REAL ESTATE
Common mistakes to avoid when planning a landscaping project in Fredericton?

Landscaping your yard in Fredericton is a great way to beautify your outdoor space and increase your home’s curb appeal. However, it’s important to carefully plan your landscaping project to avoid common mistakes that can waste time and money. With so many design and plant options to consider, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or leave important factors out of your planning. In this article, we will discuss several key mistakes people often make when planning their landscaping projects. Following some basic guidelines and learning from typical pitfalls can help ensure your hard work results in an attractive, functional landscape that meets your needs and budget.
Underestimating the Scope of Work
When planning a landscaping project, it is common for Fredericton homeowners to underestimate the scope of work involved. They may not fully understand how much labour and time is required to complete all the necessary tasks from start to finish.
For example, building a new patio can seem like a simple project but there is a lot that goes into it beyond just laying pavers. The area needs to be cleared, levelled, and compacted first. A base made of sand and gravel also needs to be installed for support and drainage. Edging is required to contain the materials. Only then can the actual pavers be installed.
Additional skills like concrete work may be needed as well. Underestimating the full scope often results in projects taking much longer than anticipated or budgeted for. It is important to get guidance from landscaping professionals on realistic timelines and budgets based on the full scope of work needed.
Ignoring Soil Conditions
Soil conditions are a key factor that is commonly overlooked when planning a landscaping project. The existing soil needs to support any new plants, hardscaping features, or structures being added. If the soil has poor drainage, is heavily compacted, or lacks necessary nutrients, improvements may be required. For example, clay soil that remains wet is not suitable for a new lawn or garden bed as plants will not thrive. Amendments like compost or sand may need mixing in to improve drainage and aeration. In some cases, the soil may even need to be completely removed and replaced. Ignoring underlying soil issues can lead to failed installations if the soil cannot properly support new features. It is important to have the soil tested to understand its capabilities and limitations.
Choosing the Wrong Plants
Selecting the wrong plants is a mistake made by many inexperienced landscapers. Just because a plant looks nice in the nursery does not necessarily mean it is suitable for Fredericton and conditions in a particular yard. Factors like climate zone, sunlight levels, soil type, space limitations, and more need consideration when choosing what will grow best. Plants need to be suited to the average low and high temperatures as well as water requirements where they will be planted. Those picked should also be an appropriate size and shape for the intended space so they do not overwhelm the landscape or need constant pruning. Failure to properly research plant needs often results in expensive replacements when selections die off or get too large. Consulting plant hardiness zone guides and nursery staff can help avoid choosing plants that will not thrive.
Neglecting Drainage
Proper drainage is critical for a healthy, long-lasting landscape but is frequently overlooked in the planning stages. Standing water can waterlog soil and plant roots, causing damage. It also creates muddy, messy conditions. Areas that see a lot of foot traffic like paths or patios need drainage to prevent water from pooling. Simply sloping the yard away from the home’s foundation with a 1-2% grade is usually sufficient but low-lying spots may require additional solutions like subsurface drain tiles. Downspouts also need extending with buried perforated pipe to move roof runoff away. Neglecting drainage leads to issues like erosion, saturated soil that inhibits air and water flow to roots, and mushrooms or mosquitos breeding in puddles. Drainage should be incorporated into the overall landscape design from the beginning.
Overlooking Maintenance Requirements
Many landscaping projects are started with enthusiasm but maintenance is a long-term commitment that is easy to underestimate. The new lawn needs regular mowing, edging, aerating, and watering to stay healthy. Beds require weeding, pruning, deadheading spent blooms, and seasonal cleanups of fallen leaves and debris.
Hardscaping like patios get dirty and need pressure washing. Irrigation systems may need winterization and spring startups. Trees and shrubs are pruned for shape and size. Pests and diseases must be monitored and treated if spotted. Failure to plan for ongoing maintenance results in unkempt landscapes that quickly become overgrown and messy. Setting realistic expectations for future upkeep is important to avoiding an abandoned project down the road.
Failing to Consider Privacy
Privacy is an important design element that is commonly disregarded in landscaping plans. Whether screening a backyard from neighbors, blocking views into the house from the street, or creating a secluded seating area, privacy needs should be addressed. Strategically placed fences, walls, trellises, arbors or dense, tall plantings can provide visual boundaries as needed. This could include fast growing hedges for immediate effect or smaller trees and shrubs that will mature to fill out. Overlooking privacy results in a landscape that does not serve the homeowner’s needs. In some cases, privacy structures may also be required to comply with local zoning ordinances regarding sight lines at intersections or between properties. Proper planning ensures new plantings and structures thoughtfully address both function and aesthetics.
Forgetting about Safety
When the focus is on beautification, safety can easily slip through the cracks when designing and implementing a landscape. However, certain precautions need to be incorporated to protect families, and property, and avoid liability issues. Plantings should not block visibility for drivers exiting the driveway. Shrubs and trees need regularly pruned so branches do not hang low over walkways. Slip-resistant surfaces like textured pavers reduce fall risks.
Outdoor lighting illuminates’ paths and entrances at night. Fences have self-closing and self-latching gates. Poisonous plants are avoided or marked clearly if kept. Built structures and hardscaping meet relevant building codes. Assessing potential safety hazards in advance prevents injuries or hazards down the road as the landscape matures. Assuring a safe, functional landscape is worth addressing proactively.
Not Planning for Seasonal Changes
Seasonal changes seem obvious but their impact on landscaping often goes unconsidered in the initial plan. Plant selections and design elements should suit the landscape needs year-round. For example, deciduous trees that provide valuable summer shade may leave areas exposed and windswept in winter. Annuals that bloom in spring and summer eventually die off, leaving gaps that need filling. Evergreen screening may be necessary to block cold winds or prying eyes in colder months.
Landscape lighting, patio heaters or a fire pit can boost the use of outdoor spaces even on chilly nights. Consistently factoring seasonal conditions into the design ensures functionality and aesthetics are balanced no matter the time of year. By accounting for how the landscape appears and performs across seasons, it remains attractive and user-friendly for more of the year.
Overspending on Landscaping
It is easy to get carried away with landscaping dreams and end up spending far beyond the project budget. Large, established trees and custom-built structures tend to be the biggest budget busters. However, there are often more affordable alternatives that can still create an attractive result. For example, bare root or smaller container plantings may cost less up front compared to specimens in large pots but grow to the same finished size with time. DIYing some elements like walls, sheds or water features saves contractor fees. Choosing do-it-yourself lawn installation methods rather than hiring for sod reduces costs.
Prioritizing budget needs from the beginning and obtaining firm cost estimates from contractors helps curb overspending tendencies. Focusing on longer term phased installations versus trying to tackle everything in one year also prevents breaking the bank all at once on landscaping. Proper planning keeps projects financially feasible.
Not Hiring a Professional
While it may seem cost-effective to do landscaping work independently, hiring a professional for some tasks is often worth the investment, especially for larger or more complex projects. Professional landscapers have extensive training in design, plant selection, hardscaping techniques, procurement, project management, and safety compliance. They also own heavy machinery required for big excavation or grading jobs.
Attempting specialized skills like retaining wall construction, irrigation system installation, or felling trees risks liability and safety issues for untrained DIYers. Landscapers stand behind their work with warranty coverage as well. Professional consultation adds value through maximizing curb appeal, factoring low maintenance needs, ensuring code compliance, addressing drainage and structural integrity properly. DIY projects sometimes require rework by professionals to fix issues later. Hiring help strategically leverages expertise and minimizes risks of a botched landscape installation.
Summary
The most important things to avoid when planning a landscaping project are: underestimating the full scope of work, ignoring soil conditions, choosing plants that won’t thrive, neglecting drainage, overlooking long-term maintenance needs, failing to address privacy, forgetting safety precautions, not planning for seasonal changes, overspending the budget, attempting too much as a DIY project, neglecting to communicate with neighbors, and ignoring local regulations. Proper planning that accounts for all these factors sets a project up for success right from the start.
REAL ESTATE
Hurricane & Earthquake-Resistant Designs: New Engineering Techniques for High-Risk Zones

The U.S. construction industry faces growing challenges from natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes. Contractors and material suppliers must adapt to new engineering techniques that enhance building resilience in high-risk areas. With climate change increasing storm intensity and seismic activity, innovative designs are no longer optional—they’re essential.
Why Disaster-Resistant Construction Matters
Hurricanes and earthquakes cause billions in damages every year. For contractors and material suppliers, building resilient structures means:
– Reducing repair costs for property owners.
– Meeting stricter building codes in disaster-prone states.
– Improving safety for occupants.
New engineering techniques are making it easier to construct buildings that can withstand extreme forces.
Hurricane-Resistant Construction Techniques
- Wind-Resistant Roofing & Wall Systems
Hurricanes produce powerful winds that can tear off roofs and collapse walls. Contractors now use:
– Hurricane straps & clips – Metal connectors that reinforce roof-to-wall joints.
– Impact-resistant shingles – Made from polymer-modified asphalt to resist wind uplift.
– ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms) – Foam blocks filled with concrete for stronger walls.
- Flood-Proof Foundations
Storm surges and heavy rains lead to flooding. Solutions include:
– Elevated foundations – Raising homes on piers or stilts in flood zones.
– Permeable pavements – Allowing water drainage to reduce pressure on structures.
For outdoor projects, landscaping estimating services can help design drainage systems that prevent erosion and structural damage.
Impact-Resistant Windows & Doors
Flying debris is a major hazard. Contractors now install:
– Laminated glass – Holds together even when shattered.
– Storm shutters – Roll-down or accordion-style for added protection.
Earthquake-Resistant Construction Techniques
- Base Isolation Systems
This technique separates the building from ground movement using:
– Lead-rubber bearings – Absorb seismic energy.
– Sliding isolators – Allow the building to move independently of shaking ground.
- Reinforced Shear Walls & Cross Bracing
Steel and concrete reinforcements prevent collapse by:
– Shear walls – Thick walls that distribute seismic forces.
– Cross bracing – Diagonal steel beams for extra stability.
- Flexible Pipe & Utility Systems
Earthquakes can rupture gas and water lines. New solutions include:
– Swing joints – Allow pipes to bend without breaking.
– Automatic shutoff valves – Prevent gas leaks after a quake.
How Material Suppliers Can Support Resilient Construction
Suppliers play a key role by providing:
– High-strength concrete – For foundations and shear walls.
– Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) – Lightweight but strong alternative to steel.
– Seismic-resistant fasteners – Bolts and connectors that withstand shaking.
For large-scale projects, landscape estimating services ensure proper material calculations for retaining walls and other outdoor reinforcements.
The Future of Disaster-Resistant Construction
New trends include:
– Self-healing concrete – Repairs cracks automatically.
– AI-powered structural monitoring – Detects weaknesses before disasters strike.
– Modular construction – Prefab designs that meet strict resilience standards.
Conclusion
Contractors and material suppliers must stay updated on hurricane and earthquake-resistant techniques to build safer, longer-lasting structures. From wind-resistant roofing to seismic base isolators, innovation is transforming disaster-prone construction.
For outdoor projects, partnering with landscaping estimating services ensures accurate planning for resilient landscapes. By adopting these methods, the construction industry can reduce risks and protect communities from nature’s worst.
Final Note:
– Use landscape estimating services for precise material planning.
– Consult landscaping estimating services for drainage and erosion control in high-risk zones.
This approach keeps projects on budget while meeting safety standards. Stay ahead—build stronger!
REAL ESTATE
Supply Chain & Material Innovations: Onshoring Construction Materials

The U.S. construction industry is undergoing major changes due to supply chain disruptions, rising material costs, and the push for sustainability. Contractors and material suppliers are now focusing on onshoring construction materials—bringing production back to the U.S. to reduce delays and costs. At the same time, new material innovations are transforming how projects are built.
Why Onshoring Construction Materials Matters
For years, the U.S. construction industry relied heavily on imported materials like steel, lumber, and cement. However, global supply chain issues—such as shipping delays, tariffs, and geopolitical conflicts—have made imports unreliable and expensive.
Key Benefits of Onshoring:
✔ Faster Deliveries – No more waiting months for overseas shipments.
✔ Lower Costs – Reduced shipping and tariff expenses.
✔ Better Quality Control – U.S.-made materials often meet stricter standards.
✔ Supporting Local Economies – More jobs for American workers.
Many contractors now prefer suppliers who source materials locally, ensuring smoother project timelines. Accurate construction takeoff services help them plan better by estimating material needs early, avoiding last-minute shortages.
Material Innovations Changing Construction
While onshoring solves supply chain problems, new materials are making construction faster, stronger, and greener. Here are some breakthroughs:
- Mass Timber & Engineered Wood
Instead of traditional steel and concrete, builders are using cross-laminated timber (CLT)—a strong, lightweight, and sustainable alternative. It’s easier to transport and install, cutting project timelines.
- Self-Healing Concrete
Cracks in concrete can weaken structures. New self-healing concrete uses bacteria or special polymers to repair itself, extending a building’s lifespan.
- Recycled & Sustainable Materials
From recycled plastic bricks to low-carbon cement, eco-friendly materials help contractors meet green building codes while reducing waste.
- Graphene-Enhanced Materials
Graphene—a super-strong nanomaterial—is being mixed into concrete and steel, making them lighter yet more durable.
With these innovations, takeoff estimating services become crucial. They help contractors calculate exact material quantities, preventing waste and saving money.
How Contractors & Suppliers Can Adapt
- Partner with Local Suppliers
By sourcing materials within the U.S., contractors avoid import risks. Suppliers investing in domestic production will have a competitive edge.
- Use Digital Tools for Better Planning
Tools like construction takeoff services allow precise material measurements, reducing over-ordering and delays.
- Stay Updated on New Materials
Contractors who adopt innovative materials early can bid on more projects, especially those requiring sustainable solutions.
- Improve Inventory Management
With onshoring, lead times shorten, but contractors still need efficient tracking. Cloud-based software helps manage stock levels in real time.
The Future of U.S. Construction
The shift to onshoring construction materials is more than a trend—it’s a necessity. Paired with cutting-edge materials and smart planning tools like takeoff estimating services, contractors and suppliers can build faster, cheaper, and greener.
As demand grows for resilient and sustainable construction, those who embrace these changes will lead the industry.
Final Thoughts
The U.S. construction industry is evolving rapidly. By bringing material production back home and adopting new technologies, contractors and suppliers can overcome supply chain challenges. Tools like construction takeoff services ensure projects stay on budget and schedule.
REAL ESTATE
Mass Timber Construction: Why Contractors & Suppliers Are Switching to Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)

The construction industry is changing fast, and one of the biggest trends is mass timber construction. More builders and material suppliers are turning to cross-laminated timber (CLT) as a strong, eco-friendly alternative to steel and concrete. This shift is not just about sustainability—it also speeds up projects, cuts costs, and opens new business opportunities for lumber takeoff services and suppliers.
What Is Mass Timber & Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)?
Mass timber is a category of engineered wood products that are strong enough to replace steel and concrete in large buildings. The most popular type is cross-laminated timber (CLT), made by stacking layers of wood at right angles and gluing them together under pressure. The result? A lightweight yet incredibly strong building material.
CLT is being used for:
– Mid-rise and high-rise buildings (up to 18 stories!)
– Flooring, walls, and roofs
– Prefabricated modular construction
Unlike traditional lumber, CLT is precision-engineered, meaning fewer errors and faster assembly on-site.
Why Are Contractors & Suppliers Choosing CLT?
- Sustainability & Lower Carbon Footprint
Concrete and steel production create a lot of CO₂ emissions. CLT, on the other hand, stores carbon instead of releasing it. Since wood is renewable, mass timber helps builders meet green building standards like LEED and net-zero goals.
- Faster Construction & Lower Labor Costs
CLT panels are prefabricated off-site, so buildings go up much quicker. This reduces labor costs and weather-related delays. Contractors using lumber takeoff services can also ensure precise material orders, minimizing waste.
- Lightweight Yet Strong
CLT is lighter than concrete but just as strong. This means:
– Smaller foundations (saving money)
– Easier transportation (lower fuel costs)
– Better earthquake resistance (wood flexes, while concrete cracks)
- Fire Resistance (Yes, Really!)
Many people worry about wood and fire, but CLT chars slowly, forming a protective layer that keeps the structure intact longer than steel, which can weaken under extreme heat.
How Material Suppliers & Contractors Can Benefit
For Lumber Suppliers:
– Growing demand means more sales opportunities.
– Precision manufacturing reduces waste, improving profit margins.
– Partnerships with lumber takeoff providers can help clients order the right amounts.
For Contractors:
– Faster project completion = more jobs per year.
– Lower shipping costs (CLT is lighter than steel/concrete).
– Prefabrication reduces on-site errors—accurate lumber takeoff ensures no shortages or excess.
Challenges & How to Overcome Them
While CLT has many benefits, there are still hurdles:
- Building Code Restrictions
Some areas still limit wood construction for tall buildings. However, new codes (like the 2021 IBC) now allow CLT structures up to 18 stories.
- Higher Upfront Material Costs
CLT can be more expensive than traditional lumber (but cheaper than steel/concrete in the long run due to faster builds).
- Need for Accurate Planning
Since CLT is prefabricated, mistakes in measurements can be costly. This is where lumber takeoff services help—by ensuring exact material estimates before production begins.
The Future of Mass Timber Construction
Experts predict the mass timber market will double by 2030. Governments are also encouraging its use through incentives for sustainable building.
For contractors and suppliers, this means:
– More projects using CLT (schools, offices, apartments).
– New business models (prefab construction, modular housing).
– Stronger partnerships between builders, suppliers, and lumber takeoff experts.
Final Thoughts
Mass timber construction is here to stay, and cross-laminated timber (CLT) is leading the way. With benefits like speed, sustainability, and cost savings, it’s no wonder contractors and suppliers are making the switch.
For businesses, the key to success is accurate planning—whether it’s ordering materials or using lumber takeoff services to avoid waste. As building codes evolve and demand grows, those who adapt early will have a competitive edge.
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