Your Frequently Asked Landscaping Questions Answered By
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Your Frequently Asked Landscaping
Questions
Answered By:1. What is the Landscaping inspection?
The Landscaping inspection is a onetime inspection completed to ensure that the
builder has built the home in compliance with the architectural guidelines and
that the homeowner has completed the landscaping in compliance with the
architectural guidelines.
*An inspection cannot be requested of the developer until both construction and
landscaping is fully completed.
2. Who decides the guidelines?
The developer sets the guidelines at the time of initial land development and
ensures that each builder adheres to them.
3. Does the Developer do the inspections?
No, the developer hires a third party to complete the inspection.
4. What is the inspector looking for at the time of inspection?
The inspector is checking both the house and the landscaping at the time of
inspection.
*The builder has to submit a set of proposed architectural plans prior to
construction to achieve an architectural approval. Basically this is a protection
measure for the homeowner to ensure that the builder actually built what was
architecturally approved and promised to the homeowner*
5. Is there a time that inspections are completed in?
Yes, Architectural inspections are only completed during the season. The first
week of June (weather permitting) is when inspections begin as the trees and
shrubs begin to show new healthy growth at this time. Inspections typically will go
until the end of September (weather permitting) In the event of a snow fall in
early September that does not melt the season will be considered closed.
*The inspector need to be able to see the grounds to complete an inspection*
6. What documents do I need to send to the builder before I can request a
landscaping inspection?
Municipal approval of final grade (consists of a copy of the Final Grade Certificate
and Final Grade Approval)
reid
reidbuilthomes.com‐ Completion of landscaping in accordance with specifications outlined at
point of sale. (A copy outlining these specifications is provided in your
sales documents)
‐ Sidewalks and curbs cleaned for view, water valve (CC) exposed.
7. When the landscaping is complete, where do I send my request for final
inspection, so that I can get my landscaping deposit back?
‐ If you look up the ReidBuilt homes website at
http://www.reidbuilthomes.com
o Select Edmonton
o Then select the drop down menu “For Home Owners”
o Then select “Landscaping”
A new page will appear, on this page you will find a PDF form called
DOWNLOAD LANDSCAPING DEPOSITE REFUND FORM
Select this PDF print off the form, fill in the required information and
attach the required applicable documents. Then forward this
completed information to our office to begin the inspection process.
8. Why is it my responsibility, as the homeowner, to ensure the Water Valve
(CC) is exposed?
‐ The builder is responsible to locate, mark and expose the water valve
throughout the construction of your home as it is the on/off valve for
water to your home.
‐ At time of possession it then becomes the homeowners’ responsibility
to ensure that the water valve (CC) remains exposed and available for
easy access.
9. Do I have to be home for the inspector so they can complete the inspection?
No, the inspector is only inspecting the exterior of the home and exposed
front/side property.
10. How long does it take for an inspection to be completed?
The actual inspection only takes a few minutes if everything is done correctly,
reid
reidbuilthomes.comhowever it is important to note that some Architectural inspectors complete
inspections in groups by location/area and in a specific rotation. If your request is
received after a location/area was recently inspected, then it can be anywhere
from four to six weeks before the inspector will be returning to that area.
11. Can I send my landscaping request directly to the Architectural Agent and
not to the Builder, to save time?
No, The Architectural Agent is to receive the request from the original applicant
on file, in this case the applicant is the Builder. Proper document flow and
inspection requests ensure a prompt return of your landscaping deposit.
12. My inspection failed due to none compliance with the Architectural
guidelines.
*Examples that can result in a failure are noted as follows; not all possible
scenarios are presented as examples*
‐ Required two inch Caliper ‐I planted a one inch Caliper
The Architectural Agent will measure the tree to ensure that the requirements
have been followed. The caliper is measured six inches off the ground AFTER
PLANTING (NOT six inches up from the root ball)
The height is also measure from the top of ground (after planting) to tree top.
‐ Required six shrubs in prepared shrub bed ‐ I planted five as I think it
looks nicer
The Architectural Guidelines are a minimum requirement that is set by the
developer. If you plant more as long as you are within the specified guidelines
(types, width, and height if specified) you will not be penalized however; if you do
not meet the minimum requirement you will not receive an approval.
*Dead shrubs will also not be considered as meeting the requirement*
‐ Required Sod ‐ I did a combination of Seed and rock (hardscapes)
Seed is not acceptable (unless noted on contract at time of sale) When there is a
requirement for Sod the majority of the yard is to be completed with this surface,
prior to inspection.
13. I have a pie shaped lot and I think my front yard is too small to plant a tree,
what do I do?
reid
reidbuilthomes.comThis is a rare occurrence, a yard being too small. Try speaking with a local nursery
in regards to your options as well as reviewing your architectural guidelines will
give you more information on options that are available to you, such as planting a
columnar Aspen or variation of this species that is preferable to you. *The
minimum requirements are clearly outlined in your sales contact and therefore
you are contractually bound to fulfill these minimum requirements*
14. What happens if I do not like the architectural requirements and refuse to
follow them, what happens to my landscaping deposit?
In the event that you do not adhere to the architectural guidelines within the time
frame specified you will forfeit your landscaping deposit to the builder and in the
event that a caveat has been filed against your property it will not be discharged.
15. What if I do not finish my landscaping in the time frame allotted?
This time frame is designed as an incentive to achieve completion, in the event of
weather delays and other unforeseen circumstances; there are tolerances in this
area. Please speak to the ReidBuilt Homes Seasonal Coordinator regarding your
specific situation, in the event of a needed extension to this time frame.
16. If I have other questions that have not been covered in this question/answer
booklet who do I contact?
If you have any questions or concerns in regards to the information as it has been
provided or have a question that was not outlined please do not hesitate to
contact the Seasonal Coordinator at ReidBuilt Homes and they will be happy to
help you in any way that they can.
*Note to the operator that you have seasonal questions and you will be put into
contact with the correct department to quickly address your concerns*
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