when you may want to consider a small scale "mockup" to determine the effectiveness of textures and colors.

Light and shadow: These components of landscaping literally change with the time of day and the season. This is one area where careful inspection of the property at different times of the day, can assist in planning and design.

Safety: Although it may not be a concern on every site, there are occasions when water features such as pools, ponds or rapid changes in grade present a potential hazard that should be considered during the design stage. In many cases, there may be more attractive alternatives to fencing or barriers that can be effectively incorporated into the design.

Tips from the Pros

When developing and preparing quotations and proposals keep the following tips in mind:

One: It is often advantageous to inspect the property and the site thoroughly from all angles. This can be invaluable during the design stage. It also beneficial when considering movement of equipment, storage of materials and other installation details.

Two: It is always a good idea to discuss the details of the homeowner's lifestyle expectations and plans for the property.

Three: There are many benefits to making a habit of developing a "conceptual" approach to the design in draft form. This document can be used to "firm up" your price and approach to the project.

Four: It is always a good idea to talk to the neighbors. It works in everybody's favor to let them know about the plans and it makes good business sense. (They will be watching and represent potential customers!)

Five: When possible, always make a formal presentation of the finished proposal.

Brian Burton is a Member of the Standing Committee for Technical Valuations for the Canadian Construction Materials Commission