OUTDOOR LIGHTING
All too often, the garden area of a self-built home is overlooked. However, outdoor space is an integral part of any self-build project, and while there are various factors to consider with garden areas, lighting is one element that many people forget to include in their design plans.
Outdoor lighting is especially important if you’re in an area with little or no street lighting, and there’s a wide choice of options. You might consider LED brick pillar lights for your entrance, downlighters for soffit boards or PIR and spot lighting for specific areas.
Without the right outdoor lighting, you may struggle in the winter months to see the keyhole to get into your home. It’s also important to check your planning application to see whether there are any outside lighting restrictions which could affect bat activity in your area.
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LIGHTING FOR WATER FEATURES
If you’re planning to have an outdoor water feature in your garden, you’ll need to ensure armoured cabling goes underground before landscaping begins, as well as using waterproof electrical outdoor lighting sockets.
Your builder should ask about outdoor electrical installations at the start of your build, but you can also speak with your architect. Outdoor electrics will come at an additional cost if you haven’t asked your builder to allow for this in his quotation, so it makes sense to have this done at the same time.
DRAINAGE
Another key element to consider is the drainage of surface water in your outdoor space, potentially in addition to irrigation systems to water nearby trees and plants.
TREES & HEDGEROWS
Careful planning is essential when planting trees and hedgerows; planting too close to your home could cause root formation damage to drains and foundations. A good landscaper will be able to recommend a safe distance and offer advice on trees and hedgerows, as well as their level of maintenance.
If you choose to carry out your own landscaping, you’ll need to check whether trees or hedges are deciduous or evergreen to determine whether they could block out light or let partial light through. Landscape infrastructure is key design consideration, especially for privacy and entertaining areas.
Think about the soil type where the house will be built; many plants suffer in the wrong soil types and don’t thrive, which can prove to be a very costly mistake.
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UPROOTING
It’s equally important to consider any existing trees and hedgerows on your property. Don’t assume that they can be removed; always be safe and check whether a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is in place.
OTHER FACTORS
Decide what you want from your outdoor space early on. Key considerations include things like hosepipe watering taps - both for cars and plants, topping up water features, positioning your clothes drier, whether you’ll have south-facing garden, where you’ll put your log stores and play equipment, and the positioning of your garage – it’s essential to have easy vehicular access and turning points.
If you follow this advice, you should have a well thought-out garden that will work in your favour throughout all seasons, and suit your family or lifestyle.
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SELF-BUILD NEWS FROM AROUND THE COUNTY
We have an exciting update this month on the London Road site in Shrewsbury. The proposed self-build project there has gained approval from both the Cabinet and Full Council, and we will begin preparing the planning applications over the coming weeks.
More information on the London Road project can be viewed in the Shropshire Star’s recent article here hwww.shropshirestar.com/news/local-hubs/shrewsbury/2019/07/26/first-of-its-kind-self-build-project-agreed-for-shrewsbury/
Contact: self-build@shropshire.gov.uk
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