As a garden designer, I often get contacted by clients just as they've completed their kitchen extension and are ready to focus on their garden, creating a harmonious space to relax in their beautiful home. There tends to be a common set of challenges we encounter, particularly in seamlessly integrating the garden with the house.

Discussing these key considerations with your builder early on can save significant costs when it comes to future landscaping work.

1.        How would you like the access to the garden to work?

It's essential to discuss the final levels of your new extension in relation to your garden with your builder and architect. Many clients are surprised by the height difference between their kitchen door and the original ground level. Take a moment to consider how you want to transition from indoors to outdoors. Would you prefer the patio to be flush with the interior floor, or are you comfortable stepping down into the garden?

Any change in ground level exceeding 40 cm (approximately two steps) requires planning permission, so it's not simply a matter of bringing in a few lorry loads of soil to address the elevation change. By thinking ahead and addressing these details early on, you can ensure a smoother integration between your extension and garden, enhancing both accessibility and overall design.

2.        Doors/windows/thresholds

This is the part you need to involve your windows supplier.

The type of doors you choose can significantly impact how you use your patio. While sleek bifold doors offer an attractive way to connect your kitchen to the outdoors, they can be impractical in smaller gardens. If your patio is limited in size, the three panes of glass folding together can dominate the space, making it less functional and potentially preventing you from opening them at all. In such cases, sliding or French doors might be a better option. Almost all of my clients with small gardens have expressed regret over installing bifold doors due to their cost and impracticality.

The second crucial element to consider goes beyond aesthetics—it's vital for preventing damp and flooding in your home. When planning your patio, it's essential to discuss your vision with your window supplier and inquire about how water entering the door's threshold will be drained away once the patio is installed. This is a common challenge we face in garden design.

For doors with thresholds designed to drain freely, improper patio planning can block drainage, leading to water pooling and potentially seeping beneath your floor. Addressing this issue early allows your window supplier to suggest appropriate windows with suitable thresholds and frames. For example, that small ‘shelf’ at the bottom of the threshold, meant to protect the drainage, can complicate the installation of a patio that is flush with the floor. Many clients express disappointment when they learn about this after the door has been fitted.

3.        Side access to your garden

Are you extending to the side? It's important to consider how this may limit access to your garden. Leaving too narrow a gap or completely closing off side access means that all materials for garden work will need to be carried through your freshly finished home, significantly increasing landscaping costs.

To avoid this, it’s wise to have the garden cleared and arrange for bulk deliveries before it’s too late. The same principle applies to tree surgery and the delivery of larger trees if you plan to incorporate them into your future garden. Ensuring proper access now can save you time, effort, and significant expense later on.

4.        Trying to save money by asking builder to ‘prepare the site’ or do landscaping work

While domestic builders can be incredibly skilled, hiring them for landscaping—unless it’s a regular part of their work and they possess a solid understanding of garden design—is often a false economy. Ask yourself: would you hire your gardener to tile your bathroom or install electrical wiring?

I've visited sites where garden lights were improperly connected to kitchen sockets (which is illegal), paving stones were laid directly on solid concrete (absolutely not acceptable), or even upside down (yes, really).

It's far more beneficial to hire a specialist who knows their trade, is familiar with building regulations (which also apply to landscaping), and can create an environmentally-friendly space. Gardens can be significant investments, so it's essential to put your money into the right expertise.

5.        Avoid turning your existing garden into the moonscape

Do not rush to clear the space in anticipation of the building work. It's essential to discuss with your builder how they plan to protect your existing garden from excessive damage during the construction process. While your garden may not be perfect, it serves as a habitat and offers much more value when improved rather than completely ripped out and rebuilt. This approach is beneficial both for your budget and the environment.

With thoughtful design, you can make the most of the plants that survive the construction, allowing you to avoid the lengthy wait for your garden to mature. By preserving and enhancing what you already have, you can create a beautiful, thriving space more quickly and sustainably.