Selwyn_Times: January 31, 2024

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[Edition datE]
Landscaping and house
design go together
When looking at house designs, think about outdoor
living and how the home will sit on your chosen
section, along with the practicality of indoor/outdoor
flow for you and your family.
Often landscaping is down the list and while we may
note where sliders are on a house plan we may think
no further, yet planning helps ensure there is really
functional outdoor space.
If gardening is not your thing, your landscaping may
no more than one or two patio areas, a few plants in
pots then lawn with some trees and shrubs. For those
who like gardening, positioning of garden beds will
also be a factor.
Sub-divisions usually have covenants requiring that
a house and landscape plan (of any area visible to the
street) is submitted for approval, before construction
of the home begins. Identifying plant species on this
plan may not be necessary with just an indication of
number of plants along with their heights and widths
needed. A landscape designer may provide you with
plant details or you might consult a nursery who will
recommend suitable plants.
Minimalism is currently fashionable with
grouping of evergreen shrubs and in larger spaces
one or two trees to create effect. Natives are
popular but consider also Rhododendrons and
Camellias that while being slower growers, do put
on a stunning display of colour in spring.
If you want a little more interest in your garden,
you might include a water feature, pergola or
additional fencing within the property itself. The
latter two have the added advantage of providing
shelter from wind and sun. Look at how the
dimensions of each house plan fits within your
chosen piece of dirt, to see where such features
might be positioned and whether it is workable.
Planning your outdoor space early will also
mean that you can have any pre-wiring for outside
lighting undertaken by the electrician when the
house is constructed, saving dollars and making it
easier as the cables will be laid at a safe depth (a legal
requirement) and ready for the later construction.
In relation to hard surfaces, while driveways, paths
and concrete patios are regularly planned as part
of the build, other outdoor concrete areas may not
be considered. If you do have an idea of additional
parking areas to be concreted for a caravan or boat
or other hard surfaces you would like, it may save
on the budget by having this completed when the
workmen are on the job rather than them having to
come back at some point in the future. It also gets
these jobs done.
While the budget may be a factor in determining
how many of your landscaping ideas are put into
practice at the time of the build, having a plan in
mind and costing for it is a good idea. It could
save dollars down the track so talk to your builder,
electrician and landscape designer. You may also
like to put some ideas down on paper as a starting
point.
Sub-division covenants
require approval of house
and landscape plans.
Selling your home?
Potential buyers are likely to be
living in your neighbourhood, it’s
an area that they already love
and are actively seeking to stay
in. That’s why it makes sense to
advertise your property in the
Selwyn Property Guide.
For cost effective, highly targeted advertising
that delivers results, contact a local
Real Estate Company that advertises in
the Selwyn Property Guide.
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