Hardscapes can go a long way toward helping you make the most of your property. Decorative versions can give your home more curb appeal and ramp up your property value. Functional hardscapes can have the same effects while also elevating your outdoor living area and giving you more reasons to love your property. Hardscapes that are customized based on your family’s unique needs and lifestyle can bring you even more advantages. With all the possibilities available at this point, you can certainly have the best of all those worlds. 

Of course, not all hardscapes live up to homeowners’ expectations. Some of them ultimately end up causing a great deal of grief in the long run than homeowners expect. That’s because mistakes were made during the design and build phases. If you want to add a hardscape to your property, be sure to avoid the following five common mistakes. 

1) Not Hiring a Contractor

One of the most common mistakes people make when revamping their property is not hiring a hardscape contractor. No matter how simple projects may seem on the surface, they’re almost always more complicated than people expect. At the same time, unexpected problems are bound to arise along the way. Professional hardscape contractors have the in-depth skills needed to ensure your projects are successful both immediately and over the long term. They also know how to handle unexpected issues when they crop up. 

2) Failing to Prepare Properly

Another mistake homeowners often make when adding hardscapes to their property is failing to prepare properly beforehand. In most cases, new features can’t simply be put into place. Several measures need to be taken to get your land ready for them. Those may include clearing, excavating, grading, and leveling the area where the hardscape will be installed. Compacting the soil, creating a base layer of material, and adding a bedding layer may also be necessary.

Without those measures, a hardscape may not be as functional, beautiful, and safe as it should be. It’s not likely to last very long, either, so you won’t be able to get the most benefits from it. Professional contractors know which steps to take before installing hardscapes and how to carry them out properly for the best results. 

3) Overlooking Drainage Problems

Homeowners commonly overlook drainage problems as well. In many cases, they’re not even fully aware that drainage issues exist in the areas where they plan to install hardscapes. If those problems aren’t addressed, though, they can lead to extensive damage over time. Additionally, many homeowners don’t realize that the hardscapes they install can cause drainage issues of their own. Their resulting damage can extend well beyond the hardscapes themselves. Contractors know how to spot, and even predict, drainage issues and resolve them before they cause problems. 

4) Cutting Corners on Materials

Furthermore, many homeowners make the mistake of purchasing subpar materials to reduce costs. That tends to have adverse consequences in the long run. No matter what type of project you’re planning, it’s better to buy high-quality materials. They cost more upfront, but they’ll save you a great deal of money and grief over time. Professional hardscape contractors can help you choose the right materials for your project. 

5) Not Getting Permits

Finally, quite a few homeowners fail to get the necessary permits before installing hardscapes. Not all projects require permits, but if installing a hardscape entails making major changes to your property, there’s a good chance you’ll need them. Be sure you know the regulations and requirements in your area before proceeding. Professional contractors can help in this respect as well.

Elevating Your Outdoor Space With Hardscapes

Hardscapes can elevate your property and make it more suited to your lifestyle. Installing them shouldn’t be taken lightly, though. It requires preparation and attention to details that many people tend to overlook. Working with a professional hardscape contractor can help you avoid the common mistakes homeowners make as well as the pitfalls that come along with them.