At Giant Landscaping, we love to work with builders on new construction projects. We are flexible to use on-site materials and whatever paver style the client chooses. We can incorporate lighting, granite lamp posts, and granite steps. You might say we are a “one-stop hardscaping shop!”
Our pricing is competitive too. But, there’s always somebody who can do something cheaper.
When it comes to home construction, square foot pricing and unit pricing tend to be the standard. When it comes to flooring, roofing, or deck construction this makes sense. But getting a competitive price for walkways and patios in a new construction environment can be risky for the builder. Once the best price for brick pavers or concrete wall block has been established, the only other area where a hardscaping contractor can shave his price is on how the structure is built.
Brick paver walkways are frequently an option in upscale developments where buyers do not want asphalt to the front door. Base preparation and proper compaction is essential to prevent a paver walkway from sinking and settling. A 1-inch thick bed of sand on top of the compacted base is what the pavers should be laid in. Not 3 inches of sand. Not stone dust. Ever! And there should always be edge restraints holding in that sand layer to keep the walkway edges from rolling.
We have seen poorly constructed walkways fail within months of being put in. In getting quotes for hardscaping, homebuilders and general contractors should be sure to spec what’s being constructed under the walkway as much as type of brick paver selection (see construction spec here).
Retaining walls and granite steps are other items on the contractor’s punch list. This work is sometimes performed by the site work contractor, and sometimes by the landscaper. The biggest concerns in retaining wall construction are drainage and infill compaction. Any grade requiring a retaining wall higher than 4 feet should incorporate reinforcement grid as specified by an engineer. Why go through all this trouble? Ask somebody who ever had to rebuild a retaining wall that failed!