ᐅ Exterior landscaping and site work completed by the homeowner
Created on: 29 Feb 2016 09:17
L
Legurit
Now that the house is built and will soon have a kitchen – at least I hope so – it’s probably time to focus on the outdoor areas.
We need a terrace connected to the floor-to-ceiling, covered sliding door, a garden shed, drainage around the house, a platform, a access path, and a carport with a parking space in front.
Additionally, we still have quite a bit of ground to fill and a mound to sift through.
I feel confident handling the sifting and possibly the drainage myself (since the house is built far enough out that it should only be necessary to lay the pipe and then refill).
What are your experiences with the rest – is it doable as a DIY project, or is it better to hire a landscaping professional? I’m worried that if I do the paving, the path might develop holes, shift sideways, or wash out after the first frost. I also keep reading about retaining edging stones... are those necessary? I saw some yesterday that were about one meter (3 feet) high.
We need a terrace connected to the floor-to-ceiling, covered sliding door, a garden shed, drainage around the house, a platform, a access path, and a carport with a parking space in front.
Additionally, we still have quite a bit of ground to fill and a mound to sift through.
I feel confident handling the sifting and possibly the drainage myself (since the house is built far enough out that it should only be necessary to lay the pipe and then refill).
What are your experiences with the rest – is it doable as a DIY project, or is it better to hire a landscaping professional? I’m worried that if I do the paving, the path might develop holes, shift sideways, or wash out after the first frost. I also keep reading about retaining edging stones... are those necessary? I saw some yesterday that were about one meter (3 feet) high.
S
Sebastian7929 Feb 2016 10:29Of course, you can do a lot yourself – but you also need to have the skills! And from what I see – without meaning to offend – the original poster doesn’t seem to have them. This is evident not only from the questions asked but also from previous posts.
That’s why I said he can be a helper, but definitely shouldn’t build paths on his own – because then exactly what he fears will happen.
Especially for things like paths and patios, you need someone who knows what they’re doing. YouTube videos are of little use in this case.
That’s why I said he can be a helper, but definitely shouldn’t build paths on his own – because then exactly what he fears will happen.
Especially for things like paths and patios, you need someone who knows what they’re doing. YouTube videos are of little use in this case.
Sebastian79 schrieb:
Of course, you can do a lot yourself – but you also need to be capable of doing it! And without meaning to offend you, I don’t see that with the OP. Not just from the way the question was asked, but also from previous posts. Okay, then we agree on that. I was just trying to respond more generally to the topic, while you addressed it specifically in relation to the OP.
S
Sebastian7929 Feb 2016 11:24No need to get offended right away, but you often tend to underestimate yourself.
And if you’re asking like you did at the beginning, it definitely won’t work without professional help.
That doesn’t mean you’re not capable...
And if you’re asking like you did at the beginning, it definitely won’t work without professional help.
That doesn’t mean you’re not capable...
Our landscape contractor offered to teach us certain tasks, such as paving, and if he saw that we were doing well, we could continue on our own (but only in the simpler areas). Or we could handle small, simple jobs ourselves to save money (like sowing grass seed, etc.). Maybe this could be an option for you as well, where the professional takes care of the complex work and you assist to save some money (and gain experience).
P.S. Due to lack of time, however, we eventually had the landscape company do everything.
P.S. Due to lack of time, however, we eventually had the landscape company do everything.