by Wm. David Waterman

Created on: June 16, 2008   Last Updated: June 23, 2008

When deciding the location for the addition, remember that landscaping is going to be required to finish the project completely. Make sure that water running off the roof is not going to accumulate in a area near your foundation. All of the surface areas next to the house foundations should slope gradually away from the house foundation or basement walls. The area around the house should be graded in such a way as to lead water to the low point on the property and either off to a storm drain or to an area that will benefit from the water. Trees and shrubs should be situated in the plan in order to take advantage of the run-off.

Remember that the type of landscaping you need is dependent on what the climate is like in your area. Humid and moist areas with plentiful rainfall are going to be better suited for those types of vegetation that require plenty of water. But if you live in the southwest for example, xeriscaping and plants that require much less water are preferable. Many of the problems that arise out of the landscaping plans carried out by do it yourselfers is the fact that they don't research their area to find what is best suited for their home.

Landscaping is necessary to provide erosion control, and can also be done in such a way as to reduce the labor required in caring for your property.
But do not underestimate the time required to do it right and realize that there will be inconveniances. If landscaping involves replacing or changing the driveway for example, you will find it necessary to plan on parking elsewhere for the time that the drive is being laid out and finished. Also remember to count the cost. Remember the old adage,'You get what you pay for'. Lower end sale items and products are always a great deal at the first, but quality remains long after the triumph of getting something cheap.

Finally, licensed bonded contractors are able to handle many things that a homeowner doesn't have the equipment and experiance to handle. Another thing that is seldom thought of until after an accident or mishap is that insured contractors are covered in case employees are injured on the job and the contractors experiance from past jobs is often key in avoiding such mishaps before they happen.

I cannot stress this last point enough. Allow the contractor you hire to have some say in the layout and planning of the project as he will be able to advise you on the proper and safe way to handle those little and big issues that spring up out of any project.

Learn more about this author, Wm. David Waterman.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.