What You Need to Know About Hardscaping

Hardscaping is an excellent addition to any home or commercial property in need of an uplift or boost in value. There are many considerations when developing a plan for your project, and working with an architect is a great way to ensure your money is well spent and that your project will not cause damage to your home’s existing facade.

One of the biggest mistakes people make when developing a hardscaping project is that they don’t consider the whole property before beginning. For example, building a pool or water feature may look wonderful, but it may also hinder future development if poorly placed. Working with an architect to design a plan for your whole property, even if you’re only tackling one area at a time, can help you avoid a “hodgepodge” effect.

Improper drainage is a serious mistake that can cause damage to your home or other portions of your property. Projects should be graded away from your home to avoid flooding of your basement or crawlspace. Whenever a new hardscaping feature is added, drainage for the area must be considered so water runs off properly, ideally into a catch-basin for watering purposes.

Finally, you’ll want to create a focal point for your design around which the other components can be arranged. This can be challenging, especially for large properties where you may want defined outdoor spaces for dining, entertaining and other stunning visual effects.

Part of any successful hardscaping project includes softscaping. Greenery, trees and flowering plants interspersed throughout or in defined green areas will add depth and positive environmental impact to your design. Most importantly, your design needs to be cohesive and balanced to get the maximum benefits from your investment.

TMS Architects can help you design your entire landscaping project with innovative ideas and sustainable elements while maximizing your construction dollars. View our online portfolios for inspiration, and then contact us to learn how we can help you bring your property to its fullest potential.