Build it right the first time—before your lawn, patio, and plantings lock in problems. New homes in Saint John often come with fresh grading, disturbed soil, and a blank slate yard. That’s exciting—but it’s also the best window to make sure water drains correctly, hardscapes are built to handle Midwest freeze/thaw, and your outdoor living space feels finished (not “temporary”). This guide explains how to plan new construction landscaping so your investment performs well for years, not just for the first season. Why new construction landscaping is different (and why it matters in Northwest Indiana) With established homes, you’re typically renovating around existing grades, mature trees, and “known” drainage patterns. With new construction, you’re working with soil that has been compacted by equipment, newly placed utility lines, and rough grading that may not be final. That means the order of operations matters: Drainage first (so you’re not tearing up a […]