New build garden

Helprequired...

Hi everyone

So I’ve purchased a new build house and the back garden isn’t looking great, large stones (expected on a building site), JCB tracks going through the middle of it, compacted soil around the house which is hold water when it rains.

My question is, does anyone know if the developers are required to rotavate the gardens? I don’t expect it turfed as that wasn’t agreed, but would have thought they’d do something with it

Davesnave

They are expected to do what's outlined in the contract you have with them.

If you've read it and there's no mention of rotavating, why would you expect them to do it?

Anyway, if it's a typical new build garden, a bit of digging won't hurt and you'll probably find a few 'interesting' things buried. If it's compacted clay sub-soil, as it can be, then adding organic matter will be a worthwhile thing to do.

First of all though, check how well it drains. For example, you would have come-back if paved areas turned out to be a sump for the rest....or are there no paved areas?

Nicola83

Ours is the same, although the developers have said they will rotavate it, but because of how wet it has been through winter they need to wait for the garden to dry out before they do it, otherwise it's a pointless exercise. I just want it to hurry up and dry out so they can do it and then we can turf it and actually have a garden.

AlexMac

... but think what healthy exercise you'll have digging a land drain and soak-away
http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/soakaway-water-drainage-system.htm
Or you could ask the developer...?