Landscaping and hardscaping work often happens quickly and involves a lot of activity across your property simultaneously. The base gets excavated, material gets delivered, installation begins — and the steps that matter most for long-term performance happen in the first hours before any of the finished surface is visible. Knowing when to ask questions and what to look for at each stage protects your investment before it’s too late to correct problems without significant rework.

“The most important moment during any hardscape installation is when the base excavation is complete and before the granular base material goes in. That’s when you can see the native soil, confirm the excavation depth, and ask whether the conditions match what was expected. Everything that goes on top of that moment is either building on a solid foundation or papering over a problem.”

— Marcus Obi, certified hardscape installer and a recognized landscaping trade association member with 15 years of experience in residential hardscaping across the Greater Toronto Area

Before Work Starts

A modern minimalist house with a spacious driveway, landscaped garden, and clear blue sky.

Can you walk me through the day’s plan?

Ask the crew lead to give you a brief overview of what will happen that day — which areas are being worked, what equipment is being used, and what will be visible by end of day. This orients you and sets a reference point for your end-of-day walkthrough.

What access does the crew need, and are there any utilities to be aware of?

Before excavation begins, confirm that your local utility locate service (or equivalent) has been contacted to locate underground utilities — gas lines, electrical, water, telecommunications. Excavation without utility locates is unsafe and illegal. Ask the contractor whether locates have been confirmed.

What a good answer looks like: “Yes, we called your local utility locate service and the locates were done before we start excavating.”

During Hardscape Installation

From above crop unrecognizable construction worker in uniform laying bricks on ground in daylight

Can I see the excavation depth before base material goes in?

After excavation and before any granular base material is placed, ask to see the excavated area. Confirm the depth matches what was specified in the quote. This is your only opportunity to verify that the base depth you paid for is actually what was excavated.

What a good answer looks like: A site visit to the excavated area, with a tape measure or story stick confirming the specified depth.

What is the condition of the native soil at the bottom of the excavation?

Ask the crew lead what they found when they excavated — is the native soil firm and consistent, or are there soft spots, organic material, or water? Soft spots may need additional excavation and compaction. Unexpected rock may affect the installation plan. Any significant deviation from what was expected should be communicated to you before installation proceeds.

Is the base being compacted in lifts?

Proper base compaction requires placing and compacting the granular material in lifts — typically 4″ layers — rather than all at once. Ask whether the base is being placed and compacted in lifts, and whether a plate compactor is being used. Ask to see the compaction process on the first lift.

Is the surface slope being checked as pavers are laid?

Ask the installer how they’re checking slope as installation progresses. A long straightedge, a level with a slope indicator, or a laser level should be used to verify that the surface slope is consistent with the design. Slope mistakes discovered late are expensive to correct.

Is edge restraint being installed before the perimeter pavers are placed?

Interlock edge restraints should be installed before the final course of pavers is placed, not after. Ask to see the edge restraint going in and confirm it’s being properly staked or pinned at the specified intervals.

During Soft Landscaping Installation

Can I see the soil being prepared before plants go in?

Before any plants are installed in a bed, ask to see the soil preparation. Was compost incorporated? Was existing poor soil removed and replaced? Is the bed level and smooth with appropriate grade?

Are plants being installed at the correct depth?

Plants installed too deep (crown below soil level) are prone to rot. Plants installed too shallow (roots exposed) will dry out and fail. Ask the crew to show you how they’re setting planting depth, and confirm that the root flare of trees and large shrubs is at or just above grade.

How are plants being watered in after installation?

Thorough watering immediately after installation is critical to plant establishment. Ask whether the crew will water plants in after installation and what the watering schedule you’ll need to follow is.

During Sod Installation

Is the sod being butted tightly at seams?

Sod seams that are gapped will dry out and fail. Ask the crew to confirm seams are butted tightly and offset (staggered like brick courses) so joints don’t line up in a grid pattern.

Is the sod being rolled after installation?

Rolling freshly laid sod with a water-filled lawn roller helps ensure good contact between the sod and the prepared soil below — critical for root establishment. Ask whether rolling is included.

End-of-Day Walkthroughs

At the end of each working day, walk the completed work area and look for:

Hardscaping:
– Is the surface level and consistent, with no obvious high or low spots?
– Are paver joints consistent in width?
– Are edge restraints in place and properly secured?
– Is the slope directing water away from the house?

Soft landscaping:
– Are plants upright and properly staked where needed?
– Are planting depths appropriate?
– Is mulch at the specified depth?
– Are bed edges clean?

Raise anything that doesn’t look right before the crew returns the next day.

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